The New Audi R8 Spyder V10 Plus Revealed

Be still my heart, because the V10 Plus is here and it is a range topping beauty. The Goodwood Festival of Speed didn’t disappoint this year and the unveiling of the Audi R8 Spyder V10 Plus is proof of that.

The naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 picks up at 70-hp more than the non-plus model bringing it to 602-hp with 413 pound-feet of torque. This gives us a 0-62 mph dash in 3.3 seconds (0.3 seconds faster than the standard model) and a top speed of 203-mph.

The Quattro all-wheel-drive standard is maintained with a seven-speed S-tronic dual clutch transmission through which distribution of torque is variable. Meaning, depending on how crazy you get behind the wheel, you can still—as in the standard R8—send 100 percent of the V10’s output to either axle. For further personalized management of the V10 Plus, different drive modes are available: comfort, auto, dynamic and individual.

On this open top model the distinguishing features are the side blades, sill trim, lid on the convertible top compartment and the fix rear spoiler. These are all manufactured from carbon fiber-reinforced polymer.

Related: Audi R8 Buyers Guide

Audi prepared this car with the customer in mind. The almost endless customization options—the micrommata green design package featured in the released images being one—and a driver focused cockpit will no doubt ensure that you, the driver, will never want to leave the car. The fact that the cars will be hand built also lends the added air of a personal touch.

The V10 Plus base price in Germany is just shy of $237,000. Orders are now being accepted and first deliveries are expected by September 2017.