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Todd DeMeza

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1,656 views Jul 1, 2010

Audi's Tony Stark Innovation Challenge

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When Audi’s R8 Spyder was announced, the sole engine choice was the top-of-the-line 5.2L FSI V-10. There was nothing wrong with the amazing Lamborghini-sourced engine, but it forced buyers to pay more for the drop-top by not giving the option of the 4.2L FSI V-8 found in the R8 coupe.

Audi has just announced that those looking for the cheaper, yet capable engine for the Spyder will get their chance this fall.

The V-8 found elsewhere in Audi’s lineup will help propel the car from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds and bring a top speed of 185 mph. The car is equipped with Audi’s quattro system and stability control as standard, allowing the driver to feel like a real racecar hero without putting themselves in that much danger. Transmission choices are the six-speed manual gearbox as standard, and the R-tronic dual-clutch gearbox as an at cost option.

Thankfully, Audi hasn’t followed the trend of replacing the roof with a retractable hardtop. Instead the car gets a “lightweight” powered fabric top which weighs 43 pounds and helps keep the center of gravity down to aid handling. Other weight saving measures to this heavy car includes extensive use of carbon fiber and aluminum in the construction of the car.

There is no word on pricing for the U.S. market yet, but the European price is €130,000, or roughly $161,000.

[Source: Audi]