NASHUA, N.H., June 2, 2011 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — High-powered Audi convertibles are a tradition at New Hampshire Audi dealerships like Audi of Nashua, which will have to make space next year for the automaker’s fastest drop-top yet, the 2012 R8 GT Spyder. The latest in a long line of Audi convertibles, the Audi R8 GT Spyder has been spotted during testing in Europe before its formal unveiling this September at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany.
Audi’s new convertible won’t mark the first time the brand has lopped the roof off of its R8 super car, but its lighter GT variant had retained a tin top until now. The R8 GT Spyder maintains the same carbon fiber and other lightweight materials that helped its GT coupe counterpart lose about 220 pounds compared to the 2011 R8 5.2 coupe, but is expected to regain some weight due to the folding roof. That doesn’t mean the 2012 GT Spyder will lose any of the performance Audi drivers expect from an R8 – its 5.2-liter 560-horsepower V10 powerplant, mounted just behind the driver, bests the R8 5.2 V10 by 35 horsepower.
“The best way to enjoy the summer sun is in the driver’s seat of an Audi convertible,” said Larry Bedell, general manager of Audi of Nashua. “New Hampshire Audi drivers have to deal with long, harsh winters, and these convertible R8 models let you make the most of the beautiful drives throughout our state. Of course, I don’t think any bird’s song could quite match the engine note of that V10.”
The 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder will most likely share many of its drivetrain components with the hardtop 2011 R8 GT, including the quattro all-wheel-drive system that directs the power toward the rear wheels, and premium carbon ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers on the front. Adjustable coil-over suspension is another sport-oriented feature that will be shared. The most notable shared feature, however, will be the limited production run. It is expected that R8 GT Spyder production will closely match the R8 GT coupe’s numbers of 333 vehicles globally, including 90 units bound for the United States, and the Spyder is estimated to cost around $200,000.
While the R8 GT Spyder is a bold cabriolet, the Audi R8 5.2 is also available as a convertible and is anything but average. When the R8 first stepped onto the world stage, it came with a 4.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and revving to more than 7,800 rpm. Those numbers seem tame by today’s sports car standards, but with only 3,605 pounds to push around, the engine provided scintillating performance.
Still, there was a call for more power and Audi answered … loudly. The 2011 Audi R8 5.2 V10 boosts performance with a 525-horsepower 5.2-liter V10 powerplant that shares many components with the Lamborghini Gallardo.
“The R8 just keeps getting better with every new version,” Bedell added. “Audi is continually refining the design, adding more power when it’s needed and reducing weight to maintain outstanding handling characteristics that will be appreciated with or without the top down.”
About Audi of Nashua:
A four-time winner of Audi’s prestigious Magna award, Audi of Nashua invites those in search of the world’s finest vehicles to explore its inventory of new and used Audi cars for sale. New Hampshire Audi owners will also find a complete selection of Audi parts and accessories, as well as expert Audi service from factory-trained technicians. Discover the quality, performance and engineering that make every Audi special by checking their inventory at www.audinashua.com, liking them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/audiofnashua , or calling their dealership, located at 170 Main Dunstable Road in Nashua, at (603) 578-3744.
Media Contact:
Lori Connolly, of Lyon-Waugh Auto Group, 978-532-8312