Audi R8 GT Spyder: The ultimate Audi?

There are some days when we as journalists literally have to pinch ourselves to make sure we’re not dreaming when asked to test drive certain cars. Driving the Audi R8 GT Spyder is at the top of my list of thrilling moments in recent years. This sports car leaves no one indifferent. Want proof? Check out the reactions of passersby or note the endless stream of vehicles in your blind spot whose drivers are snapping pics of this supercar with their camera phones.

There’s no doubt that Audi has matured over the last decade. In the past, some automakers looked down on the German manufacturer, but things are totally different now. Four years ago, Audi set out to prove that it could compete with the big boys by introducing the R8, a super sports car whose exotic lines and superior performances raised more than a few eyebrows. Equipped with the 525 horsepower V10, the R8 5.2 earned the prestige needed to take on the beasts at Ferrari and Lamborghini.

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The R8 GT Spyder: The ultimate R8

Last year, Audi pushed the R8 to the limit with the arrival of the GT, an even higher performance edition of which only 333 units were produced. Not to be outdone this year, they are offering what is probably the ultimate R8: the GT Spyder. It combines the exclusivity of the GT coupe with the incomparable pleasure of driving with the top down. Not to mention that the roof comes down automatically!

The principle of the GT Spyder is simple: increased power and uncompromising lightness –  features that appeal to track enthusiasts as well as drivers looking for a little more exclusivity. The heart of the GT is a V10 that now develops 560 horses, 35 more than the usual V10. This energy is transmitted to all four wheels by way of an R tronic six-speed automatic transmission, the only one offered. No, the manual gearbox is not offered on this athletic cabriolet.

Style anyone?

As for style, it’s hard not to be taken with the GT Sypder. It is quite simply exquisite, just like a Ferrari or Lamborghini. Our test model was in Misano Red Pearl Effect, a colour that stands out and adds dynamism to the sports car. The GT also makes a statement with its fixed rear spoiler, small front and rear deflectors, and its lateral intakes, all of which are made of carbon fibre. It’s hard not to notice the unique 19-inch rims and, at the rear, the oversized twin exhaust. Harder to notice are other initiatives to make it lighter, such as the thinner windshield with carbon composite uprights, the thinner and lighter exhaust, and the engine’s underframe made of lighter materials. As a result, the car weighs about 100 kilos less. Even with its soft top up, the style remains intact.

On board, the model’s exclusivity is emphasized by the fact that the limited edition number is engraved on the shifter knob. Our test model – I know you’re dying to know – was number 13/333. As for the rest, the instrumentation on a white background bearing the GT logo in red really stood out, as did the numerous carbon composite accents. But the pièce de résistance, in my opinion, was the sport steering wheel covered with Alcantara leather. Now four years old, the interior of the R8 GT remains rather plain: there’s no start button (you have to use the key!) and the lights must be controlled manually. Yeah, you heard right – manually! However, this GT is not without certain comforts, including factory-standard automatic climate control and a high-quality audio system.

A transmission away from being the perfect sports car
Once you start it, the engine produces a surprisingly rich sound that’s more present than in the regular version. In high gear, it literally howls, adding to the pleasure of being pinned to the seat. Speaking of which, the R8 GT Spyder goes from 0-100 km/hr in the blink of an eye – 3.8 seconds. It’s hard to be critical of the GT Spyder’s performance. It’s positively glued to the road and easy to control. Its all-wheel drive guarantees superior balance and handles like a rear-wheel drive since it sends just 15% of the torque to the front wheels in normal conditions.

Our only criticism is that the R tronic transmission lags when shifting. For 2013, Audi is promising a dual-clutch DSG sequential gearbox, which should do this car a little more justice. Be that as it may, if you activate Sport mode and decide to shift manually, you get better handling. This transmission also helps experienced drivers when passing, as it automatically makes the engine rev when you downshift, recreating the famous sports car boost and generating a thrilling sound.

A docile beast

As beastly as it is, the R8 GT Spyder also knows a thing or two about comfort. It’s pleasant to drive for your everyday needs and is not punishing in the least. The seats are very comfortable, even on long rides, and the sport suspension does a good job minimizing the road’s imperfections. At cruising speed, the engine revs at 3,000 rpm, making the ride both quiet and fuel efficient.

Is the GT really worth the extra $50,000 compared to the regular Spyder? Sure, if you consider that you’ll be at the wheel of one of Canada’s rarest models and that its exclusivity will help it maintain superior value over the years. What’s more, since Audi enjoys a well-established network of dealerships, you’ll drive with total peace of mind.