2012 Audi R8 Spyder - Convertible _ New Car Review _ AutoTrader

**The 2012 Audi R8 Spyder: A Convertible Masterpiece**

Following the successful introduction of its race-inspired R8 Coupe back in 2006, Audi has unleashed a convertible Spider version that has garnered rave reviews. Now in its second year, the 2012 Audi R8 Spyder continues to steal the spotlight. This exceptional vehicle is available in two powerful configurations: a lively 430 horsepower 4.2 liter V8 engine or a more potent 525 horsepower 5.2 liter V10 engine. Both versions ensure that the R8 remains a thrilling ride, thanks in part to its near-ideal weight distribution, with the engine positioned ahead of the rear axle.

The R8's body and chassis are built using proven competition-grade materials: aluminum, carbon fiber, and magnesium. These components work together to provide lightweight strength and rigidity, which is particularly crucial for a convertible. Unlike traditional convertibles that may feel less stable with the top down due to the absence of a roofline providing structural integrity, the R8 does not suffer from such drawbacks. With the top up, the Spider looks almost identical to its Coupe counterpart, maintaining a sleek and sporty appearance.

One of the standout features of the R8 Spyder is its triple-insulated interior, which ensures a quiet cabin even with the roof down. The top retracts smoothly under a hard tonneau cover when activated, maintaining proper airflow at high speeds. The car's design also includes an arched instrument panel visor, which aids in visibility during bright daylight conditions. Additionally, the extra-large speedometer and tachometer are designed for quick reading at a glance.

The R8 is equipped with a comprehensive Information Center that provides detailed information on all systems within the vehicle. This feature offers a user-friendly interface, much like those found in modern cars today. Among the optional features available, the Audi Parking System Plus includes a built-in rear-view camera, which is particularly useful for navigating tight spaces. The Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 12 speakers and 465 watts of digitally amplified power enhances the driving experience, making every journey enjoyable.

Standard features on the R8 include Bluetooth communication with a seat belt microphone, Sirius XM satellite radio, and 10-way power-adjusted heated sport seats. The leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, styled in the traditional Audi racing tradition with a flat bottom, offers excellent grip and control. The supportive leather seats provide ample comfort during dynamic cornering maneuvers, ensuring that every drive is both comfortable and exciting.

Under the hood, the R8 continues to impress with its advanced engineering. The vehicle starts with Audi's famous Quattro all-wheel drive system, which is complemented by electronic stability control. To further enhance performance, Audi has introduced a driver-controlled magnetic fluid suspension adjuster, a feature that adds a level of adaptability not commonly found in convertibles. This technology allows drivers to fine-tune the suspension for varying road conditions, ensuring optimal handling and comfort.

The R8's braking system is equally impressive, delivering confident stopping power that matches its high-performance capabilities. When it comes to pricing, the R8 Spyder is a significant investment. The V8 version retails at $127,700, while the more powerful V10 variant starts at $162,700. However, for those who can afford it, the R8 offers an excellent value proposition compared to its luxury competitors like Lamborghini or Ferrari.

For drivers seeking a blend of performance, style, and innovation, the 2012 Audi R8 Spyder stands out as a top-tier choice. While it may not be the cheapest option in its class, its world-class engineering and features make it a worthwhile investment for any car enthusiast. Whether you're巡航 the open road with the top down or tackling winding highways with precision, the R8 Spyder delivers an unforgettable driving experience.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enfollowing the successful introduction of its race-inspired re coupe back in 2006 outtie has unleashed a convertible spider version to rave reviews now in its second year the 2012 Audi r8 Spyder continues to steal the show and it comes in two versions you can get the r8 in a real peppy 430 horsepower 4.2 liter v8 or go for the 525 horsepower 5.2 liter v10 either way the r8 is a sweet ride due in part to the fact that the engine is located ahead of the rear axle giving the cars near ideal weight distribution that's right Tracy and the body and chassis are proven in competition let me tell you why it's got aluminum carbon fiber and magnesium all joined together provide a lightweight strength and rigidity which of course is really important in a convertible when you have a top down and convertible I know you've been in them just like I have there's a noticeable shake when you go over bumps or rough road because it's lacking a roofline that gives the car rigidity well that is not the case right here with the r8 not at all with the top up the spider looks almost identical to the coupe and it's triple insulated to provide a nice and quiet interior press a button and the top retracts under hard tonneau cover to maintain proper airflow at high speeds the arched instrument panel visor helps with visibility during bright daylight kind of like what we have right now and the extra-large speedometer and tach can be read real quickly at a glance and this right here is the Information Center that provides page by page info on all systems in the car it's true like we have on this re you can opt for alleys parking system plus which has a built in rear-view camera that I like or a bang and Ulsan premium sound system with 12 speakers and 465 watts of digitally amplified power some standard features include Bluetooth communication with a seat belt microphone Sirius XM satellite radio and 10-way power adjusted heated sport seats the leather wrap multifunction steering wheel is flat on the bottom traditional outtie racing style and the leather seats give lots of support really nice when you go around those corners this is a pretty terrific handling sports cart race and you know what howdy started with their famous Quattro all-wheel drive with an electronic stability control to that they added something that I think is kind of cool it's a driver controlled magnetic fluid suspension adjuster and to that they added competition for an aluminum double wishbone front and rear suspension everything about this r8 is super world class and the braking system definitely does not disappoint all right Tracy how much this bad boy cause you know what Jeff I am NOT gonna lie it is not cheap v8 127 7 v10 162 7 but if you just so happen to have just over 170 thousand dollars why not go for the R tronic 6-speed automatic with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and although this thing could easily qualify as an exotic it's still priced thousands below what you'll find at Lamborghini or Ferrari youfollowing the successful introduction of its race-inspired re coupe back in 2006 outtie has unleashed a convertible spider version to rave reviews now in its second year the 2012 Audi r8 Spyder continues to steal the show and it comes in two versions you can get the r8 in a real peppy 430 horsepower 4.2 liter v8 or go for the 525 horsepower 5.2 liter v10 either way the r8 is a sweet ride due in part to the fact that the engine is located ahead of the rear axle giving the cars near ideal weight distribution that's right Tracy and the body and chassis are proven in competition let me tell you why it's got aluminum carbon fiber and magnesium all joined together provide a lightweight strength and rigidity which of course is really important in a convertible when you have a top down and convertible I know you've been in them just like I have there's a noticeable shake when you go over bumps or rough road because it's lacking a roofline that gives the car rigidity well that is not the case right here with the r8 not at all with the top up the spider looks almost identical to the coupe and it's triple insulated to provide a nice and quiet interior press a button and the top retracts under hard tonneau cover to maintain proper airflow at high speeds the arched instrument panel visor helps with visibility during bright daylight kind of like what we have right now and the extra-large speedometer and tach can be read real quickly at a glance and this right here is the Information Center that provides page by page info on all systems in the car it's true like we have on this re you can opt for alleys parking system plus which has a built in rear-view camera that I like or a bang and Ulsan premium sound system with 12 speakers and 465 watts of digitally amplified power some standard features include Bluetooth communication with a seat belt microphone Sirius XM satellite radio and 10-way power adjusted heated sport seats the leather wrap multifunction steering wheel is flat on the bottom traditional outtie racing style and the leather seats give lots of support really nice when you go around those corners this is a pretty terrific handling sports cart race and you know what howdy started with their famous Quattro all-wheel drive with an electronic stability control to that they added something that I think is kind of cool it's a driver controlled magnetic fluid suspension adjuster and to that they added competition for an aluminum double wishbone front and rear suspension everything about this r8 is super world class and the braking system definitely does not disappoint all right Tracy how much this bad boy cause you know what Jeff I am NOT gonna lie it is not cheap v8 127 7 v10 162 7 but if you just so happen to have just over 170 thousand dollars why not go for the R tronic 6-speed automatic with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and although this thing could easily qualify as an exotic it's still priced thousands below what you'll find at Lamborghini or Ferrari you\n"