2011 Audi R8 Spyder at Frankfurt Motor Show

• Competes with: Ferrari California and F430 Spider, Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, Porsche 911 Cabriolet Carrera 4S
• Looks like: A droptop R8 from the front and rear; a sweet convertible from the side
• Drivetrain: 525-hp, V-10, six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automated manual
• Hits dealerships: Spring 2010…in Europe 

Lucky Frankfurt Motor Show attendees will be the first to see a convertible version of Audi's phenomenal R8, called the R8 Spyder. Foregoing the proliferating retractable hardtop, Audi has gone with a soft-top to keep weight in check and maximize cargo space (and really, when the engine's behind the seats, there's little choice). Due for production in the first quarter of 2010, the Spyder will come only with a 5.2-liter V-10 engine, which is a new option on the hardtop R8 for 2010.

Much of the added weight in convertible versions of coupes comes from structural reinforcements, but Audi claims the Spyder's aluminum space frame is only about 13 pounds heavier than the coupe's. The fully automatic top itself adds about 66 pounds, Audi says.

The Spyder lacks the coupe's characteristic side blades, however, the air intakes remain on the flanks behind the doors to cool the midmounted engine. Available photos only show the car with the top down, so we can't tell how it matches the coupe's silhouette. It definitely looks good, and it's unmistakably an R8 when viewed from the front and back.

Audi R8, Q7 Tougher Than Iron Man

It’s almost summer, and you know what that means: It’s time for at least one superhero movie. This year things kick off with “Iron Man,” starring Robert Downey Jr. as the iron-clad crusader. Audi spent some dough to get two of its vehicles prominent placement during the movie, including in its finale.

As the YouTube videos below show, the FX guys for “Iron Man” weren’t a match for German engineering. We have a few thoughts, though, on the reality versus the hype below. And, of course, on the cool videos.

Video: 2008 Audi R8

Last week, Joe Wiesenfelder posted his full review of Audi’s first supercar. Now we have the R8 in all its full-motion glory in this here video. Seeing the shots of the car on ice might be hard to comprehend, but it’ll be worth the time it takes to watch.

Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Audi R8

Senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder took delivery of an Audi R8 test vehicle in the middle of one of Chicago’s worst winters, and found the German supercar to be a blast to drive no matter the road conditions. (Serious snow tires didn’t hurt, though.) Don’t cry for Joe — the weather did break for a few days of spirited driving. In addition to Joe’s full review, check out our thoughts on driving the R8 on a track a few months back, and our impressions of the Bang & Olufsen sound system we tested in the Audi S8, which is similar to the R8’s optional system Joe was pining for.

2008 Audi R8 Expert Review

Driving Audi's R8

There’s probably no greater thrill for an automotive journalist than getting to take one of the hottest new sports cars out on a track. I’m not even going to pretend here — there just isn’t. Sure, writing useful reviews, recall alerts and car-buying news is a greater service to our readers, but when it comes to perks about this job, taking the Audi R8 around a track has got to be tops.

That’s how I spent my Tuesday.

Cars.com Audi R8 Video

Everyone on staff was beyond bummed out when we learned we wouldn’t get to drive the all-new Audi R8 last week, but here Joe Wiesenfelder walks you through the supercar and rides shotgun as a professional driver circles the track at triple-digit speed.

Related
Cars.com Videos (YouTube)
First Drive: 2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V (KickingTires)
 The Urban DINK: 2008 Audi TT (KickingTires)
Hands On: Pontiac G8, Buick Enclave (KickingTires)
Live Blogging From the Track (KickingTires)

Can We Borrow $109,000? Audi R8 Gets a Price Tag

We fell in love with the 2008 Audi R8 the first time we sat in it at the L.A. auto show. It’s a dangerous-looking sports car with a mid-engine layout, all-wheel drive, aluminum body and carbon fiber everywhere. The R8 is just cool. It also starts at $109,000.

Models equipped with a six-speed R tronic automatic transmission will have to part with another $9,000, bringing the total cost to $118,000. The 420-hp, V-8-powered car hits 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, and that makes us think the $109,000 is almost worth it.

The R8 comes stateside this fall and will take on the Porsche 911 Turbo — $122,900 — as the ultimate German sports car.

Related:
Winners & Losers at the L.A. Auto Show: Production Cars
Strange Sights at the L.A. Auto Show
More on the Audi R8
Audi R8 Supercar Revealed in Paris

More on the Audi R8

We don’t have much more information from Paris other than what we reported yesterday. But we do have more photos including interior shots. Click below for the rest and enjoy.