2017 Audi R8 Spyder: 10 things you didn't know

1. In order to restore the chassis stiffness lost with roof removal, the Spyder employs a thicker gauge of aluminium for its box-section side rails and A-pillars.

2. Audi claims the 2017 Audi R8 Spyder's stiffness is 55 percent greater than that of the first-generation Spyder, and close to the coupe version of that model.

3. Each R8 Spyder is largely hand-built in 16 individual assembly stages, each taking around 30 minutes.

3

4. The 5.2-litre V10 engine is also used in the Lamborghini Huracan. The same parent company owns both Audi and Lamborghini.

5. Audi’s Drive Select menu system allows the driver to switch between Comfort and Dynamic for the following vehicle parameters: Engine/gearbox, suspension, steering, exhaust note, and quattro AWD torque distribution. A personalised configuration of those settings can be saved as Individual.

6. Dry performance provides an overall set-up even more aggressive than merely setting everything to Dynamic mode in Drive Select.

7. Standard wheels are 19-inches in diameter; 20s are optional, with wider (305mm, up from 295mm) rear tyres. We suspect every Spyder buyer will option up.

3

8. Standard audio in Australian Spyders is a stunning Bang & Olufsen system that includes speakers in the headrests to create a surround-sound effect

9. The Spyder’s roof uses electro-hydraulics to open and close in 20 seconds, and can be operated at up to 50km/h.

10. Two-stage adjustable suspension dampers are standard on the Spyder, allowing for a comfortable ride in cruise mode, or very tight body control when pressing on.