AUDIUSA R8 Spyder and RS5 Coupe coming

[S6Sputnik]

Audi sets 2011 Audi R8 Spyder prices; confirms Audi RS5 Coupe is coming to US
July 23, 2010 - Courtesy of Audi of America

-The first open-top Audi supercar will begin at $161,000 MSRP
-The V10 Audi R8 Spyder achieves 525-hp and a top speed of 195 mph
-Planned arrival for the RS5 Coupe in the U.S. market is 2012

HERNDON, Va., Jul 23, 2010 - Audi today announced that pricing for the new 2011 R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro® supercar will begin at $161,000 with the first of the hand-assembled models reaching U.S. showrooms as soon as next month.

Audi also confirmed today that it intends to sell the Audi RS5 in the U.S. market starting in 2012. The high-revving 4.2-liter V8 engine in the Audi RS5 Coupe generates 450 horsepower. Like all Audi RS models sold in Europe and other markets, the RS5 Coupe applies its power to the road with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Details on equipment levels, pricing and fuel economy standards will be released at a later date.

Anticipation has been building for the arrival of the first Audi open-top supercar since it appeared as the car of choice for main character Tony Stark in the blockbuster action film Iron Man 2. The newest Audi R8 maintains the perfect balance of form and function that has distinguished coupe models in the R8 sports car family. But the R8 Spyder adds innovative touches that integrate the soft top without altering the dynamic styling lines, optimal weight distribution or high-performance characteristics of the coupe models.

The 2011 model-year MSRP for the R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro is as follows:


2011 R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro (V10) pricing (excluding $1,250 destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges):
R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro (manual) $161,000
R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro (R tronic) $170,000

Among the innovative features is the soft top, which weighs just 66 pounds and folds or opens in just 19 seconds up to 31 mph. It combines with a heated safety glass rear window that can be extended or retracted with the top up or down. The soft top features triple layer insulation for interior acoustics and comfort close to levels enjoyed in the coupes.

Inside, the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro seats use thermal-resistant leather, which is colored with pigments that can cool hot seats by as much as 68 degrees – even in direct sunlight. The sports car also includes the world’s first Bluetooth® integration with seat belt microphone that operates clearly even with the top down.

The 2011 R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro features the same V10 engine found in the R8 LMS racecar and the R8 5.2 quattro coupe. It achieves 525 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 391 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. The top track speed for the R8 Spyder is 195 mph with a 0-60 mph time of 4 seconds.

One visible difference between the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro and the Audi R8 Coupe models is the absence of the signature sideblades on the Spyder – a design change that retains the coupe lines, while accentuating the unique characteristics of the open-top Spyder. Another significant difference on the R8 Spyder is the use of dramatic Aluminum Optic vents on the new rear engine cover and aluminum a-pillars.

Like all Audi R8 models, the R8 Spyder 5.2 quattro reflects the Audi commitment to lightweight construction for better handling and efficiency. The hallmark of the R8 Spyder is the industry-leading aluminum Audi Space Frame technology used for most of the body. The rear quarter-panel fenders and customized engine hood are made from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers.
Audi sets 2011 Audi R8 Spyder prices; confirms Audi RS5 Coupe is coming to US

[DynomiteTT]

neither vote please? :P

i was really hoping the TT RS was coming.... only one i would be tempted by.
RS5 is nice, but its missing a pedal and turbos

[S6Sputnik]

I am in the same boat really that is why I want an either one or the other vote and not a nice BUT... vote

[StickyFeet]

I will miss the third pedal, but I don't want to give up Quattro, and migrate to the RS5's competition, and there isn't much to begin with.

[WilliamB]

Originally Posted by S6Sputnik

I am in the same boat really that is why I want an either one or the other vote and not a nice BUT... vote

"maybe" in a more German silver or black.

[DynomiteTT]

Originally Posted by S6Sputnik

I am in the same boat really that is why I want an either one or the other vote and not a nice BUT... vote

Ya the rs5 just doesn't seem that special to me.... Sure its nice. But i think I'd rather have an S5 with the supercharged V6 (hopefully the US S5 coupes get that engine soon)
The RS5 just seems built straight out of the audi parts bin...
Unlike previous RS cars which had engines set ups not used in any other model/make
C6 Rs6 - V10TT
C5 Rs6 - V8TT
B7 Rs4 - new high revving V8