USA - Audi of America drops the top on the storming R8 V10 to make a beautiful Spyder.

• The R8 V10 Spyder merges impressive performance with the allure of open-top driving; roof opens or closes in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph
• The open-top performance sports car sprints from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, same as the R8 V10 Coupe, and reaches a top speed of 198 mph
• Utilizing the same naturally aspirated V10 engine as the Spyder, three Audi R8 LMS GT3 cars kick-off the 2017 IMSA race season at the Rolex 24 at Daytona

Offering the breathtaking performance, precise handling and driver focused-interior of the R8 V10 Coupe combined with the allure of open-top driving, Audi of America drops the top on the second generation R8 V10 Spyder. 

With 540 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, the 2017 R8 Spyder is faster and more powerful than its predecessor, delivering an even more thrilling driving experience.

The R8 Spyder features the same naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine and seven-speed S-tronic® dual-clutch transmission as the R8 V10 Coupe. 

The lightweight cloth roof, which is complemented by the added lower sideblade, combine perfectly with the Spyder’s strikingly athletic design. Its strong backbone is the newly developed ASF® aluminum and carbon fiber construction. 

Like its predecessors, the interior pays homage to the shape of a racecar cockpit, with driver-oriented, easy-to-operate controls and functions, including the fully digital Audi virtual cockpit.

Strong motorsport DNA

Each generation of the R8 brings to the road know-how acquired on the racetrack and from the legacy of Audi endurance racing. Like the R8 V10 Coupe, the Spyder shares a foundation with the R8 LMS GT3 racecar. 

As a result of this close cooperation between racing engineers, racing drivers and developers, the R8 Spyder made significant performance gains over its predecessor.

Top down driving experience

The soft-top in the new R8 Spyder features an electrohydraulic drive system to raise and lower the roof in only 20 seconds, at speeds of up to 31 mph. 

The roof was developed with lightweight construction in mind, and weighs only 97 pounds, helping to keep the weight of the vehicle and center of gravity low. It can easily be opened or closed by operating the soft-top button in the center console.

When opened, the soft top folds into a flat storage compartment over the engine. With the top up, the rear window blocks the wind, or can be opened to allow the rich sound of the naturally aspirated V10 engine to flow into the vehicle cockpit.

Lightweight construction

The new R8 Spyder embodies the brand’s expertise in lightweight design through an all-new application of the iconic ASF® lightweight chassis and the use of a high percentage of carbon fiber materials. 

Comprising 80 percent of the ASF, the aluminum components form a lattice structure that engineers used in order to incorporate specific reinforcements into the sills, A-posts and windshield frame. 

As a result, the all-new Spyder is more than 50 percent stiffer than its predecessor, allowing for a more dynamic, solid and visceral driving experience.

Powertrain and Performance

The R8 V10 Spyder with 5.2-liter engine and seven-speed S-tronic® dual-clutch transmission delivers 540 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. With its precise throttle response and free-revving ability all the way up to 8,700 rpm, the R8 V10 Spyder rapidly accelerates from 0-60 mph in only 3.5 seconds, one tenth of a second faster than the previous generation R8 V10 Spyder.

The S tronic dual-clutch transmission not only focuses on high levels of performance and acceleration and is fully integrated with the Audi drive select system. 

Additionally, the new transmission allows for a launch control program that provides a heightened level of acceleration through precise engine speed and an automated clutch release.

Chassis and Suspension

Similar to a racecar, the new R8 Spyder uses a double-wishbone design for both the front and rear suspension systems. The suspension weight is kept low through the use of forged aluminum control arms, while local dynamic rigidity has been enhanced by connecting the control arms directly to the ASF.

Available on 2017 R8 Spyder is dynamic steering, which offers a variable steering ratio that adjusts based on vehicle speed and the Audi drive select setting. At higher driving speeds, a less direct steering ratio helps to facilitate a more stable drive, and at lower driving speeds, a more direct steering ratio is utilized to help increase steering response for easier maneuvering.

The all-new R8 Spyder also features a completely unique application of the quattro® system. By default, the majority of torque is transmitted to the rear wheels, however, given certain driving conditions, the Spyder has the ability to send up to 100 percent of all available torque to the front axle. This is made possible by new technologies such as the electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch on the front axle, torque vectoring, and quattro integration within the Audi drive select system.

High Performance Design

The exterior design of the new R8 Spyder is more strikingly athletic than its predecessor. The cockpit is positioned very far forward and prominent wheel arches are a cue to the quattro all-wheel drive. 

Dimensions have increased more than an inch in width but decreased in length, further emphasizing the flat, wide and muscular characteristics of the vehicle. For the first time on the Spyder, the strong shoulder line is now complemented by retaining the lower sideblade. 

Trapezoidal exhaust outlets highlight the distinctive rear and added ventilation across the deck lid replaces the adaptive rear spoiler and helps to improve engine cooling.

Similar to the R8 V10 Coupe, the interior is defined by the monoposto, the large arc that pays homage to the shape of a racecar cockpit, with driver-oriented, easy-to-operate controls and functions. 

Behind the wheel is the Audi Virtual cockpit, which replaces the classic instrument panel and instead features a large, high-resolution 12.3-inch display, delivering vibrant color at 60 frames per second.

Additional design highlights include:

• Singleframe® grille with three dimensional honeycomb design and Anthracite Gray finish
• Full LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED taillights with dynamic turn signals
• Standard 19” 5-V-spoke design cast aluminum wheels in silver finish
• Heated 18-way power sport seats including four-way power lumbar, pneumatic leg and side bolster adjustments
• Three-spoke multifunction flat-bottom sport steering wheel with shift paddles and two steering wheel-mounted satellite buttons (engine Start/Stop and Audi drive select)
• Standard Bang & Olufsen® Sound System featuring 13 speakers (including integrated headrest speakers) produce 550 watts of pure, crisp sound
• MMI® touch with handwriting-recognition technology

Also available for the first time on the all-new Spyder is Audi connect®, offering infotainment features such as 4G LTE connectivity, destination entry via myAudi, travel information, Internet radio and a Wi-Fi® hotspot for passenger use. Also, with available Audi connect, Google Earth™ satellite maps appear across the entire virtual cockpit allowing the driver to better navigate each turn in the road or the track ahead

Pricing Detail

Model year 2017 R8 starting manufacturer suggested retail prices:

MODEL	Starting MSRP
R8 V10 Spyder	$ 175,100

*Prices above exclude destination charge ($1,250), taxes, title, options, and dealer charges.

Audi R8 LMS race teams kick-off 2017 season at the Rolex 24 at Daytona

Coming off of a historic 2016 season, the all-new Audi R8 LMS won its US debut at the 2016 Rolex 24 at Daytona, as well as clinched the Manufacturers championships in GTD for both NAEC and WeatherTech. 

Utilizing the same naturally aspirated V10 engine as the Spyder, the Audi R8 LMS returns to the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona to defend its title with 3 cars from Stevenson Motorsports, Alex Job Racing and Land Motorsports.

Television coverage of 2017 WeatherTech Championship season kicks off with the 55th Rolex 24 at Daytona beginning on Saturday, January 28th at 2 p.m. ET on FOX. Television coverage in Canada will mirror the U.S. schedule on FOX Sports Racing and will also offer live streaming on IMSA.tv and the IMSA mobile app.

Date	Event/Venue	Channel	Times (ET)
Jan. 28-29	Rolex 24 at Daytona	FOX	2 PM – 5 PM
	Daytona International Speedway	FSGO*	2 PM Sat. – 3 PM Sun.
	Daytona Beach, Florida	FS2	5 PM – 10 PM
		FS2	11 PM Sat. – 12:30 PM Sun.
		FS2	12:30 PM – 3 PM

*– FOX Sports GO with FS1 authentication

For more information, please visit www.audiusa.com/models/audi-r8-spyder.

Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted.

2017 EPA estimates not available at time of publication. See www.fueleconomy.gov for updated information. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

Top track speed electronically limited in U.S. Obey all speed and traffic laws.

Audi connect should only be used when it is safe and appropriate. Audi connect services and features are optional, provided with the support of authorized affiliated and third party service providers, and may require additional subscriptions with separate terms and conditions. Services are subject to change, and Google Earth and Street view services may not be available after December 2017.  Certain services collect location information, see Terms of Service for information about how to disable and for other details.

SCOTTISH COTY - Ford takes two awards with the Focus RS and Mustang both winners at this years event.

• Ford Focus RS takes Hot Hatch of the year
• Iconic Ford Mustang wins Drop Top of the year

This year’s Ford Performance newcomers, the Focus RS and Mustang, were voted best Hot Hatch and Drop Top at the 2016 Scottish Car of the Year.

The Association of Scottish Motoring Writers’ Hot Hatch of the year, the Ford Focus RS, pioneers All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring, plus selectable drive modes including the industry first “Drift-mode”.

Over 2,000 Focus RS hot hatches have been delivered in the UK this year – 350 of those in Scotland. Focus RS is powered by a specially engineered version of Ford’s 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine delivering 350PS and sprinting from 0-62mph in 4.7sec to make it the fastest accelerating RS ever.

Alisdair Suttie, ASMW secretary, said: “Whether it’s off the line, through the gears or round corners, the Focus RS is simply the best hot hatch of the year, and perhaps the best ever. It couldn’t deserve this award more.”

New Ford Mustang, the UK’s best-selling high performance car within six months of going on sale in January, is Scottish Drop Top of the year. The iconic American muscle car comes with a 5.0-litre V8 engine, or a 2.3-litre EcoBoost, and is available alongside the RS from 75 UK FordStore dealerships.

Stephen Park, ASMW president, said: “No other car launched this year delivers such a sense of occasion for the money as Ford’s Mustang. Choosing a Convertible with the mighty V8 engine delivers sensory overload. This is a thrilling muscle car in every respect and one which should prove to be a sound investment with strong demand equalling strong residuals.”

Danny Bell, Ford Britain’s district manager for Scotland, said:  “Ford’s excellent new performance range has the power and capability to make the most of this region’s flowing road routes. Scottish dealers are benefitting as a result and will be further buoyed by the Association’s endorsement.”

The Focus RS is available from £31,250, and the Ford Mustang is available from £31,745 for the 2.3-litre EcoBoost and £35,745 for the 5.0-litre V8 GT.

FRANKFURT - Ferrari world premiere for the 488 Spider, Ferrari’s most high performance 8-cylinder drop-top ever

Frankfurt world premiere for the 488 Spider, Ferrari’s most high performance 8-cylinder drop-top ever

Apple CarPlay extended to entire range  

Today marks the official debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show of the 488 Spider, the latest chapter in Maranello’s ongoing history of open-top V8 sports cars.

This is the most high performance Spider ever built by the Prancing Horse and is powered by the 488 coupé’s 3902cc turbo-charged V8 which punches out a maximum of 670 CV with the Variable Torque Management system guaranteeing smooth, progressive torque delivery in the higher gears up to a maximum of 760 Nm at 3,000 rpm. 

This is an astonishingly sporty car with blistering acceleration (0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in 8.7) and, even more significantly, a razor-sharp throttle response time of just 0.8 seconds which essentially eliminates the turbo lag typical of this kind of engine.

The Scaglietti centre of excellence’s aluminium crafting skills have also produced a light, high performance spaceframe chassis made of 11 different 6000 series aluminium alloys containing varying percentages of magnesium and with specific characteristics to meet the demands of the different areas of application. 

Extraordinarily, this yields the same torsional rigidity and beam stiffness figures as the coupé, in which the roof is a structural element, improving the chassis’ performance by 23 per cent over that of the 458 Spider.

The 488 Spider uses the RHT (Retractable Hard Top) which debuted on the 458 Spider as world-first  for such a solution on a mid-rear engined car. The RHT has rendered traditional soft-tops obsolete as it is not only lighter (- 25 kg) but also provides better protection from noise and elements even when lowered courtesy of a glass wind-stop adjustable to three different positions. Equally significant is the fact that the RHT can be raised or lowered in 14 seconds even when the car is moving. 

The car’s mechanical set-up and dynamic vehicle controls make a pivotal contribution to its powerfully sporty behaviour on the road with Manettino settings chosen for its mission. Specifically, the technicians worked on the magnetorheological dampers to guarantee maximum sportiness without compromising on comfort. 

The new SSC2 Side Slip Angle Control system also makes it easier for non-professional drivers to drive on the limit. Additionally, to ensure superb fun behind the wheel on more challenging routes, the 488 Spider responds virtually instantaneously to steering wheel inputs (0.06 seconds – 9 per cent faster than the previous Spider).

The hard-working Ferrari Styling Centre has also brought a sculptural beauty to the modifications made to accommodate the RHT and meet the aerodynamic demands of the car. Cases in point are the flying buttresses which optimally channel air flows to the engine cover, the ribbing on the engine cover and the air intakes with sculpted mesh grilles which lend that area of the car a sense of incredible dynamism. 

The 488 Spider also debuts a new colour designed to enhance its forms. The Blu Corsa livery almost seems to meld with the sky overhead, in fact, and metallic particles suspended in the paint give the bodywork a gloss that underscores its sculptural volumes. Its unusual iridescent effect is created by the two-layer paintwork.

In line with Ferrari tradition and drawing on the harmonics typical of Prancing Horse cars with this kind of architecture, this 8-cylinder has its own absolutely distinctive soundtrack, thanks to exhaust headers with longer, equal-length piping and the flat-plane crankshaft. The sound was crafted to be seductive but never invasive when the top is dropped, with both volume and clarity increasing in signature Ferrari fashion as the engine instantly responds to the accelerator pedal and revs rise, underscoring the car’s performance.

Frankfurt also provides the venue for another major announcement: the extension of the Apple CarPlay system to the entire Ferrari range. The FF was the first car in the world to adopt the innovative Apple system which offers instant and intuitive voice and touch functionalities: everything from phone calls to map use, messaging and music.  The FF was quickly followed by the California T. The Apple CarPlay will also soon be available for the sportier, more aggressive Prancing Horse models - the 488 GTB, the 488 Spider and the F12berlinetta - on which it is premeried at the German Show.

Sticking with the sporty theme, there are also two Tailor Made California Ts on the Ferrari stand at Frankfurt. The first has a very modern allure thanks to glossy Grigio Titanio bodywork, an Antracite top and black leather and Blu Microprestige technical fabric interior trim, with the colours of the latter also picked up in the grille and brake callipers. The second California T clearly references Ferrari’s sporting heritage with a modern take on the famous 1957 250 TR which won three Sport Prototype world titles and is now considered one of the world’s most desirable cars by collectors. 

This particular California T has Piano Black bodywork with sporty red and white detailing on the front wheel bumpers and a matte Grigio Ferro Met grille. It also features unusual aerographed shields on its flanks.  The livery colours are mirrored in the cabin which mixes black leather with extensive Rosso Cremisi, exactly as per the classic track car. The boot is lined in Alcantara and carbon-fibre as befits a Ferrari designed to epitomise the marque’s sporty DNA.

Also at the German Show are a coupé version of the 488 in Bianco Italia with Blu Sterling interior, and, of course, the 12-cylinders in the range: the four-seater, four-wheel drive FF in an elegant Grigio Silverstone livery with Tortora cabin trim and the F12berlinetta in Rosso Corsa with a classic beige leather interior to underscore its roots in the purest Ferrari tradition.