AUDI R8 GT Spyder Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Three years after introducing its R8 supercar, Audi pushed the skinny pedal harder and created the GT version, which in 2011 came with an open-top version.

With the world financial finally over and the market for expensive cars growing, Audi dared more and launched the most expensive vehicle from its lineup: the 2011 R8 GT Spyder. It unveiled it on the occasion of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a race that the four-ring-badged brand won five times until 2010. To top it all off, it added a sixth victory in 2011. The go-fast vehicle was based on the 2010 R8 GT Coupe and weighed 85 kilograms (187.39 lbs.) less than the regular R8 V10 Spyder. While weight was essential for a track-oriented open-top vehicle, the drivetrain, suspensions, and interior also underwent significant modifications. The result was a car that could be driven hard on a race track or at a traffic pace on regular roads. Audi built just 333 units of this go-fast convertible, and all of them were sold as fast as the R8 GT Coupe launched in 2010.

With a front fascia that sported the same black singleframe grille as its Coupe sibling, the R8 GT Spyder warned bystanders that it was not a boulevard cruiser. Its side scoops needed for cooling the brakes sported two matte gray horizontal slats. To further enhance the race-ready character of the car, Audi also installed a set of carbon-fiber winglets on the bumper's corners and a double splitter at the bottom of the apron.

From its profile, the car boasted its red GT badges on the front fenders, while the carbon-fiber door mirror caps and the hollow stalks that supported them adorned the doors. Unlike the Coupe, it featured body-colored side intakes instead of carbon-fiber ones. But still, some other bodywork parts were made from CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic), which lowered the car's weight. Out back, on the deck behind the engine compartment, Audi installed a fixed wing that increased downforce. It was not just for decoration. On the rear fascia, the automaker placed a redesigned bumper that featured round exhausts instead of oval ones, as in the regular R10 Spyder.

The cockpit boasted a pair of CFRP sports seats with integrated headrests. These shaved 31.5 kilograms (69.45 lbs.) compared to the luxurious, leather-covered ones from the R8 V10. Furthermore, Audi installed white dials with red needles in the instrument cluster to emphasize the car's sports-oriented destination. But since the car should also be street-usable, the automaker installed an AC unit and an MMI infotainment system. As a result, the car's occupants could enjoy their ride. Furthermore, it didn't even remove the power-operated mechanism that could open or close the retractable rag-top.

Behind the cabin, the automaker installed a pumped-up version of the 5.2-liter naturally-aspirated engine offered on the R8 Coupe. It provided 560 PS (553 hp), which it sent in all corners via a six-speed manual. A six-speed automated (single-clutch) gearbox was on the options list.