2021 Audi R8 Spyder

History/Overview

Since 2008, the Audi R8 has been the luxury brand’s halo car, a slick, mid-engine two-seater powered first by V8 and, later, V10 engines. The Spyder designation indicates that the version we’re talking about here is a convertible.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

For 2021, the R8 Spyder’s most notable change is the addition of a rear-wheel drive variant.

With that becoming the line’s new entry-level trim, the now mid-range V10 Quattro trim gains new standard features: a Bang & Olufsen stereo, carbon fibre side blades, a sport exhaust, dynamic steering, 20-inch wheels, and wireless smartphone charging.

Available Trims

The R8 Spyder range begins with the new V10 RWD model and moves through the V10 Quattro to the top-end V10 Quattro Performance model. All use a 5.2L V10 engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Standard Features

The Audi R8 V10 RWD’s interior comes with Nappa leather seating, a black cloth headliner, aluminum door sills, heated sport seats with power adjustments, an integrated garage door opener, a wind blocker, automatic climate control, and cruise control.

Tech features include Bluetooth, a virtual cockpit digital gauge cluster, navigation, smartphone interface, an auto-dimming mirror with compass, passive keyless entry, satellite radio, and an advanced parking system.

Outside, the R8 has LED headlights and taillights, 19-inch wheels and tires, and black side blades.

V10 Quattro trim adds a magnetic ride control suspension, extended leather interior, lighted door sills, dynamic LED taillights, a Bang & Olufsen stereo, automatic high beams, matte titanium inlays, carbon fibre side blades, a sport exhaust, dynamic steering, extra steering wheel-mounted controls, and 20-inch wheels in gloss black.

V10 Quattro Performance brings a sport suspension, LED laser headlights, ceramic brakes, gloss carbon interior trim, a carbon fibre engine cover, black tailpipes, and mirror housings and spoilers in carbon fibre.

Key Options

V10 Quattro trim can add carbon fibre interior and exterior pieces in two separate packages.

All three trims offer diamond quilted leather on 18-way power sport seats, and an extended leather interior. Also offered across the line is a black exterior trim appearance package.

A bucket seat package for both V10 Quattro trims brings bucket seats with electric height adjustments.

Fuel Economy

As of this writing, Audi had not published fuel consumption estimates for the R8 Spyder. However, we expect ratings for the Quattro models to be similar to last year’s figures of 17.5/11.7 L/100 km (city/highway). We’ll update this article when we learn Audi’s estimates for the new RWD model.

Competition

With the R8 Spyder, Audi competes with cars like the Porsche 911 cabriolet, the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster, and droptop sports cars from Aston Martin, Ferrari and Lamborghini.