ALONG CAME TWO SPIDERS
Audi and Mclaren peel the lids off their formidable high-performance coupés
R8
Although the new R8 Spyder was revealed back in March, the most powerful iteration, the Audi R8 Spyder V10 Plus, has just broken cover. Powered by a 449 kw/ 560 N.m version of the stock Spyder’s 5,2-litre naturally aspirated V10, the Plus rockets from standstill to 100 km/h in 3,3 seconds on the way to a 328 km/h top speed, making it the firm’s quickest series-production convertible ever. Extensive use of carbon-fibre in the car’s construction means that the Plus’ kerb weight undercuts that of the standard car by 25 kg.
570S
Matching the R8’s 328 km/h top whack, the Mclaren 570S Spider is powered by the firm’s widely used 3,8-litre biturbo V8 that sends 419 kw and 600 N.m to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. While this doesn’t match the sheer grunt of the R8’s V10, the 570S Spider’s 3,2-second 0-100 km/h sprint time undercuts that of the Audi. The 570S’ roof takes 15 seconds to unfold and adds 46 kg to the coupé’s 1 451 kg kerb weight.