Cover blown on 602bhp R8 Spyder V10 Plus

AUDI has revealed its fastest convertible ever: the R8 Spyder V10 Plus. It turns the wick up on the standard R8 Spyder, using the same mid-mounted naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10, but with performance tweaks to bring out 602bhp – 70bhp more than the non-‘plus’ car. An ear-splitting 8,700rpm red line and 560Nm of torque are also promised.

As a result, the 0-62mph time is three tenths faster, at 3.3 seconds, while top speed climbs from 197mph to 204mph.

The convertible roof mechanism and extra chassis strengthening add 140kg, so the car weighs in at 1,695kg. It’s 25kg lighter than the normal R8 Spyder thanks to new carbon-fibre and aluminium parts.

If it commands the same £15,000 premium the R8 V10 Plus carries over the normal coupé, a price tag of £147,020 is likely when it goes on sale this summer.