2018 Audi R8 V10 Spyder review

The Digital Trends Team has an unabashed obsession with an Audi R8. From our first drive, to our on-track experience, to our inspection, to our Automobile of the Year awards, every piece of seat time at the German automaker's halo model has abandoned us stammering praise to anyone who will listen. You can say we had a good feeling heading into this appraisal of the version variant, but because nothing could be taken for granted, we (sacrificially) strapped into the mid-engine supercar for one more round.

WHAT'S NEWAudi's second creation R8 debuted in 2016 with evolutionary styling tweaks, more energy, enhanced interior technologies, and an all-new stage. The R8 Spyder V10 shares an engine, platform, and bodywork using the V10 Coupe, but modifies the supercar's silhouette with a folding soft top. For this writing, just a base V10 Spyder is available, although a 610-horsepower version (to match with the V10 Plus Coupe) is due early next year.

TRIM LEVELS AND FEATURES

As a general rule, convertibles forfeit some of the aesthetic grace of their coupe counterparts. Some thing about the panel gaps of a folding hardtop or the bunched fabric of a ragtop simply looks...off. While drop-top variations of most sports cars seem like afterthoughts ("just lob off the top here, Bill"), the R8 Spyder feels just like a ground-up redesign of an already handsome vehicle. Specifically -- if its fabric roof is raised or stowed -- that the R8 Spyder stipulates its carbon fiber-trimmed louvers, very low profile, and elongated rear end. Why hide stylized bodywork beneath a folding roof, just revealing the top angles post-conversion? The R8 Spyder is fetching 24/7. For a design development from first to second generation, we all appreciate the R8 Spyder's profile and rear views. The jury is still out on the upgraded supercar's ultra-sharp nose, but these striking LED headlights are universally bad-ass. Our Vegas Yellow tester (which varies between a Pantone and Mustard tinge based on light) draws plenty of attention, yet is still more conservative than its Lamborghini Huracan Spyder cousin. Until the V10 Plus variation reaches showrooms, the 2018 Audi R8 Spyder is fairly cut-and-dry. At $177,100 to begin, the ragtop model is $12,200 more expensive than its fixed roof counterpart.

On the performance end, Audi's variable ratio steering system adds $1,400 and carbon ceramic brakes bolster the bottom line by a whopping $9,900.

Supercars tend to be 'super' from the outside in, meaning their outside design and vehicle mechanics steer the conversation. Though the R8 Spyder has definitive road existence and scintillating performance, much of its wow-factor can only be experienced from inside the cockpit.

Interior technology takes center stage from the moment you trigger the R8's blood flow button. Rather than a poorly integrated center monitor, an undersized TFT monitor, and analog indicators, Audi consolidates all data within a single 12.3-inch digital screen -- positioned right in front of the driver. Audi's 'Virtual Cockpit' is equivalent parts sophisticated and intuitive, with a reconfigurable port to increase or decrease the visibility of Google Earth maps/navigation, performance data, media, songs, and telemetry data. So impressive is that the driver module that we do not even miss Apple CarPlay or Android Vehicle functionality.

Complementing the R8 Spyder's visual enlightenment is a killer audio system. 13 speakers and 550 g of Bang & Olufsen goodness change that the R8 Spyder to a concert venue -- for youand surrounding visitors. Some of USB ports, dual SD card slots, a single aux jack, Bluetooth sound, HD Radio, and Sirius XM provide ample charging and music playing choices. Then again, using an in-built V10 soundtrack, then you may forget about alternative audio entirely.

Beyond its cutting-edge gadgetry, the R8 Spyder's cottage is a visually stimulating, supremely cozy room for 2. Interior design flows out of the driver's compartment, after a downward sloping panel on the dash into a wraparound layout. Each detail is oriented towards the pilot, including the air vents, climate control nubs, and center stack. This affords the driver a feeling of complete command, emphasized by her or his capacity to control just about any convenience and functionality adjustment without raising a hand by the flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Anthracite or carbon fiber inlays, combined with brushed metal accents feel and look spectacular. Standard heated, 18-way adjustable sport seats provide excellent lateral support when assigning relaxation. Optional diamond-patterned stitching on the seats and accent stitching elsewhere brings the dark coloured leather to life.

A supercar is, after all, a selfish indulgence; why not choose one with inside and exterior spoils?