Review Car

2011 Audi R8 Spyder Manual Review

The 2011 Audi R8 Spyder Manual is an impressive convertible supercar available with a choice of two super powerful engines. For such a fast, agile supercar, Audi did a great job making this Spyder comfortable, stylish and easy to drive every day. The hefty price tag gets a buyer everything wonderful that is typical of Audi, for slightly less than a similar Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet and just over half the cost of Lamborghini’s Gallardo Spyder. It’s looks are an obvious talking point, as they are just as exotic, and possibly more, than the higher-end supercars the R8 aspires to.

Though the R8 Spyder is also available in an automatic version of both the 4.2 liter and 5.2 liter engines, only the manual versions are reviewed here. Enter your ZIP code into our FREE insurance comparison tool above to save money on car insurance!

Pricing

Car and Driver lists trim level prices of the 2011 Audi R8 Spyder Manual as follows:

• R8 Manual Quattro Spyder 4.2 liter- $131,950
• R8 Manual Quattro Spyder 5.2 liter- $166,950

Engine and Performance

The Audi’s R8 Spyder’s manual engine options include a 4.2 liter 6-speed V8 and a 5.2 liter 6-speed with a V10. The 4.2 liter makes a net 430 horsepower, and 317 lb/ft of torque between 4500 and 6000 RPMs. This all-wheel-drive engine is equipped with 4-wheel ABS and ventilated disc brakes in front and rear.

The 5.2 liter V10 is impressive for many reasons, one being that it is also used in the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. Of course, the Lambo’s engine makes more horsepower and costs a good deal more. This super-quick engine makes 525 horse at 8,000 RPMs, and 391 lb/ft of torque at 6,500 RPMs.

The R8 Spyder is fitted with the Quattro all-wheel drive system, helping keep this car stuck to the road like glue without being too harsh.

Comfort and Convenience

The R8 Spyder comes standard with 19-inch wheels, automatic rear spoiler, black glossy rear engine air vents, soft top, LED head lights and brake lights, rain-sensing wipers and automatic dimming folding side mirrors.

The interior features heated, leather seats, center console with storage and cupholders, navigation system, leather trim, and storage compartments. These standard Audi features easily make this sports car a great daily-driver option.

The R8 Spyder also comes equipped with a parking system with a rear camera, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, Bluetooth capability and Audi’s MMI (Multi Media Interface), which provides navigation, entertainment, information and music when a driver feels the urge. Also included is SiriusXM Satellite Radio. The 4.2 liter does not come with the parking assistance or the Ban & Olufsen sound system.

Safety

Honestly, buyers contemplating a supercar like the R8 Spyder are most likely not looking for a cushy, safe family car. They know the risks of racing at speeds so fast it is like flying. The R8 does come with standard safety features of most Audis, though. These include 4-wheel ABS, engine immobilizer, self-leveling headlamps, post-collision safety system and stability and traction control. Dual front side-mounted air bags with head protection as well as head restraint whiplash protections systems load up the R8 Spyder with even more protection.

If a buyer really is looking at the R8 Spyder for a family car, it is nice to know that there are child seat anchors and a passenger-side air bag deactivation switch.

Available Colors

This beautiful specimen of a supercar is available in several sublime colors. These include Brilliant Red, Daytona Gray Pearl Effect, Ibis White, Ice Silver Metallic, Jet Blue Metallic, Lava Gray Pearl Effect, Phantom Black Pearl Effect and Teak Brown Metallic.

Interior options are Black or Titanium Gray leather/alcantara, or Black, Lunar Silver, Luxor Beige, Nougat Brown, Red or Titanium Gray premium leather.

Roof color options are Black, Brown or Red.

Fuel Efficiency

The R8 Spyder makes about 11 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. If a driver really takes the Spyder out on the wild side, it will show in

horrible fuel economy. If a driver is going to burn up some fuel, the Audi R8 Spyder is the car to do it with.

Drivers’ Opinions and Competitors

The R8 Spyder’s top competitors are Aston Martin DB9 Volante, Ferrari F430 Spider, Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder, Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG and Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet. Though the R8 Spyder shares an engine with the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, it is a slightly less powerful one. Some reviewers on AOL Autos’ website say that if they were to pay for a supercar of this caliber, they would want the best possible. There is no denying the Lamborghini is more powerful and faster. With that said, the R8 Spyder is super quick and handles like a dream. For the money, this supercar is a great deal.

Most drivers do not like the touchy R-tronic model, and prefer the standard manual. Some even say that, as a daily driver, there is not much difference between the V10 and the V8. The price difference between the 4.2 liter and the 5.2 liter is enormous and not justifiable in every case. Don’t forget to enter your ZIP code into our FREE insurance comparison tool above to save money on car insurance!