Audi drive select integrates other components besides the quattro drive – the accelerator, steering, the S tronic, control of the exhaust flaps and the optional adaptive damper system Audi magnetic ride. In dynamic mode, these systems support safe, controlled drifts and make the handling even more taut. In auto mode, on the other hand, traction and stability have priority – for high speed and low lap times.

The car’s handling becomes even more accomplished and precise with the optional performance leather steering wheel. It adds three more driving programs: dry, wet and snow. These adapt the most important parameters for dynamic driving to the grip conditions of the road surface, affecting not only the quattro drive and the technical components indicated above, but also the electronic stabilization control (ESC) for the best possible lap times.

The electro-mechanical steering delivers differentiated feedback from the road. It offers the specific optimum for sports cars of precision, manageability and composure at high speeds. The optional dynamic steering improves vehicle reactions at all speeds up to the limit for high-performance cornering and fast turn-in. It varies its ratio between 10.0:1 and 17.5:1 as a function of driving speed while simultaneously adjusting steering torque. It countersteers with tiny impulses at the cornering limit to future improve stability. Both steering systems can be freely configured using Audi drive select, from comfortable long-distance cruising to the optimum on the racetrack.

Like a racing car, the new Audi R8 Spyder* has a lightweight aluminum double wishbone suspension. Track width is 1,638 millimeters (5.4 ft) at the front axle and 1,599 millimeters (5.2 ft) at the rear axle. 19-inch wheels with mixed tires (245/35 front and 295/35 rear) are standard. Audi offers 20-inch wheels with size 245/30 tires at the front and 305/30 tires at the rear as an option.

The brakes slow the open-top high-performance sports car with supreme control. The standard steel discs – internally vented and perforated – have a weight-saving wave design and a diameter of 365 millimeters (14.4 in) up front and 356 millimeters (14.0 in) in the rear. Stainless steel pins connect them to the aluminum caps, which prevents the transmission of temperature peaks. Eight-piston calipers are used up front and four-piston calipers at the rear. They are painted gloss black, with red as an option.

Audi offers particularly durable and lightweight carbon fiber-ceramic brake discs as an option. These measure 380 millimeters (15.0 in) in diameter on the front axle and 356 millimeters (14.0 in) on the rear axle. They are highly temperature-resistant and long-lasting, and are a total of 15.2 kilograms (33.5 lb) lighter than their steel counterparts. The fixed calipers, with six pistons up front and four in the rear, are painted anthracite gray.


The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.