Autobahn Stormer
Bond. James Bond. Short, sweet, clear, concise. Two words, one used twice; it’s every supervillain’s worst nightmare (even if they don’t know it at first). The 2022 Audi R8 V10 performance Spyder RWD, on the other hand, uses several characters, but it nonetheless packs more than may be initially apparent. (See where this Bond thing is going?) And just to be clear, Audi does not capitalize the “p” in “performance.” Maybe they didn’t want to brag. (The only purpose in that affectation is to drive proofreaders crazy!)
This version of the vaunted R8 is different, as it’s not a “Quattro” version: only the rear wheels receive the power in this model. Many sporting drivers prefer a rear-wheel drive (“RWD”) car, as it’s easier to have a controlled power slide when only the rear of the car breaks out on acceleration. It’s fitted with the same naturally aspirated (no turbo), fuel-injected 5.2-liter V10 motor (with 40 valves!) and tuned to provide 562 horsepower (hp), no doubt because it doesn’t have four wheels to grab hold when the throttle is punched and doesn’t need as much power to run a drivetrain that’s not a Quattro. But with 406 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque and a great 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox (paddle shifted at the driver’s option), it’s good for a 3.7-second run from 0 to 60 miles per hour (mph) and a top speed of 203 mph. Not bad for a drop-top!
The proof is in the driving, and I loved my time with this car. It has a few choices of sounds (my preference is the “Dynamic” with the performance mode). With an 8,700 revolutions per minute (rpm) redline, it sings without deafening everyone in your ZIP code. This highly responsive car can be a cruiser with the punch of a few buttons. The controls are clear and extremely easy to understand, and the ones used regularly (like temperature changes, fan speed adjustment, etc.) are front and center. The infotainment center is clear and intuitive and allows for several driver- or passenger- selected options.
The well-designed convertible top opens or closes in only 20 seconds at speeds below 31 mph. It’s an “acoustic top,” too, which means that when it’s up and all three windows are closed (there is a small vertical window at the back of the cabin), the interior remains very quiet. With the top down and the windows lowered, it’s not all that windy, either, and even the coldest nights are tamed by the terrific heater and the heated seats (a must-have in a convertible).
The base price on the Spyder RWD is $160,000, but luckily for me, the option-picker blessed me with the Carbon Exterior Package (carbon accents in several places: $4,800); the Premium Package (special Bang & Olufsen sound system, beautiful leather accents: $4,500); the Sport Exhaust Package (choice of sounds, different exhaust pipes and tips, and special steering wheel: $3,600); and a few more goodies, which brought the price of “my” ride to $189,690. Is it worth it? I sure think so, as you get a brilliant design, terrific performance, flexibility in how aggressive or laid-back you want your ride to be at any given moment, and the convenience of a quick-change convertible top. I’m sold.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF AUDI OF AMERICA