The open-top version of Audi's R8 range-topping coupe has been caught virtually undisguised in Germany near, where else, the Nurburgring. Were it not for the flat-black paint, the Audi R8 Spyder (an official name has yet to be announced) could easily be mistaken for a production car. The Audi R8 convertible's canvas roof looks to have forced the removal of the R8's signature off-color side body panels and a redesign of the engine cover was also apparently necessary. The fuel filler cap has also been moved onto the rear quarter panel from its original position on the long B-pillar. For safety, rollover protection bars have been added, though these are not visible unless the top is down. Audi may also add air intakes located behind the seats and the chassis is said to have been strengthened to improve rigidity. With the roof up, the convertible has a very similar shape to the coupe, especially when viewed from the side. The R8's 420 horsepower 317 pound-feet 4.2-liter V-8 should be unchanged for the convertible. The upcoming V-10 variant of the R8, which is expected to make its debut in October at the Paris Motor Show, will debut as a coupe and may remain so, but it is possible it may also come in ragtop form, as the vehicles are more or less the same other than the obvious engine difference.
