2023 Audi R8 Spyder: Review, Trims, Specs, Price, New Interior Features, Exterior Design, and Specifications

$171,000 - $222,100

Price Range (MSRP)

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2023 Audi R8 Spyder Review: The Supercar Drop-Top You Can Live With

by Michael Butler

The Audi R8 Spider is the drop-top version of the brand's successful R8 supercar. It not only looks more dramatic but the sound of that wonderful V10 is further amplified. With the roof down and that 562-horsepower naturally-aspirated V10 engine howling behind your ear, there is little that can match this car for drama in the price range. If you go for the quattro all-wheel-drive variant, it makes 602 hp and needs only 3.2 seconds for the 0-60 run. The R8 shares its underpinnings with the equally brilliant Lamborghini Huracan, which means you get capable handling, although the R8 Spyder has been tuned to be more forgiving. The drop-top does little to impact overall performance, but competitors such as the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet are ultimately better to drive at the limit. Viewed as the ultimate daily supercar driver, you won't miss the capability of some of the Audi R8 Spyder's competitors. And, with production of the R8 ending after 2023, this is one of your last chances to get hold of a non-electrified supercar from Audi.

Read in this review:

Exterior Design 10 /10
Performance 10 /10
Fuel Economy 6 /10
Interior & Cargo 10 /10
Infotainment & Features 9 /10
Reliability 9 /10
Safety 8 /10
Value For Money 9 /10

8.9

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2023 Audi R8 Spyder Changes: 🚙What’s The Difference vs 2022 R8 Spyder?

Although Audi will bid farewell to the R8 with a GT coupe, that's not the case for the Spyder which won't receive a GT variant. To that end, no major changes have been introduced for the R8 Spyder for this model year.

In our review of the Audi R8 Spyder, we'll see why no changes were necessary - this is a memorable supercar and a fine farewell to the ICE era at the top of Audi's range.

Pros and Cons

Stealthy, dramatic looks
Unhinged V10 growl
Refined interior
Good steering feedback
Comfortable ride for a car of this nature
One of the last of its kind

Misses out on most of Audi's driver safety aids
Limited cargo space
Other supercars feel more confident at the limit

2023 Audi R8 Spyder Trims

See trim levels and configurations:

Trim	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain	Price (MSRP)
5.2 V10 performance RWD	5.2L V10 Gas	7-Speed Automatic	Rear-Wheel Drive	$171,000
5.2 V10 performance quattro	5.2L V10 Gas	7-Speed Automatic	All-Wheel Drive	$222,100

See All 2023 Audi R8 Spyder Trims and Specs

2023 R8 Spyder Exterior

Audi

See All 2023 Audi R8 Spyder Exterior Photos

Dimensions

Length 174.4 in
Wheelbase 104.3 in
Height 48.9 in
Max Width 76.4 in
Front Width 64.8 in
Rear Width 63.0 in
Curb Weight 3,847.0 lbs

Exterior Colors

Florett Silver Metallic/Black Roof +$595
Kemora Gray Metallic/Black Roof +$595
Mythos Black Metallic/Black Roof +$595
Suzuka Gray Metallic/Black Roof +$595
Daytona Gray Pearl Effect/Black Roof +$595
Tango Red Metallic/Black Roof +$595
Ascari Blue Metallic/Black Roof +$595
Ara Blue Crystal Effect/Black Roof +$1,095
Ibis White/Black Roof
Vegas Yellow/Black Roof

2023 R8 Spyder Performance

Audi

Engine and Transmission

Engine

5.2L V10 Gas
Transmission

7-Speed Automatic
Drivetrains

AWD, RWD

2023 Audi R8 Spyder Handling And Driving Impressions

The 2023 Audi R8 Spyder is a capable car in standard hardtop configuration, but even with a tin top, it is focused more on delivering a sporty yet comfortable ride and doesn't go all out on track-day handling. Add a drop-top, and the R8 Spyder becomes an even more relaxed car to drive. When we say relaxed, it should be taken in context: this is still a supercar with crisp responses and grip aplenty. The adaptive suspension does an excellent job of smoothing over some of the USA's harsher roads and stiffens up a treat when placed in a sporty driving mode. The steering is direct and offers good feedback, as do the brakes. Dynamic steering is available optionally, but when pushed hard on the track, the R8 stops short of the fluidity and confidence inherent in its Porsche rival. That's not to say that the Audi is remotely sloppy, but if it's the most dynamic drop-top you're after, this isn't it.

What the Porsche lacks is the sonorous soundtrack of the Audi's V10. Making up to 602 hp, it sounds wonderful, provides shattering acceleration, and has the progressive power delivery that is the mark of a naturally aspirated mill.

2023 R8 Spyder Interior

Audi

See All 2023 Audi R8 Spyder Interior Photos

Seating and Interior Space

Seating capacity

2-seater

Front Head Room 38.5 in

2023 R8 Spyder Trunk and Cargo Space

Audi

Trunk Volume

4 ft³

2023 R8 Spyder Safety and Reliability

Warranty

Basic:
4 Years \ 50,000 Miles
Drivetrain:
4 Years \ 50,000 Miles
Corrosion:
12 Years \ Unlimited Miles
Roadside Assistance:
4 Years \ Unlimited Miles

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.

Verdict: 🏁Is The 2023 Audi R8 Spyder A Good Car?

The new Audi R8 Spyder proves that you don't have to sacrifice comfort when buying a supercar, and 0-60 mph times and Nurburgring lap times aren't that supercar ownership is about. In fact, the Audi R8 Spyder teaches us that driving a super cool-looking V10 supercar can actually be enjoyable on a daily basis. The second-generation R8 Spyder looks better than ever before and sounds just as good, thanks to that gem of a V10 engine which doesn't rely on either electrification or forced induction to work its magic. The standard adaptive suspension makes it a pleasure to drive in the city and on the highway, and the interior is both refined and packaged with tech. Yes, the handling is not best in class, and there is little cargo space to speak of, but these are small sacrifices for what has to be the most comfortable drop-top supercar around.