Published: Jun 13, 2012

Audi R8 GT Spyder Tested at Silverstone

Audi’s most expensive road car is taken to Silverstone to see how much better it is than the standard R8 Spyder.

The R8 GT Spyder is the most expensive Audi ever built. In the US, pricing has been set at $212,000; so $50,000 more than the standard R8 Spyder on which it's based. Even if you had the means, good luck getting one. Only 333 units are scheduled to be built globally, and just 50 of them will be sent stateside. Auto Express decided to take the superb GT Spyder to Silverstone, essentially to work out whether even if you had the extra $50,000, would it be money well spent?

Power comes from a 5.2-liter V10 with direct-injection for total of 560hp. Combined with the reduced weight and increased performance, the R8 GT Spyder can go from 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 197 mph. In comparison to the standard R8 V10 Spyder, the GT Spyder's weight has been reduced by 85kg.

The engine is composed of ultra-light magnesium and the cover over the soft-top compartment and large rear side panels are made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. There's also a carbon fiber fixed rear spoiler that provides the required downforce to the rear axle and the car gets carbon ceramic brakes. With all cars apparently already sold, Audio won't care one iota about this review and what anyone else has to say about their supercar.