Audi started testing the facelifted R8 on public
roads earlier this year, with the coupé version being the first to take to the
streets. Now it’s time to take a look at the more desirable R8 Spyder version
as it’s taken out of Audi’s facilities to stretch its legs on the open road.
The spy photos appear to have been made in
Germany. That makes sense, although the sunny weather isn’t that typical for
Audi’s home country. Neither are right-hand drive cars, but someone has to test
those as well.
The test driver certainly took advantage of the
situation and put the top down to make the most of the route he was embarking
on. As with the R8 Coupé spotted earlier this year, the drop-top version will
adopt revised front and rear ends for 2019.
Those are the only areas heavily
covered by camouflage foil, with the wheel arches and fenders also getting
their share of the psychedelic wrap. In true Audi tradition, we don’t expect
the styling changes to be significant.
At the front, a closer look reveals a more
aggressive design for the grille and modified air intakes. The rear end adopts
a full-width mesh grille, massive diffuser, and huge tailpipes, with the latter
indicating the prototype might be the rumored R8 GT Spyder. The camouflage on
the sides of the car suggests some changes to the skirts and wheel arches as
well.
The refreshed R8 will carry on with the naturally
aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine, which might get boosted to around 640
horsepower on the GT models, similar to the Lamborghini Huracan Performante.
Expect Audi to launch the facelifted R8 before the end of the year.
