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Video: The Smoking Tire drives Stasis’ 710-hp Audi R8 Spyder

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Videos, Audi

Matt Farah The Smoking Tire Stasis Audi R8

The Smoking Tire’s Matt Farah spends some time with the 710 hp Stasis R8 – Click above to watch video after the jump

Matt Farah gets his mitts on tons of great rides, and we’re thankful that he puts them on camera for us all to enjoy. This time around, Matt was handed the keys to Stasis’ Audi R8 Spyder. The crew at Stasis set to work on the 5.2-liter roadster, adding a supercharger, suspension upgrades, larger wheels and an exhaust that breathes a little easier. The result is a 710-horsepower ragtop rocketship. The car seems to be so much fun to drive that Farah is often reduced to uncontrollable giggles. But seriously, who can blame him? We’d likely have the same reaction.

Hop the jump to watch Matt Farah have some canyon-carving fun courtesy of the Stasis Audi R8.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: The Smoking Tire drives Stasis’ 710-hp Audi R8 Spyder

Video: The Smoking Tire drives Stasis’ 710-hp Audi R8 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Dec 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Are you a production-bound Porsche 918 Spyder teaser?

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Europe, Porsche, Design/Style

Porsche 918 Spyder Clay Model

Porsche 918 Spyder Clay Model – Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche may have inadvertently given us our best glimpse yet at the upcoming production version of the company’s 918 Spyder. The German sports car manufacturer has announced its intention to invest mountains of cash in its Weissach facility, and has released a bevy of images from inside the studio walls to mark the occasion. Tucked among the images of designers furiously sketching away and engineers toying with crash-test dummies is one very interesting shot of a 918 clay model. Of particular interest is that single, massive side-exit exhaust nestled behind the passenger door; clearly a different design from the double-stacked tips of the concept. Could this be a 1:3 scale clay of the future production car? Or is it just an older take on the 918 that predates the eventual showcar? We won’t know one way or the other until the eventual production car makes its debut.

Porsche says that it intends to invest €150 million (around $202M USD) in its Weissach facility through the addition of a new wind tunnel. Additionally, the company plans to open a new state-of-the-art design center and what it calls an “electronic-integration center.” We aren’t positive, but our guess is that portion of the facility will play a big role in the Porsche hybrid program moving forward. Hit the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: Porsche Weissarch Research and Development

[Source: Porsche]

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Are you a production-bound Porsche 918 Spyder teaser? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, Lamborghini

2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante

2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante – Click above for high-res image gallery

Lamborghini didn’t commandeer a space at the LA Auto Show itself, preferring to host an exclusive gathering across town for the reveal of the Gallardo Spyder Performante. As usual, even though we’re speaking of a subtly tweaked Gallardo Spyder whose finest revelations couldn’t even be seen, it was worth the trip.

The lightweight droptop sheds more than 140 pounds versus the standard offering, and gains a meaner visage to make its point. The eye candy that could be seen – additional eye candy, that is – was wrapped in Alcantara and carbon fiber, and would you get a look at those tailpipes…

In fact, enough with the words – feast your eyes on the gallery of high-res photos below live from Lambo’s exclusive party. You can read more details about the car in the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: LA 2010: Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante

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LA 2010: Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How Audi created the e-tron Spyder

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Paris Motor Show, Audi, Electric, Luxury

Making the Audi e-tron Spyder – Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi has pulled back the covers on how it created the e-tron Spyder for the Paris Motor Show, and it’s giving us a rare glimpse into what went on behind the scenes. It took five months to turn the sketches into the Paris runway beauty, and Audi tells the story from the viewpoint of the designers modeling and how they balance styling with feasibility. Much of it was, of course, hand made, but even then it went beyond Audi’s show-car usual, such as building wheels each containing 66 individual parts.

Not surprisingly, the tale begins like a superhero fable – “It is a functional, rectangular building with a gray facade – a hall like thousands of others in the industrial parks dotting our cities…” – and you’ll find the details after the jump.

Gallery: Making the Audi e-tron Spyder

[Source: Audi]

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How Audi created the e-tron Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Oct 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche considering new model between 911 and 918 Spyder?

Filed under: Performance, Porsche, Luxury

Porsche badge

Porsche – which currently offers the Boxster/Cayman twins, umpteen different variations of the 911, the Cayenne SUV and the Panamera sedan – is endlessly rumored to be considering more models. Most often, speculation seems to revolve around another nameplate to slot in below the entry-level Boxster, and certainly that’s still a distinct possibility. We already know a smaller ‘ute called the Cajun is (probably) on its way, along with the show-stopping 918 Spyder.

But Porsche chief Matthias Müller has apparently hinted that he sees room between the 911 and the upcoming range-topping 918. It seems that the high(ish)-end sports car would be based on existing components, which makes us wonder if it could possibly be a mid-engine car on the 918’s platform that eschews that car’s hybrid configuration for something more traditional… a flat-six from the 911, perhaps?

Whatever the case, Porsche’s plans call on sales of roughly 150,000 units per year, which is nearly double what the marque manged to sell last year. Considering that each of Porsche’s current models sell at a pretty decent clip for their individual classes, that much of an increase is likely certain to come from new machines in new segments. We just have a hard time seeing Porsche do anything that might diminish the relevance of the 911 range.

[Source: Autoweek.nl]

Porsche considering new model between 911 and 918 Spyder? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First images of Audi e-tron Spyder leak out?

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Audi, Electric, Luxury

Audi e-Tron Spyder sketch – Click above for image gallery

We aren’t sure of the provenance and we have no information beyond the images, but these could be the first sketches of the oft-rumored Audi e-Tron Spyder that’s supposedly set to debut at the Paris Motor Show. As you’d expect, this convertible creature appears to be based on the design of the e-Tron Concept shown at the Detroit Auto Show this year, not the original concept shown in Frankfurt. Still, no word on the powerplant involved, but if it is headed for production expect a run of 1,000 units in 2012. Hit the gallery for a few more images.

Gallery: Audi e-Tron Spyder sketches

[Source: Caradisiac (translated)]

First images of Audi e-tron Spyder leak out? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 15:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Porsche, Reviews, Luxury, Racing

A playful companion with razor-sharp claws

2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder – Click above for high-res image gallery

“More for Less.” It’s the call to prayer of every car salesman to ever don a plaid jacket. Guys with sturdy names like Wally and Chuck would stop dead in their tracks and tell Porsche “Pal, this Boxster Spyder thing, you’re all upside-down.” You see, with the 2011 Boxster Spyder, Porsche has inverted the polarity on “more for less.” You pay more but get less.

The Boxster Spyder has a high-performance mission: It’s a race car that doesn’t need a trailer. Porsche undertook a lightening program that started with a Boxster S and stripped a slew of equipment, lowered the suspension 3/4 of an inch and substituted aluminum for steel where possible in the body. One-hundred seventy-six pounds later, you’ve got a Boxster Spyder; lighter, lower, sharper. Has it worked for Porsche to go the Lotus route of obsessive weight reduction? Find out after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder

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Review: 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi UK offering upgraded 4.2L V8 for R8 Spyder

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Audi, UK, Luxury

Audi R8 Spyder 4.2 V8

Audi R8 4.2 Spyder – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Euro-spec Audi R8 Spyder will soon be available with a more powerful version of the automaker’s 4.2-liter V8 engine. The EU5-approved FSI unit gets ten more horses, going from 420 to 430 horsepower. It also gets an energy recuperation system that comes into effect during coasting and braking. The run from zero to 62 miles per hour takes 4.8 seconds, and a 186-mph top speed is possible “in the appropriate circumstances” (i.e., out on the Autobahn).

For the six-speed manual you’ll need £95,545 ($147,759 USD based on current exchange rates), while the not-so-great R-Tronic will require £100,855 ($155,966 USD). The hardtop R8 will also be getting this upgraded engine, and both will be available in January of next year. Don’t worry – the new engine will be coming to the U.S., as well. The press release on Audi UK’s new V8 is after the jump, and high-res photos are in the gallery below.

Gallery: More powerful UK Audi R8 4.2

[Source: Audi]

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Audi UK offering upgraded 4.2L V8 for R8 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Audi R8 V10 Spyder

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Audi, First Drive, Luxury

The Idiot’s Guide To Driving Gorgeously Quick

2011 Audi R8 V10 Spyder front view

2011 Audi R8 Spyder – Click above for high-res image gallery

Chas Murphy, until recently the U.S. product manager for Audi’s TT, R8 and RS sports cars, said of the R8 V10 Spyder: “You have to drive the car. It can’t be put into words.” Well, we drove it over the hills and through the woods of the Cleveland (Cali, not Ohio) National Forest, and we can put it into words. Rather, we can put it into one word: unfair.

The ways in which the R8 V10 Spyder is unfair leave us thoroughly taken with this open-air supercar and yet a little melancholy. You see, as good as the R8 V10 Spyder is – and there’s no doubt about that – when you look at it, what you behold is the dumbing down of driving civilization. On the upside, this particular kind of dumb is among the most rewarding, outstanding kinds of idiocy you could ever hope to achieve. Find out what we mean after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Audi R8 V10 Spyder: First Drive

2011 Audi R8 V10 Spyder

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First Drive: 2011 Audi R8 V10 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche 918 Spyder to get more power when it reaches production?

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Porsche

Porsche 918 Spyder – Click above for high-res image gallery

What could be better than a mid-engine Porsche with a 500-horsepower 3.4-liter V8 and an additional 218 ponies courtesy of a pair of electric motors? More power, obviously. And that’s exactly what a report from Autocar alleges is going to take place for the upcoming 918 Spyder. According to the report, Porsche is said to be enlarging the displacement of the gas-swilling engine in order to extract more grunt from the mill.

The Brit pubs goes on to posit that the production 918 Spyder, which was first seen moving under its own power at Pebble Beach, will sport both soft and hard tops along with a somewhat beefier front end in order to provide adequate crash resistance. Also, somewhat predictably, the concept’s 22-inch wheels are very likely to be downsized and the side exhausts may be rerouted to the rear when the hybrid supercar hits the market.

Assuming all goes according to schedule, Porsche is said to be planning a run of about 1,200 918 Spyders, each costing over $625,000 (£400,000) when it finally goes on sale sometime around 2014.

Gallery: Monterey 2010: Porsche 918 Spyder at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Porsche 918 Spyder concept in Monterey

Porsche 918 Spyder to get more power when it reaches production? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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