The article was originally produced on 2 July 2018, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

The experience in a convertible on a lovely summer day ranks high on the favorite list. With the sound of the V10 engine in the Audi R8 Spyder, this is easily one of the best experiences on four wheels.

The R8 model came in 2006 and was the first super sports car from Audi with a mid-mounted engine. The concept, named Le Mans, was shown at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show.

In the beginning it was a V8 of 4.2 liters but in 2008 Lamborghini’s 5.2 liter V10 engine found its way into the R8n. The same engine found in the model Gallardo which was the first model Lamborghini produced under the new ownership of Audi.

R8 and Gallardo also share a lot of other technology and you could go so far as to say that it is largely the same car under the skin. But what differs apart from the design is that the Gallardo is a bit sharper in character than the R8. In addition to the models that were available for sale on the market, some fun concepts have been made on the R8.

Among other things, a version with a V12 diesel and an electrified version called e-Tron. The former never came into production as cooling for the V12 diesel was not successful. The electric version, on the other hand, was completely ready for production, but Audi pulled the handbrake when it was not considered that battery production was developing at the pace it had hoped for.

In addition to concept and production cars, a number of racing versions have been built and most of the cars before the motorsport world are worth winning with these models. In 2015, the second generation of the R8 arrived and was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show. In 2016 and at the New York Auto Show, the roofless version was shown with the suffix Spyder in the name.

The engine in the R8 Spyder has been updated over the years and now the output of the 5.2 liter V10 engine is a whopping 610 horsepower. Zero to hundred is completed in just 3.3 seconds and the top speed is reached when the meters show 328 kilometers per hour.

The power from the engine is sent to all wheels via a double clutch box. The difference from previous generations with an old and outdated robotic gearbox is huge. Now the changes take place sleeplessly and incredibly efficiently, regardless of the load you put it under.

But enough about performance and technology now, it’s the experience that comes when you press the button and let the fabric roof fold down. In just 20 seconds, the roof is lowered and this can be done at speeds of up to 50 km/h. To get the total experience, it’s not really enough to simply fold down the roof.

You must also set the car’s driving program from Normal to Dynamic Drive. This is where the car’s character changes from calm and composed to hot-tempered and wild. Dampers open in the exhaust system so the magnificent sound of the V10 engine flows freely through the trapezoidal tailpipes. When downshifting, it slams and gives such an extremely sporty feeling that you get goosebumps.

Every tunnel that you pass is fully enjoyed when the sound is absolutely roaring as you let the engine rev up. Although the car is equipped with a very good-sounding system from Bang & Olufsen, this is not the sound you prefer in an Audi R8 Spyder, no the sound you want is the V10 when it sings its highest notes. It is like silk for the soul if you are oriented in this direction.

The question is, of course, how much longer will we get to enjoy these slightly unnecessary and in the long run rather politically incorrect engines. A question that right now feels very distant, because my brain can only do one thing and that is to continue enjoying the sound of the Audi R8 V10 Spyder at full power on a hot summer day.

Audi R8 Spyder Plus

Basic price	From SEK 1,726,000
Engine	5.2-liter mid-mounted V10, 610 hp. Torque 560 Nm
Transmission	Rear engine, 8-speed automatic, dual clutch, AWD
Acceleration	0-100 in 3.3 seconds
Top speed	328 km/h
Fuel consumption mixed driving according to the manufacturer	About 1.28 l/mile
Weight	1,587 kg
Guarantees	New car 2 years, wagon damage 3 years, 12 years rust
Web	www.audi.se