Having two issues right now with my car, it is at the workshop:
1. At speeds around 200-240 kph, the ESP light comes on (flickering) without any particular reason (straight road, dry, warm temperatures, tire pressure OK) when I drive full throttle. I can also feel how the power drops a little bit, the ESP is definitely "working". It happens after around 30 km of driving, so when the engine/tires are warm.
I was able to reproduce this issue on my way to the dealership but unfortunately my mechanic turned off the engine (I specifically told him not to do that and to read out the ECU for errors) because he said that the latest errors are saved into the car's key(!). Now surprise, surprise...no errors, so now they have to check with Audi what is going on. Mechanics are not allowed to do more than 200 kph on the Autobahn in these cars (order from the general manager) and there was no ESP issue mentioned in the internal Audi information system. Will know more on Friday...hopefully.
2. The brakes make a loud "clanking" noise when driving slow and braking suddenly, especially when going in reverse (parking). Apparently this is a well known issue, there are new brake pads available. I will get new brake pads for free (they were due anyway, lucky me...) in the process, so this issue should be gone.
They gave me a R8 V10 Spyder loaner as a replacement for my R8 and since the weather is very nice over here in Bavaria (sunny, over 30°C), I really enjoy this car.
A few observations regarding the R8 V10 Spyder vs. the Coupe V10 Plus:
1. Power feel is very similar but the Plus version feels as if it has a bit more torque in every rev range and it feels as if it revs more free at higher rev figures (up to the red line).
2. Chassis feel is pretty similar to my Plus version but in tight turns, it lacks a certain rigidity/go-kart like feel. Probably related to the smaller diameter stabilizer bars on the non-Plus version.
3. Surprisingly, the V10 Plus Coupe sounds better (in my opinion) when both windows are open. Due to the nature of the Spyder, the sound is of course louder, especially at revs over 5000 rpm. Not by much though, what surprised me again. Overall, there is no justification to get the Spyder only because of the sound.
4. I managed to achieve a 30 l / 100 km fuel consumption on my way home (Autobahn, full throttle but not over 270 kph). Never saw more than 26 l / 100 km in my R8 Coupe, which is weird. Maybe related to worse aerodynamics? (I drove with an open top on the Autobahn).
5. Gearbox is a tiny bit slower than on the Plus model (Performance mode DRY, Plus model aggressively exchanges gears, it is amazing), a bit more "comfortable" (Performance mode DRY).
6. Compared to my 991.1 C4 GTS Cabriolet, the R8 V10 Spyder sucks regarding the open top experience. Yes, the R8 feels more raw with an open top, the air circulates around you inside the car and it feels very nice and exposed to nature but if you aren't bald and/or you have a girlfriend/wife with you in the car, forget about your hairstyle. There will be none, even after a short drive. I tried everything: With the windows up, with he wind deflector up (does this thing have any effect???), no chance. At speeds over 50(!) kph, your hairstyle is gone. In my 991.1 C4 GTS Cabriolet, with the windows and the wind deflector up, you can drive at speeds up to 120 or even faster without having to worry about your hairstyle.
7. Rigidity of the Spyder is top notch, no chassis noises or similar stuff, the car feels rocksolid.
Conclusion: If you really like the Spyder, it is a very nice sportscar but you don't really need it. Unlike with other cars, the Coupe (with open windows) sounds as good as the Spyder, almost no difference.
I also like the Spyder non-Plus version because of that clean rear without rear wing but it is sad you cannot see the engine.
My dealer offered me the Spyder for 1200 EUR (incl. VAT) per month without down payment, amazing offer for this kind of car. It seems that the R8 still sells very slow but apparently Audi doesn't care.
Oh...the V6 Biturbo has been postponed apparently...for whatever reason.
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RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 991 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet (2015), Porsche Cayenne S Diesel (2017), Audi R8 V10 Plus (2016), Mini JCW (2015)