I had a 30 mile drive in a brand new R8 V10 Spyder yesterday in about 5C but dry weather. Following are impressions only based on this short acquaintance.
The engine was absolute magic; the responsiveness, the very free revving nature of the engine, and the sounds it made. I actually preferred the exhaust setting in standard (Car has sport exhaust) as there is more granularity to the sound rather just volume.
I thought the magento suspension pretty good too, allowing the car to grip and handle on bumpy UK roads.Car has the 20" wheels.
It felt light but somehow artificially so. While the suspension was doing wonderful things, I felt a sense of disconnection between what I was experiencing in the car, and what it was actually doing.
Most disappointing for me was the steering .. car has the dynamic steering (set to dynamic). While accurate, it felt a bit weird as resistance and response rate was a bit unpredictable. It was a bit too synthetic for me. It's like listening to a CD rather than being at the live performance.
I suspect the Coupe would be better. I would get a base V10 without the dynamic steering, the sport exhaust or the magneto suspension but with 19" forged wheels and ceramics for UK use.
I can't get over how amazing the engine is .. it was new and barely run in, so I only made a few forays into the upper regions on the rev range. I love that even in 3rd gear, you are not doing silly speeds at high revs.
Spyder very cramped .. I am 172cm and fit OK but there was about an inch between my seatback and the rear wall.
Dealer was desperate to sell me one of his stock Spyders -- they have 7 in their dealer group of about 5 showrooms (they had 3 in the showroom I was in; black, white and grey), and only 1 V10 Plus Coupe - ara blue (not a fan). all had the 20" wheels. Spyders not selling probably due to weather.
Apparently, if I order now, it's September production -- very likely a lie as they were desperate to sell me a stock car.