Audi unveils R8 GT Spyder

Assembled ranks of Internet, meet the Audi R8 GT Spyder: the hardest iteration of Ingolstadt's open-topped supercar.

Sound familiar? That's because this time last year Audi revealed to us the coupe version of the GT, and the makeover is exactly the same. The R8 GT Spyder gets lightened to the tune of 85kg, via carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) side and rear panels, CFRP front/rear spoilers and rear bumper, lightened transmission, wheels and brakes, and special bucket seats that save 31.5kg alone.

See more pics of the Audi R8 GT Spyder

The engine has also been fed through Audi's Bertha-style enhancer, weighing in at 552bhp (up from 520bhp) and will do the 0-62mph dash in 3.8 seconds before steaming off into the horizon at a 197mph. Mercedes SLS roadster, are you paying attention?

As before, you get rear-biased four-wheel-drive together with a standard-fit six-speed R tronic ‘box with launch control. This can help embarrass drivers of lesser cars into rethinking their life choices through a rather fizzy standing start, as well as blow-drying your scalp.

And so the question falls: with just 333 models being produced, would you opt for the hardened R8 Spyder or the SLS roadster? Decisions, decisions...