Audi continues to expand its vehicle range filling every possible niche in the market. After the recent debut of the A6 Avant, today, the Ingolstadt-based automaker revealed the convertible version of its hardcore R8 GT coupe, which was launched as a limited edition model in 2010 with only 333 cars being produced. The new R8 GT Spyder follows the same recipe featuring a more powerful V10 engine and a lighter body.

Power comes from an updated version of the standard car’s 5.2-liter V10 engine with a modified ECU that helps lift output from 525HP and 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) to 560HP and 540 Nm (398.28 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500 rpm. An R tronic sequential manual transmission and Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with a strong rear-wheel bias completes the setup.

The open-air model rides on a tweaked suspension with aluminium double wishbones, and new set of 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/35 tires up front and 295/30 tires at the rear. The R8 GT Spyder also comes equipped with The large, lightweight carbon-fibre ceramic brake discs and an Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) that can be deactivated entirely.

Audi’s engineers managed to shave 85kg (187.39 lb) over the standard R8 V10 Spyder through the use of carbon fiber parts for certain parts of the body (5.5 kg or 12.13 lb).) and lighter components in the powertrain and interior. However, more than a third of the gains came from the new racing bucket seats that saved 31.5 kg (69.45 lb) of weight.

All these changes help the convertible accelerate from 0 to 62mph (100km/h) in 3.8 seconds (down from the standard R8 V10 Spyder’s 4.1 seconds) and reach a top speed of 317 km/h (197 mph).

Visual modifications on the outside include additional contrasting titanium grey trim elements, a front splitter with a dual lip, flics at the sides of the front bumper, red GT badges, round exhaust tailpipes, an enlarged diffuser and dark LED tail lights in a clear-glass design. Audi also offers an optional windscreen frame in matte CFRP.

Inside, the cabin is finished in black and can be trimmed in a choice of titanium gray or crimson red with Alcantara upholstery coming as standard and leather as optional.

Production of the R8 GT Spyder will be limited to 333 units with prices in Germany starting from €207,800 (about US$300,500). Ordering will begin later this summer ahead of first customer deliveries early next year.

Given the huge price difference between Audi’s two core sports coupe models, the mainstream TT and the niche R8, it doesn’t come to much of a surprise that many tuners have tried to offer the first a taste of the latter, both in terms of performance and styling. In the case of Project Kahn’s newest tuning take on the Audi TT, the goal was to flavor the small coupe with some R8 seasoning.

Called the TR8, the styling package comprehends the TT’s exterior design with a new body kit that includes new front and back vented bumpers in an R8 look with mesh inserts, a front grille, R8 style side blades and a rear spoiler. There’s also a new stainless steel four-pipe exhaust system, a front lower bumper lip in billet steel finish and door mirrors in a billet steel finish.

The lowered sports suspension springs, and the multispoke 20 -inch RSV alloy wheels round off the car’s look.

Project Kahn says it also offers solutions to customize the TT’s interior with numerous bespoke options.

After the 710HP Audi R8 V10 we told you about earlier this year, American aftermarket specialists at STaSIS Engineering introduced to the UK another upgrade for the German sports car, albeit this time for the V8-powered model. At 540HP, the Audi R8 V8 Challenge Extreme Edition has 120 more horsepower than the standard V8 model and 15 more horsepower than the V10 factory version. STaSIS says the car also features an upgraded suspension response and handling abilities.

The increase in power is due mainly to the fitting of an Eaton / Magnusson TVS 1900 supercharger, but also to an independent charge cooler system and an ECU remap. The force-fed V8 now pushes out 540 horsepower and 435 lb-ft (590 Nm) of torque, up from 350 lb-ft (475 Nm).

STaSIS also added a stainless steel, cross-flow exhaust system with reduced back pressure for improved power and efficiency. To improve handling, the car features lower springs while retaining the factory-installed “Drive Select” system. Other changes include larger brakes and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels fitted with high performance low profile tires.

The 28% power boost combined with an increase in weight of only 15 kilograms (33 lbs) over the stock Audi R8 V8, offers improved acceleration figures with 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) coming in 3.6 seconds, 0.8 seconds faster than the factory model. It is also faster than the standard V10 version, which accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.

The STaSIS Challenge Extreme Edition R8 V8 is available to buy as a complete package or as separate individual upgrades from the UK STaSIS agent network and from APS of Brackley. Prices have not yet been announced.

By Dan Mihalascu