It is almost a given that the new generation Audi R8 will eventually spawn a number of different variants, beginning with a drop-top version called the Spyder. To be launched about a year after the hardtop hits the market, the 2017 Audi R8 Spyder will look something like what you see here in this rendering.

Granted, it isn’t that different from the existing Audi R8 Spyder, but that is not the designer’s fault. The new R8 looks pretty much the same as the old one, save the new headlights, slightly revised grille and bumpers, and new graphic for the taillights. It is a somewhat disappointing design, not in the sense that it’s ugly, but because we were expecting more profound changes.

Audi has evidently played it safe with the new R8, fearing they might ruin their successful recipe by adding too much spice to it. Thing is, after ten years of being served the same old dish, we would have welcomed a change in taste. At any rate, this is what it looks like and we have to live with it.

Chances are the new Audi R8 Spyder will get the same engine lineup as the coupe, meaning it will launch with the V10 engine, with a V8 and possibly a hybrid V6 to be added later. It is not clear yet if the e-tron version will also be offered as a Spyder or not.

Rendering by X-Tomi Design