Key facts:
Model tested: Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI V10 Quattro
Price: £110,915
Date tested: September 2010
Road tester: Stuart Milne

It's hard to improve on the thrills offered by the Audi R8 coupe. Its poise, build quality and looks make it one of the finest supercars currently available.

But Audi has now taken the roof off its supercar to create the Audi R8 Spyder, providing an even more visceral experience.

The Spyder V10 is offered with the Lamborghini-derived 5.2-litre V10 engine from the Gallardo. It's an excellent place to start, with a colossal 525bhp on tap.

Zero to 62mph takes just 4.1 seconds, with 124mph arriving in 12.4 seconds. Top speed is a heavyweight 194mph.

Impressive figures however you look at them, but the on-paper figures can't describe the R8 Spyder's violent assault on the senses. The howl from the V10 engine is one of the best noises in the world, and the occupants are packed tightly into the seat backs under its relentless acceleration.

Manual versions feature a metal gear gate, reminiscent of Ferrari. It feels clumsy at first, but skill and experience is required to slot the gearstick making every shift an experience. A semi-automatic R Tronic gearbox is also available, but doesn't feel as special.

Race car-style carbon ceramic brakes are available as a costly option, but for regular fast road use, the standard setup is more than adequate, offering a firm and positive feel through the pedal and fearsome stopping power.

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Handling is near-perfect. The steering is ultra-responsive, and ideally weighted. There's immense grip from the wide tyres and quattro four wheel drive system and there's virtually no body roll.

Helping this is some under-floor aerodynamics and a rear spoiler which pops up automatically at speed. The ride is good too, but a little firmer than the coupe.

The cabin makes the most of the R8 Spyder's easy-to-live-with demeanour, with comfortable seats, an excellent driving position and a well-built dashboard.

There's a fair degree of wind buffeting at motorway speeds making it difficult to have a conversation, but at a more modest pace, the small, retractable glass screen behind the driver's head is sufficient to block most of the wind. Less impressive is the storage space - you'll need to travel light for a weekend away.

The £111,000 R8 Spyder is reasonably well equipped, but you'll still need to rely on the options list for things like cruise control. A semi-automatic gearbox is a £5,000 option, but we prefer the manual.

Among the standard kit are 19-inch alloys, a Bang & Olufsen stereo, sat-nav, electric heated sports seats, LED headlights, nappa leather upholstery and climate control.

Despite the Spyder's considerable abilities, enthusiasts looking for the final ten per cent of driving ability should choose the coupe. But for supercar fans who love the idea of open top motoring, the R8 Spyder is a no-compromise choice.