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  The goods news is that the V8 Spyder is about $80,000 cheaper, but still costs a bomb at $300,400.

The Audi has added a V8-powered Spyder to its R8 lineup.

The Audi R8 Spyder's 4.2-litre FSI engine produces 316kW of power, compared with the V10 version with 386kW or the GT version with 412kW.

Even with the V8 aboard it still does the dash in 4.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 300 km/h.

The compact V8 which weighs just 216kg is hand-assembled at the engine factory in Gyor, Hungary.

The engine is mated to a six-speed manual or R tronic sequential manual gearbox, with all-wheel drive standard.

The goods news is that the V8 Spyder is about $80,000 cheaper, but still costs a bomb at $300,400.

The 4.2 Spyder which arrives in the middle of the year will feature a similarly high level of equipment to coupe.

These include the following highlights:

19-inch 5-twin spoke design alloy wheels
Audi magnetic ride
Audi parking system advance with rear view camera
Metallic paint
Xenon headlights with LED daytime driving lights
Sport seats upholstered in Alcantara leather
Wind breaker.