What Car? News

Renault Alpine A 110-50 unveiled

Fri, 25 May 2012 11:31:00 GMT

This is the Renault Alpine A 110-50, a new concept car that marks the 50th anniversary of the Alpine A110 and hints at a possible return of the French sports car brand.

Alpine is a Renault-owned brand which produced cars between 1955 and 1995. The A110-50 concept car's design draws on the company's previous models, but has also been strongly influenced by the Renault Dezir concept car that was unveiled in 2010.

Renault insiders have previously told us that the next Clio will be influenced by some of the Dezir's design.

The A110-50 has carbonfibre bodywork and 'scissor' doors. The 'half-domed' additional lights at the front are a nod to the original A110, while the engine is visible through the rear window.

Inside, there's a minimalist dashboard and a steering wheel that incorporates a colour information screen.

Senior management figures at Renault have long suggested that the Alpine brand could return - and the A110-50 uses proven technology that could easily be adapted for a low-volume production run. The concept uses the same platform as the Renault Megane Trophy race car and has a mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that develops 395bhp. Drive is to the rear wheels, through a six-speed gearbox that uses a pedal-operated clutch and paddle shifters.

A tie-in with Renaultsport - which has a history of producing high-performance cars in relatively small numbers - would make sense, particularly since the firm's factory in Dieppe is the former home of Alpine itself.

Leo Wilkinson

Our cars tested: weekly updates

Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

We put the What Car? fleet through the ultimate test - everyday life.

We’re a varied bunch of people, and drive each other's cars regularly, so we find out what the cars on test are like from a wide range of perspectives.

Each week we update our reports, giving you the insider track on what these cars are like to own.

Simply click on the links below to get the latest on our cars or scroll to the bottom to see video updates of our cars.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Run by Tom Webster, staff writer
Alfa Romeo Giulietta on test

Audi A1
Run by Rosie McMahon, data editor
Audi A1 on test

Ford Focus
Run by Adele Donaghie, managing editor
Ford Focus on test

Honda Civic
Run by Leo Wilkinson, deputy web editor
Honda Civic on test

Honda CR-Z
Run by Steve Huntingford, new cars editor
Honda CR-Z on test

Hyundai i40 Tourer
Run by Stephen Hopkins, art editor
Hyundai i40 on test

Jaguar XF
Run by Euan Doig, group production editor
Jaguar XF on test

Lexus CT200h
Run by Neil Williams, photographer
Lexus CT200h on test

Kia Picanto
Run by What Car? staff
Kia Picanto on test

Mercedes-Benz CLS
Run by Chas Hallett, editor-in-chief
Mercedes CLS on test

Mini Countryman
Run by What Car? staff
Mini Countryman on test

Mini Coupe
Run by Ivan Aistrop, content editor
Mini Coupe on test

Nissan Leaf
Run by What Car? staff
Nissan Leaf on test

Peugeot 508 SW
Run by Andrew Golby, publishing director
Peugeot 508 SW on test

Range Rover Evoque
Run by John McIlroy, magazine editor
Range Rover Evoque on test

Vauxhall Astra GTC
Run by Emma Butcher, consumer editor
Vauxhall Astra on test

Volkswagen Passat Estate
Run by Barnaby Jones, deputy production editor
Volkswagen Passat Estate on test

Used
Nissan Qashqai
Run by Rory White, used car reporter
Nissan Qashqai on test

Our cars: previous reports

BMW Alpina D3

Audi A2 on test

BMW 5 Series Touring

Citroen DS3

Ford S-Max

Hyundai ix35

Infiniti M30d

Jaguar XJ

Mazda CX-7

Nissan Juke on test

Peugeot 3008

Range Rover

Renault Megane Renaultsport

Seat Alhambra

Skoda Yeti

Vauxhall Astra Sport Tourer

Volkswagen Golf

Volvo S60

2012 BMW 640i Gran Coupe review

Fri, 25 May 2012 07:50:00 GMT

This is the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, which is either a sleeker, sportier 5 Series saloon or a four-door version of the 6 Series coupe, depending on your point of view.

Either way, it shares most of its mechanicals with both, and is BMW’s first stab at competing with the Audi A7 Sportback and Mercedes-Benz CLS.

We’ve already driven the diesel-powered 640d version, but this is our first test of the petrol-powered 640i.

The petrol engine in question is a turbocharged straight-six that is good for 320bhp and 332lb ft of torque. All that grunt makes it usefully quick, but average fuel economy is way off the diesel, where 36.2mpg plays 50.4mpg.

What’s the 2012 BMW 640i Gran Coupe like to drive?
The petrol Gran Coupe doesn’t feel as instantly punchy as the diesel, yet it’s hardly a slouch when the revs rise and is helped along by a super-smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox.

It also claws back lost ground by sounding more cultured than the diesel – especially when you put your foot down – and it can hang on to revs for longer. However, in reality there’s no need to work either engine hard.

Turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine develops 320bhp

In other respects, the 640i is much like the 640d, which means the car fits neatly between the 6 Series Coupe and the 5 Series saloon, feeling slightly softer and more refined than the former, but sharper than the latter.

It’s an annoyance that you have to pay extra for the Active Drive option fitted to our test car, though; in our experience this trick suspension system improves both ride comfort and handling considerably, and allows you to tailor the dampers to suit your mood and the road conditions.

With Dynamic Drive fitted, the Gran Coupe is a brilliant sports saloon

If you do have the trick Dynamic Drive dampers, the 6 Series Gran Coupe is a brilliant sports saloon that feels more agile and comfortable than an A7 or CLS.

What’s the 2012 BMW 640i Gran Coupe like inside?
The Gran Coupe shares much of its interior architecture with the 5 Series and 6 Series Coupe. Their cabins are amongst the best in the business, so that’s no bad thing.

Cabin shares much with the 5 Series and 6 Series Coupe

All of the switchgear is first class, especially the latest version of iDrive, which remains one of the most intuitive infotainment control systems around.

The Gran Coupe also scores well for fit and finish; the leathers, woods and plastics are more than a match for anything the A7 and CLS have to offer.

Up front there’s a cocooned feeling, but the driving position is excellent and there's no shortage of head-, leg- or shoulder room. Things aren’t so spacious in the rear, but the sloping roofline doesn’t rob you of as much headspace as you might expect.

Unlike the CLS, the Gran Coupe gives you the option of sitting three people in the back, because there’s a seat in the middle which is adequate for short trips.

Should I buy one?
There's no doubt that the Gran Coupe is well worth considering; it's a great addition to the BMW range.

That said, the 640i has been primarily designed for markets such as America that don’t do diesels. You'd have to be a fairly committed petrol fan to choose one over the 640d given that car's much lower running costs.

Rivals:
Audi A7 Sportback
Mercedes-Benz CLS

What Car? says...

Chas Hallett

2012 Maserati Granturismo Sport review

Fri, 25 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT
The Maserati Granturismo Sport is a new version of the Italian company’s four-seat coupé.

Replacing the Granturismo S, it sits between the entry-level Granturismo and the range-topping MC Stradale, and is a rival to the Jaguar XKR and the new Porsche 911 Carrera S.

So what’s new? Well, the Sport has more power than its predecessor as well as a revised adaptive suspension system.

To freshen up the five-year-old design, Maserati has given the front of the car a more aggressive look, while the cabin has received a mild makeover.

What's the 2012 Maserati Granturismo Sport like to drive?
As its name suggests, the Granturismo is a grand tourer rather than a hardcore performance car, so it needs to excite you when you want it to without annoying you the rest of the time.

Maserati Granturismo Sport: Faster than a Jaguar XKR

It passes the first test easily. The new Sport model uses the same basic 4.7-litre V8 engine as its predecessor, but changes to the engine management system and redesigned pistons have liberated an extra 21bhp, giving a total of 454bhp.

There isn’t much pull low down, so you need to pile on the revs to access that power, but when you do, performance is devastating. The 0-62mph sprint takes just 4.8 seconds and top speed is 185mph; that makes the Maserati quicker than an XKR and almost as rapid as a 911 Carrera S.

You’ll want to press the ‘Sport’ button whenever you’re in the mood for fun, because the whole car instantly feels more alert. The throttle responses quicken and the engine note switches from a muted V8 howl to a Formula One-style shriek, which echoes around every town or village you drive through. We really can’t think of many cars that sound better.

Maserati Granturismo Sport: Interesting things happen when you hit the 'Sport' button

The suspension also stiffens up, keeping the car flat through tight corners and fast sweeping bends, although the steering is curiously slow. It weights up nicely, but you need to apply a surprising amount of lock, which doesn’t really suit the sporty side of the car’s nature.

The leisurely steering does work in the Maserati’s favour on the motorway, though, keeping it relaxing and stable at speed. Tap the ‘Sport’ button a second time and the exhaust quietens down and the suspension slackens off, turning the Granturismo into a comfortable and refined cruiser. The ride is still pretty firm around town, though.

The standard six-speed automatic gearbox works well, no matter how you're driving. It’s smooth at low speeds and in stop-start traffic, but switch to manual mode and it reacts quickly to your commands, blipping the throttle on downchanges and holding your chosen gear even when you floor the throttle.

In fact, it makes the optional MC Shift automated manual gearbox seem pointless; it costs £3330 and brings even faster shifts, but it’s jerky at low speeds, making parking manoeuvres a real headache.

What's the 2012 Maserati Granturismo Sport like inside?
The styling tweaks might have kept the outside looking fresh, but the Granturismo doesn’t hide its age so well on the inside. Many of the dials and switches look decidedly dated, while the infotainment system is from a bygone era.

Maserati Granturismo Sport: Disappointing that the interior looks dated

A new flat-bottomed steering wheel and sportier front seats aren’t really enough to spruce things up, although the new seats do have slimmer backs that free up an extra couple of centimetres of rear knee room.

Not that the Maserati was exactly cramped compared with its rivals; even before, it had more rear space than a 911 or an XK.

The driving position remains unchanged, which means it’s easy to get comfortable, but the chunky windscreen pillars create awkward blindspots, especially when you're entering a roundabout or pulling out of an angled junction.

Should I buy one?
We certainly wouldn’t blame you if you did. The Granturismo still looks as devastatingly handsome today as it did when it was launched in 2007, and the updates for this new Sport version make Maserati’s coupé more tempting than ever.

Ultimately, there are more sensible options; the new Porsche 911 is better to drive and much nicer inside, while a Jaguar XKR offers similar visual and aural delights for around £11k less.

However, the Maserati isn’t as far behind its rivals as you might expect, and when you factor in its exclusivity – just 195 were sold in the UK last year – and its surprisingly good practicality and refinement, you certainly wouldn’t feel short-changed if you chose one over more mainstream alternatives.

Rivals:
Jaguar XKR
Porsche 911 Carrera S

What Car? says...

Will Nightingale

2012 Vauxhall Mokka review

Thu, 24 May 2012 22:01:00 GMT
The Vauxhall Mokka is the company’s answer to small SUVs such as the Nissan Juke and Skoda Yeti.

It doesn't go on sale until late autumn. However, engineers from Vauxhall – and its sister brand Opel – are currently testing prototype versions in Germany. We joined them to find out if the Mokka is worth waiting for.

What's the 2012 Vauxhall Mokka like to drive?
The first prototype we tried had a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine and a four-wheel-drive system that sends all the drive to the front wheels in normal conditions, but transfers up to 50% to the rear when extra traction is needed.

A more fuel-efficient front-wheel-drive version will also be available from launch, but even with the added weight (65kg) of the four-wheel-drive system, this engine offers lively acceleration and good in-gear flexibility.

The suspension on the car we tried seemed well set up, too; you’re aware of bumps on the road, but they don’t make the ride uncomfortable and body movements are tightly controlled on both twisty and undulating roads.

Four-wheel-drive system sends all power to the front wheels in most conditions

Only the steering disappointed, because it was slow to weight-up in turns and inconsistent when it finally did so.

Sitting beneath the 1.4 turbo in the range will be a front-wheel-drive naturally aspirated 1.6 petrol, but this is nowhere near as impressive, because it feels gutless low down and doesn’t like to rev.

Ride quality on the 1.4 turbo model we drove was good

The 1.6 we drove was an earlier development car than the 1.4, and it felt it because it had a significantly crashier ride. However, it also had steering that weighted-up in a much more linear and reassuring way than the 1.4’s.

Vauxhall says that it will be able to tweak the suspension and steering for UK cars if necessary, so that the Mokka is more suited to our roads. We just hope it can combine the prototype 1.4’s suspension with the prototype 1.6’s steering.

Suspension and steering could be tweaked for UK cars

The final model in the range at launch will be a 1.7-litre diesel, but we weren’t able to try this.

It’s too early to assess refinement, too, because the seals on our car weren’t up to production standards.

What's the 2012 Vauxhall Mokka like inside?
Many of the plastics in the cars we drove weren't the finished article, so it's impossible to comment on quality.

What we can tell you is that there's space for five adults in the cabin and a wide range of adjustment to help the driver get comfortable.

On sale in late autumn, from around £14,000

Forward visibility is also good thanks to the Mokka's high driving position. However, thick rear pillars and a side window line that rises towards the rear of the car restrict over-the-shoulder vision.

The dashboard layout is very similar to the Astra hatchback's, which isn't a good thing, because it means there are too many poorly marked buttons. Still, you do get lots of cubbies for your odds and ends in the Mokka.

The boot is well shaped and a decent size, and the rear seats fold down almost flat if you flip up the bases before dropping the backrests.

Should I buy one?
The Mokka has the potential to be one of the better small SUVs. However, Vauxhall will need to pick the correct steering and suspension settings and make sure the pricing and fuel economy are competitive.

Rivals:
Nissan Juke
Skoda Yeti

Steve Huntingford

2012 BMW 7 Series unveiled

Thu, 24 May 2012 22:00:00 GMT
The 2012 BMW 7 Series will cost from £58,115 when it goes on sale on September 22. The updated model has cosmetic tweaks and more efficient engines, while there are chassis changes to improve ride and handling and extra soundproofing to boost refinement.

The exterior changes are subtle, but there are new bumpers, a larger front grille and extra chrome trim. There are new light lenses, too, and LED headlights are a new option. Suspension tweaks have resulted in an overall height reduction of 8mm.

Inside, there's a new multi-function instrument panel, with a large screen that takes the place of conventional dials. The colour of the display and the information on it varies according to which driving mode is selected.

Interior update incorporates new instrument display

Self-levelling rear air suspension is now standard across the range and there are new suspension components and settings aimed at improving comfort and agility.

An updated range of engines have more power, but emit less CO2. All have an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

Face-lift includes larger front grille and new bumpers

The entry-level 730d model has an updated 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine that develops 254bhp. CO2 emissions have dropped by 30g/km to 148g/km and average fuel economy is 50.4mpg. The 740d now has 309bhp, CO2 emissions of 149g/km, and average economy of 49.6mpg.

New engines have more power, but lower CO2 emissions

The petrol models are the six-cylinder 740i, eight-cylinder 750i and twelve-cylinder 760i. There's also the Activehybrid 7, which combines the 740i's 3.0-litre petrol engine with a 54bhp electric motor, for CO2 emissions of 158g/km.

Eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard across the range

Prices have gone up by just over 1% and range from £58,115 to £101,805.

Leo Wilkinson

2012 Morgan 3 Wheeler review

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:27:00 GMT
The Morgan 3 Wheeler – as the name suggests – has one fewer wheel than most cars, but it also misses out on a roof, doors, and a useable windscreen. There's no bonnet, either – the two-cylinder air-cooled engine is mounted on the nose.

What’s the 2012 Morgan 3 Wheeler like to drive?
In a word; fun! The simplicity of the 3 Wheeler is its greatest asset, because it means you feel everything that's going on.

Despite the car's relatively modest 82bhp, it is easy to spin the driven rear wheel. However, this doesn't make the 3 Wheeler an intimidating car to drive, because it's just as easy to catch and control slides.

The rumble from the engine and a snappy five-speed gearbox that's lifted from the Mazda MX-5 add to the fun.

What's more, the 3 Wheeler feels much faster than it actually is. The low-slung, exposed driving position means that even at 30mph you feel like you're approaching the sound barrier.

It's primitive, but the Morgan 3 Wheeler is all about fun

Glasses (or Biggles-like goggles to go with the bullet-hole decals) are a necessity, while something to stop flies getting caught in your teeth while you're grinning is also worth considering.

What’s the 2012 Morgan 3 Wheeler like inside?
The lack of doors means you clamber rather than step into the cabin.

You sit close to your passenger, but, as long as one of you isn’t particularly broad shouldered, there's enough room for two.

The cabin is cramped and not at all practical - but you'll be left grinning

There's limited space in the footwell, however, leaving nowhere to rest your left foot when it's not on the clutch. Then again, no one is going to buy this car for motorway cruising.

There's next to no space for luggage, apart from the passenger footwell and a tiny cubbyhole behind the cabin.

Safety is the biggest concern, though; the engine effectively doubles as the front bumper, while the roll bars are purely for show and to help you get in and out.

The 3 Wheeler's £30k price makes it an expensive toy

Should I buy one?
The Morgan 3 Wheeler's limitations and £30k starting price mean it's not for everyone. However, there are many weekend toys that are more expensive, and few will leave you grinning quite so enthusiastically.

It’s primitive, but it's just so much fun.

Rivals:
Ariel Atom
Caterham Seven

What Car? says…

Tom Webster

2012 Ford Ranger review

Thu, 24 May 2012 10:10:00 GMT
The all-new Ford Ranger has been designed to combine the toughness that pick-up drivers are used to with the sort of comfort and agility they aren’t.

It replaces the current Ranger and aims to provide extra sophistication.

Both two- and four-wheel-drive versions are available, and there are three engines: 123bhp and 148bhp 2.2-litre diesels, and a 197bhp 3.2-litre diesel.

Ranger buyers can also choose from Regular Cab (two-seat), Super Cab (2+2) and Double Cab (four-seat) models. We tested the latter.

What’s the 2012 Ford Ranger like to drive?
The steering is rather slow around town. However, it’s more responsive on faster roads and is both accurate and nicely weighted.

The Ranger also feels more grippy and composed in corners than most rival pick-ups, but the ride becomes bouncy and unsettled on poorly surfaced roads.

Front- and four-wheel-drive versions are available

Refinement is another weakness; the 148bhp engine that we tried sounds coarse under acceleration and when you’re cruising at anything above about 60mph. What’s more, there’s a lot of vibration through the gearlever and the shift is stiff.

Composed in corners, but the ride can become bouncy

It’s a pity, because wind- and road noise are kept to a minimum, and the engine pulls well from low revs. In fact, four-wheel-drive Rangers can tow trailers that weigh more than 3.3 tonnes, whereas the rival VW Amarok has a 2.8-tonne limit.

The Ranger can tow trailers that weigh more than 3.3 tonnes

What’s the 2012 Ford Ranger like inside?
Pick-ups tend to be used as workhorses, so it’s hardly surprising that the interior is trimmed in sturdy – rather than squishy – plastics.

There’s a wide range of adjustment for the driver’s seat and all-round vision is pretty good. However, the steering wheel adjusts for height only, so some people will still struggle to get comfortable.

Interior is sturdy, but ergonomics could be better

The dashboard layout is similarly mixed; there are simple rotary ventilation controls, but the infotainment system has a small screen and too many poorly labelled buttons.

The Double Cab model has decent space for five people and a large loadbay, although the Amarok’s bay is 8cm wider between the rear wheelarches.

Should I buy one?
If you’re in the market for a pick-up, the new Ranger is definitely worth considering, because it’s practical, decent to drive and significantly cheaper than its biggest rival, the VW Amarok.

Just don’t expect it to get close to the ride comfort, refinement or perceived quality of modern SUVs.

Rivals:
VW Amarok
Nissan Navara

What Car? says…

Steve Huntingford

2012 BMW M6 Convertible review

Thu, 24 May 2012 09:00:00 GMT
The new BMW M6 Convertible is the latest model from the company’s high-performance M Division, and a car that shares a lot of its mechanicals with the M5 super saloon.

It should provide stiff competition to other fast, four-seater soft-tops, such as the Jaguar XKR-S, Maserati Grancabrio and Porsche 911 Cabriolet . You could also consider it as a rival to the Mercedes SL63 AMG.

Like the M5, the new M6 drop-top has switched from a 5.0-litre V10 to a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, with a boost in efficiency and power in the process. The engine delivers 552bhp and 502lb ft of torque through a seven-speed double-clutch gearbox.

There are myriad visual changes over lesser 6 Series Convertibles, including a different grille, lower, more aggressive sills, a rear diffuser and special 19-inch M alloys (20s are available as an option).

The front track is wider, too, while the chassis set-up and brakes have been upgraded to cope with the extra power and deliver a sharper driving experience.

What’s the 2012 BMW M6 Convertible like to drive?
The M6 is stratospherically fast and unbelievably noisy – in a good way – if you find the right road.

With all the electronic driver aids engaged, the M6 Convertible puts its power down on the road well and suffers few of the vices normally associated with soft tops; there’s no shimmying or wobbling when it hits bumps.

Twin-turbo V8 engine makes the M6 Convertible stratospherically fast

In fact, it rides pretty well even on broken surfaces, and with the electrically folding roof in place, it feels as refined as the coupe.

What’s debatable about the M6 Convertible, though, is whether it's exciting enough to justify its high price.

Fiddling with the traction control, gearbox, throttle and chassis settings can transform it from a softish cruiser to a harder and more agile sports car. However, while it's hugely capable, it isn't involving enough to thrill you like a Porsche 911 can.

Hugely capable, but not as thrilling as a Porsche 911 Cabriolet

What's the 2012 BMW M6 Convertible like inside?
Aside from a few M touches, such as bespoke dials and carbonfibre trim, it's a lot like the standard 6 Series. However, that’s not a bad thing because modern BMW interiors are a model of usability and comfort.

Up front it’s spacious, too, with an excellent and highly adjustable driving position. Just don't get too carried away by the prospects of four seats; adults relegated to the rear are going to find it snug – especially with the roof up.

Opting for the soft-top M6 over the coupe also robs you of lots of boot space.

Interior is a model of usability and comfort

Should I buy one?
The M6 Convertible is a good choice in many ways. It’s hugely fast and grippy, and would be easy to live with. The trouble is, at this end of the market, buyers are spoilt for choice.

If you want comfort the Jaguar XK Convertible is probably a better option, and if you want a full-blown sports car that you can use everyday, a Porsche 911 Cabrio is likely to be the answer.

M6 Convertible is fast and easy to live with. Priced from £99,020

Rivals:
Jaguar XKR-S
Porsche 911 Cabriolet

What Car? says...

Chas Hallett

2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder review

Wed, 23 May 2012 17:00:00 GMT
The Audi R8 GT Spyder is the answer to the prayers of the few people who thought the regular V10 R8 Spyder wasn't quick enough.

Like the Audi R8 GT Coupe that we drove last year, the GT Spyder follows the same principles of more power and less weight, along with a healthy dose of revisions to the suspension.

Audi's engineers have been over the R8 with a fine-tooth comb to strip it of weight, with the result that the GT is 85kg lighter than the regular V10 Spyder. At the same time, they've uprated the V10 engine to produce 552bhp (30bhp+ more than the standard V10), and the combined effect is 0.3 seconds cut from the 0-60mph time, reducing it to 3.8 seconds.

The other result of all this cutting is one major addition – a premium of £40,000 on the standard car's price. The GT Spyder will cost £158,145.

What's the 2012 R8 GT Spyder like to drive?
Audi chose to launch the car on the Stowe Circuit at Silverstone, and it soon became obvious why. Never mind how fast the R8 Spyder GT goes in a straight line – impressive though that is – what's really remarkable is how it copes with the twisty bits in-between.

Thanks to the lowered and recalibrated suspension, the GT is much sharper to change direction than the standard R8 Spyder, while the standard four-wheel-drive system (which is strongly biased to rear-wheel drive) keeps everything under control. Throw in great grip, tremendous balance and super-strong brakes, and the result is a car that inspires huge confidence, and puts a huge smile on your face.

Audi R8 GT Spyder: four-wheel-drive system with heavy rear bias

Keen drivers will revel in the car's abilities, and the way it responds so sharply to every command – whether from the throttle, brakes or steering.

Admittedly, things are that little bit sharper with the roof up, and the coupe version of the R8 GT is sharper still, but there's something about being able to drop the roof in the Spyder GT that makes driving it all the more intoxicating and involving.

Firstly, of course, you have the chance to let the wind whistle through your hair at a hopelessly exhilarating rate; but secondly – and perhaps more importantly – you can hear the V10 doing its stuff all the more clearly.

Audi R8 GT Spyder: sound of the V10 engine is unforgettable

Accelerating flat-out towards a corner with that glorious engine bellowing behind you, then jumping on the brakes while you go down through the gears, with the engine auto-blipping perfectly in response to each tug on the wheel-mounted paddles, is an experience like no other.

What's the 2012 R8 GT Spyder like inside?
Audi might have been hacking away at the car to reduce its weight, but there's no evidence of that from the driver's seat. On the contrary, apart from its Alcantara sports seats, the GT is pretty much identical to the regular R8, with a standard specification that includes luxuries such as climate control and sat-nav.

Audi R8 GT Spyder: interior is similar to the standard R8 Spyder's

Should I buy one?
If you want one, you'll need to get to your local Audi dealer sharpish. From the worldwide production run of 333 GT Spyders, just 43 are coming to the UK, and Audi says that there is already no more than 'a handful' without buyers.

Mind you, if you want a new Audi R8 GT, buying a Spyder is the only way to get one. The UK's entire allocation of coupes sold out long ago.

If you look at it logically, the GT changes are less relevant on the Spyder – if you wanted the purest driving experience in an R8, you'll be beating down the door of anyone lucky enough to have a GT coupe – and it's an awful lot of money to pay on top of the impressive standard car.

Audi R8 GT Spyder: £40,000+ more than the standard Spyder

On the other hand, this is a car that's all about emotion and sensation, and once you've spent some time at the wheel, you will doubtless come away prepared to spend that extra money. This is a thoroughly focused and exhilarating car.

Rivals:
Ferrari California
Mercedes SLS Roadster

What Car? says…

Andy Pringle