#Spyder

Even though everything seemed all but confirmed until now, Audi has finally released the detailed info on their R8 Spyder sporting a 430-hp, 4.2L V8 powerplant. We first reported on the 4.2L FSI availability in February, and it’s interesting to see that it will have slightly more power (10-hp) than the R8 V8 coupe.

Audi’s recent marketing campaign in setting itself apart from the crowd has now included an R8 to rival Italian-manufacturer Ferrari. And even though it still has quite a ways to go before kids truly compare an R8 to a famed stallion or bull, Audi is making a great effort in putting the R8 in the same conversation. It is very hard to deny that the R8 is a much more functional daily driver than any of its Italian counterparts from Ferrari and Lamborghini.

And in nontraditional fashion, Audi has released the lower, cheaper and less powerful model after releasing the 5.2 FSI. Offering a healthy alternative and just another overall choice to the R8 Spyder line, the 4.2 FSI carries traditional Audi Quattro all-wheel drive and the aluminum body with carbon fiber composites that the R8 is infamous for. The cloth top is powered with an electrohydraulic drive for quiet and lightweight operation.

Top speed of the R8 Spyder is limited to 185 mph and 0-62 mph is a little shy of 4.8 seconds. The 4.2 FSI will be available in European markets for close to $150,000 in the third quarter of 2010. So while it may not have the same powerplant as the LMS race car, you’re still getting a hand-assembled beauty that’s high revving and surely a pleasure to drive.

And hey, when it’s an Audi R8 Spyder and you’re cruising down the street, you think that kid peering out the window knows the difference between a 4.2 and a 5.2?

*NOTE: The photo above is of the R8 5.2 FSI as no images were available at the time of publishing this story

Check out all the details after the jump: