Audi's V10-powered R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI will soon be joined by its V8 sibling in the brand's Australian line-up, offered on a "special order only" basis.

Like its Coupe counterpart, the Spyder 4.2 is powered by a 315kW and 430Nm 4.2 litre V8 engine, with the 0-100km/h run wrapped up in 4.8 seconds in both manual and R tronic form. Top speed is listed at 300km/h.

Standard features include Audi's Magnetic Ride system, along with Audi Parking System Advanced with a reversing camera, xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights, sports seats trimmed in Alcantara leather, a wind breaker and metallic paint.

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The same powered fabric roof from the V10 model will feature on the V8, and as with the rest of the R8 range, the Spyder 4.2 FSI features Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Unlike the overseas version, the Australian-delivered R8 Spyder 4.2 will wear the larger 19-inch alloy wheels featured on the Spyder 5.2.

Available late in the second quarter of this year, the R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI is priced at $300,400 for the six-speed manual version, and $316,400 for the R tronic automatic.

Both prices exclude on-road costs, of course, and cut around $80,000 from the price of entry into the topless R8.