News that Audi is considering releasing a V8 version of its R8 Spyder supercar is likely to be greeted with pleasure among sports car hire fans.

Motorists can expect to take charge of a new 4.2-litre, 420bhp machine, which will join the existing 5.2-litre V10 that is already available in the Spyder range.

Rumours have suggested that the model will make it to UK showrooms early in 2011 and will boast similar performance statistics to its fixed-roof counterpart, which is already on sale.

The V8 engine that the current model uses can propel motorists from standstill to 62mph in 4.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 187mph.

Audi originally said that the V10 would be the only engine it would be producing for the drop-top, but the recent reports suggest it has rethought the decision.

The R8 Spyder was unveiled last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show and shares its engine with the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4.

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Posted by Chris Weaver