28/08/2008 04:53. The appearance of the 2009 Audi R8 Spyder has been inevitable. You don't build one of the hottest sports cars in the world without contemplating an open-top version. So when our spies spotted a few peculiar-looking Audi R8 prototypes running through Death Valley and outside the Nürburgring, they followed them to get a closer look.

Instead of just a chop-top treatment with a targa bar, this R8 gets fully reworked sheet metal from the A-pillars rearward. The signature side blades have been removed completely, as well as the pillar-mounted fuel-filler door. The engineers also have used a clever soft cover to give the appearance of a simpler setup at first glance.

Upon closer examination of the spy photos, it appears as though this R8 has a full convertible... // Edmunds.com/Inside Line