Audi AG is taking aim at Ferrari SpA with a convertible version of the R8 GT supercar, as the Volkswagen AG unit hones a high-end sporty image in its quest to overtake Bayerische Motoren Werke AG as the luxury-car leader.

The R8 GT Spyder, Audi’s most expensive series production car, boasts carbon-fiber in the front and rear spoilers to reduce weight and help the car accelerate to 100 kilometers per hour in 3.8 seconds. Priced from 207,800 euros ($301,300), the model costs more than Ferrari’s California and the Mercedes-Benz SLS roadster, underscoring Audi’s ambitions.

“Audi is pursuing its campaign for the top luxury slot with heart and soul,” said Wolfgang Meinig, head of the Bamberg, Germany-based FAW Research Center for the Automobile Industry. “They have steadily enhanced their product portfolio and are engaged in refining the top end of the range.”

The open-top version of the R8 GT is part of Chief Executive Officer Rupert Stadler’s strategy to topple BMW by 2015. Because of the higher margins of luxury cars, Audi is critical to parent Volkswagen AG (VOW)’s efforts to surpass Toyota Motor Corp. in sales and profit by 2018. Audi accounted for 47 percent of VW’s profit last year, while selling 18 percent of the group’s vehicles. 

(Bloomberg)