Most car enthusiasts are probably already aware that the 2017 Audi R8 Spyder is on its way. However, a prototype hasn't been seen yet and leaked photos of the convertible has not surfaced online. Today, that may no longer be true as images of the upcoming drop top vehicle has finally been captured.

Spy photographers from AutoGuide managed to snap photos the new R8 Spyder, which you can see here, while being tested in Nurburgring, Germany. The photos show that under the swirly camouflage, the second-generation model seem to look precisely what everyone would expect.

Similar to previous canvas-top R8s, the exterior of the updated Spyder diverges very slightly from its coupe version's design. As such, it comes with angular headlights and taillights, creased body panels, and noticeable air inlets in the front fascia, as well as added air intakes adjacent to the rear wheels.

Noticeable differences, meanwhile, lies on the rear deck; the new Spyder has not integrated the coupe's fastback taper in order to accommodate the drop-top. Although we're not able to see it in the leaked photos, the car's fuel cap will most likely be relocated to the rear fender.

Typically, a ragtop version has 20% less structural rigidity compared to its metal-roof variant, according to Auto Evolution. Because of that, Audi is expected to compensate by installing thicker front windshield braces and cross members for the middle of the vehicle's underbody along with reinforcements for the engine bay. All of those may add about 70 to 100 kilograms of weight to the model.

As a result, the additional mass will decrease it performances and it may take a fraction of a second more for the Spyder to reach the 0-100kph run. The 2017 Audi R8 Spyder will reportedly take 3.5 seconds to reach 100kph compared to the Audi R8 coupe's 3.2 seconds.

Under the bonnet, the engine is predicted to be carried over from the V10 coupe. The base engine will be the Lamborghini-inspired 5.2-liter FSI V10 engine rated at 398 lb-ft. of torque and 540 horsepower. That can be increased to 610hp when buyers opt for the V10 Plus variant. The engines will be linked exclusively to a seven-speed S tronic transmission dual-clutch unit.

The Audi R8 coupe was launched during the Geneva Motor Show back in March. Automobile observers suspect that its convertible sibling will debut at the same Swiss show next year, with sales expected to begin in the second half of 2016.  On the other hand, a debut at next month's IAA 2015 event in Frankfurt is also feasible. After all, it was during the Germany-based auto show that the first-generation R8 Spyder was first unveiled six years ago.