Audi has confirmed plans to introduce the R8 e-tron electric super car after a re-engineering program has increased the model’s range from 215 km (134 miles) to 450 km (279 miles).
Speaking during the brand’s annual press conference, member of the board of management for technical development Ulrich Hackenburg said that Audi has reversed last year’s decision not to build the R8 e-tron and confirmed that the electric super car will be built.
“In recent months, I have had a very close look at these electric high-performance sports cars with my team The latest development work is very convincing. We have increased their range from 215 to approximately 450 kilometers, which is a decisive step towards everyday practicality. This significant step is the result of progress with battery technology and a revised package with a considerably higher power density. In brief: We combine power and stamina. We have made significant efficiency gains with mechanical as well as electrical and electronic components of the R8 e-tron. The drivetrain is more efficient and onboard electricity consumption has been considerably reduced due to optimizing the power electronics. I am very proud of these achievements of my team.
The Board of Management of AUDI AG has decided to offer the next-generation R8 e-tron as a manufactured sports car upon customer request. And we will make intensive use of the next generation of the R8 e-tron as an open technology carrier and working instrument for our engineers to test and further develop technologies for the future. Think for example of new drive technologies and regulating systems such as by-wire technologies or active suspension concepts.”
Hackenberg didn’t give a pricing and time frame for the R8 e-tron production model, though the R8 e-tron will only be available initially upon customer request.t.
Ulrich Hackenberg also disclosed the company’s plans for a frugal TT Ultra which will be powered by a 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter TDI engine enabling the model to have CO2 emissions of only 110 g/km. In addition, the Ingolstadt-based automaker is also thinking about “further TT derivatives” beyond a “possible” Shooting Brake.
