The Audi R8 e-tron is equipped to become self-driving once the technology becomes available.
The all-electric Audi R8 e-tron 2015 is no slouch of a supercar. It is capable of reaching 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds flat with a top speed of 155mph.
What makes this stunning zero-emissions sports car even more special is that it has a range of 279.6 miles.
Charging the car from ‘empty’ is also super fast, taking under two hours using Audi’s Combined Charging System (CCS).
The R8 e-tron boasts 456bhp, powered by two 170kW electric motors producing 920Nm of torque.
577 kg of the total 1,780 kg total weight of the car is made up of a 92kWh lithium-ion battery which sits just behind the driver.
Compound materials, such as the ever popular carbon fibre-reinforced polymer, have been used to balance light agility with safety.
Details of this second generation R8 e-tron were unveiled at this year’s Geneva Motor Show alongside the launch of the V10 R8.
It is revived by new Chief of R&D Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg and builds on the original 2009 prototype.
More recently, the German carmaker have incorporated ‘Piloted Driving Technology’ which uses high-tech cameras and sensors to feed information back to the control unit.
In effect, the Audi R8 e-tron is equipped to become self-driving once the technology becomes available.
Audi’s press release stated: “This high-performance sports car serves as a mobile laboratory for developing new electrical concepts and components at Audi.”
Opting for the rear wheel drive over the quattro four wheel drive, the swanky new model allows Audi to overcome technical challenges whilst maintaining ‘adequate’ traction control.
So far, only 10 of R8 e-trons have been manufactured, with each priced at around £850,000.
The R8 e-tron may just be a concept car for now, but Audi fans will be eagerly waiting for it to be put into production to rival the likes the Mercedes-Benz SLS Electric Drive.
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