Audi showed the concept version of its all-electric R8 e-tron sports car in Melbourne ahead of its 2012 launch.
Four electric motors – two at the front and two at the rear – drive the wheels. With 230kW on tap, the two-seat Audi R8 e-tron accelerates from zero to 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds.
Audi says the R8 e-tron’s lithium-ion batteries have a range between re-charges of about 248kms.
Bodywork is Audi Space Frame (ASF) technology with add-on parts such as the roof and doors made from fibre-reinforced plastic. Cooling air ducts which close when not required boost aerodynamic efficiency and despite the complex technology included underneath, the Audi R8 e-tron weighs just 1600kgs.
Inside the passion for weight reduction while maintaining the expected Audi luxury can be seen in the race-inspired seats – finished in snow white and cognac colours – and unique instruments which reflect the electric car requirements.
Currently the Audi R8 e-tron can be recharged via a cable mounted behind a panel at the rear (normal charging time is six to eight hours) but Audi engineers are working on a wireless system to make charging even more convenient.
Uniquely, the Audi R8 e-tron uses a heat pump (like those fitted in high-rise buildings) to heat the interior. This uses mechanical work (separate to the electronics) to provide heat.
In terms of the driving dynamics demanded by Audi sports car drivers, Audi chassis engineers have tuned the R8 e-tron so that, like a conventional mid-engined sports car, 70 per cent of the power goes to the rear and 30 per cent to the front. Suspension is straight from motor sport – triangular double wishbones at the front and forged aluminium trapezoidal wishbones at the rear.
No word yet on pricing for the Audi R8 e-tron.
