New Audi R8 e-tron @ R8 Spyder [2 VIDEO]

"Truth is achieved by those with the courage to reimagine the possible. Those who defy convention and push performance to the limits. Engineer lighter, efficient vehicles. Innovate intelligent technology that anticipates drivers’ needs. And design silhouettes that defy trends and the wind. This is the spirit that drives us. This is Truth in Engineering®"

There are two motors in the middle of the rear, and each drives one wheel. They aren't mechanically linked, so there's no diff. Each motor makes 140kW (190bhp) so that's 380bhp in all. At low speed there's all the acceleration the tyres can use, and 0-62mph disappears in 4.2 seconds, but the acceleration would peter out towards the motors' rev limit at about 150 mph, so instead the car is limited to 125 mph for efficiency's sake.

The battery is so big it takes 14 hours to charge off the normal mains - that's why there's a fast-charger too. It gives a range of 135 miles in the standard drive cycle test, but they admit it falls to 100 miles in quick road driving. As an extreme test, they went to the Nurburgring, started with it fully charged, did two laps flat out (just over 16 minutes) and didn't have the juice to complete a third.

Overall weight is 1780 kg. The chassis is absolutely chocka with exotic components to cut weight versus the standard R8. The heavy engine and gearbox are absent of course, too. But that doesn't offset the mass of the huge battery. At least it sits low and centrally in the car, so it isn't bad for cornering.
Price Starting at $114,900

R8 Spyder

Ignite your soul in the Audi R8 Spyder
With its retractable acoustic soft top, the 2014 Audi R8 Spyder sets you free by setting you apart. Its mid-engine design paired with a choice of high-revving motors, Audi magnetic ride suspension and Audi quattro® all-wheel drive help create powerful, precise handling. With iconic design and a finely crafted interior, this is a supercar that's been engineered to its fullest.
Price Starting at $128,400