Audi R8 e-tron First Electric Supercar is back in production plan

From • Detroit Motor Show 2014 .
All-electric Audi supercar is back in the production plan after being axed last year
The Audi R8 e-tron is back in the production plan after being axed last year, according to Audi technical chief Dr Ulrich Hackenberg at the Detroit Motor Show 2014. No on sale date has been set yet, but the development program has been rebooted under Hackenberg’s instructions.

The R8 was Audi’s answer to the Lamborghini Gallardo. Audi’s high performance division known as Quattro GmbH exclusively designed, developed and manufactured the R8. Being the first mid-engined supercar Audi has ever built, the R8 was based off a completely new platform. It was all about subtlety when it came to the Audi R8. This resulted in an elegant and sophisticated supercar that never tried to be brash or crude. An understated supercar, the R8 is one of the most sensible supercars money can buy.

Audi announced that with a few modifications to the battery technology used and packaging, they were able to extend the range of these cars to 402 km. With almost double the range being provided, the Audi R8 e-Tron suddenly became a viable option for the company.

The Audi e-tron family is a series of electric and hybrid concept cars shown by Audi from 2009 on wards. In 2012 Audi produced a plug-in hybrid version, the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron, scheduled for retail sale in Europe for the second quarter of 2014, and in the U.S. in 2015

As this car is still in concept, much of its performance specifications are still uncertain. The car will have four electric motors, one per wheel. Together, these motors will produce 3,320 pound-feet (4,500 N·m) of torque. Top speed for the e-tron is limited to 200 kilometres per hour (124 mph), and will be able to travel 150 miles (240 km) on full charge.
In concept form, the e-tron also is equipped with conceptual technology: technology that communicates with other cars, road signs, etc

The first e-tron concept car was shown at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. A two-seater, similar in appearance to the Audi R8 but slightly smaller, is powered by four UQM Technologies motors, providing four-wheel drive. Together, these produce 313 PS (230 kW; 309 hp) and 4,500 N·m (3,319.03 lb·ft) of torque, resulting in an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds.

A 470 kg (1,036 lb) 42.4 kWh lithium-ion battery is located in front of the rear axle and provides a range of approximately 248 km (154 mi) with a full charge taking 6–8 hours from a normal household socket. The ceramic brake discs can also provide regenerative braking energy. A limited production model based on this car, called the R8 e-tron is reported to be under development

Costing a whopping 1.3 million USD to develop, the R8 e-Tron is most likely reserved solely for the rich and famous.

An all-new R8 will arrive in showroom in 2015, but he confirmed the general layout of the R8 e-tron could be used in either model.