Audi R8 e-tron

Posted by admin on May 20, 2012 in Audi R8 |

Introducing the Audi R8 e-tron

Audi 2012 R8 e-tron spyder

Few years ago in 2008 Audi announced that success of R8 was so huge that they are planning to make an electric version of the car. However, they don’t just try to make an e-car as the other companies; they would like to produce a vehicle that excites with mobility, features and performance. Carefully planning and developing new technologies- both software and hardware in order to be able to finally deliver something special. In the end of 2011 it was announced that the release of Audi R8 e-tron is planned for the end of 2012. The car was ready and few more things have to be added and tested additionally. What is known about the specifications is that the car will be able to travel up to 250km with its liquid-cooled-lithium ion battery. What is really incredible is the acceleration and performance. The R8 2012 e-tron will be able to sprint to 100km/h in 4,8 seconds. Moreover, the electric motors will produce 230kW energy which is equal to 308 horse powers and 4500 Nm of torque.

Audi Spyder e-tron sky view

The battery and the engine will be again situated at the back of the car which means the height ratio will be 42:58, same as the R8 5.2 FSI version. The basic configuration will be 70% of the power to be on the rear. The car is said to weight around 1600kg, which is really good result. That will enable to drop below 1300kg if you add a tuning package of carbon fiber body.

And because Audi R8 e-tron is not just an ordinary car, it’s a supreme sport car it has to excite with is engine sound. That’s not family car like Prius that could be make to move silent, the acceleration power has to be presented also by sound. Therefore, from Audi developed the whole new technology that will equip the car with sound system. When I first hear it I thought is some kind of a spaceship. The feature is really unique. Here’s the video with the details.

Characteristics and specifications:

front bumper Audi e-tron

Performance and driving precision:

The new electronic version of Audi R8 will have a gross weight of around 1350kg.

Four electric motors with combined power of 4000Nm will provide power to the rear wheels and enable the car to reach 100km in 4.8 seconds. Each motor will provide power to one wheel. This concept combine with dynamic efficiency power management system of Audi will enable incredible driving experience and extreme efficiency.

The new feature- “torque vectoring” will be the key to smooth and easy control of the car along with the short wheelbase and incredible weight distribution.

Audi e-tron spyder back

Innovative Power:

Audi e-tron will generate its power of two lithium-ion batteries- an efficient energy source of 45 kilowatt-hours. This makes possible to car to reach 155 miles per hour.

The key feature of the battery is the ability to recuperate the power even when the car is moving. Similar form of recovery and recharge is available on other Audi and BMW models yet. Similarly, to the F1 cars during breaking the kinetic energy is converted into electrical. This allow the car to wide its range of operation without charging up.

The battery could be charge with a plug via household electricity- 230 volts for 11 hours. Alternatively trough high voltage (400volts, 32 amperes) that is available on many gas station it is possible to loaded up for only 2 hours. This means that when you take 45 minutes break to eat you will be able to have 1/3^rd of the batteries charged and able to drive around a 100 miles without necessary to recharge.

Audi E-tron Spyder

The Audi Space Frame (ASF) body:

With electricity cars the light construction of the body is even more important as it will allow being more efficient and expanding the range of the battery motors. Furthermore, the light body is also crucially important for the handling performance of the e-tron. The R8 e-tron is based on the Audi Space Frame but the add-on parts, such as doors, mirrors, lids, sidewalls and roof are made from specially design fiber plastic that provides strength and extreme weight loss on same time.

The combination of aluminum and carbon fiber promises extreme rigidity and exceptional light body. Audi will soon start using this body characteristic for other production vehicles.

Interior and operating concept:

The interior design of the car is also orientated to provide maximum energy efficient but on same time everything is comfortable and supposing great driving experience. The Audi e-tron is the first car to be equipped with a large built-in central displayed with MMI functions rather than the usual instrument cluster. The main characteristics of the interior design as well as the exterior are simple and stylish.

Audi R8 e-tron steering wheel

Audi R8 e-tron design

The price of Audi R8 e-tron is not yet know but a reasonable guess would be around $200 000.

And because Audi R8 e-tron is not just an ordinary car, it’s a supreme sport car it has to excite with is engine sound. That’s not family car like Prius that could be make to move silent, the acceleration power has to be presented also by sound. Therefore, from Audi developed the whole new technology that will equipped the car with sound system. When I first hear it I thought is some kind of a spaceship. The feature is really unique. Here’s the video with the details.

And that’s the video of the test drive of Audi R8 e-tron.