Audi Continues Work on R8 e-tron EV

Volkswagen AG's Audi unit continues to refine its R8 e-tron electric sports car, even though plans to make a production version remain unlikely.

The company released new details about the two-seater last week. Fourtitude, an online Audi enthusiast publication, says the latest prototype showcases several advanced technologies but also reflects a more production-feasible design.

The current R8 e-tron uses two center-mounted synchronous electric motors that deliver a combined 376 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels only. They can push the car from zero to 100 kph in 4.2 seconds and to an electronically limited top speed of 124 mph, according to Audi.

The car's 48.6-kWh lithium-ion battery is packaged behind the seats and inside the center passenger compartment tunnel. The T-shaped unit integrates an aluminum base that doubles as a load-bearing support structure. The 1,272-lb battery can propel the R8 e-tron for about 134 miles per charge on the European driving cycle. Recharging requires 12 hours with normal household current but less than one hour with a high-power DC charging system.

The latest R8 e-tron weighs about 3,900 lbs. Fourtitude says the body shell contributes only 439 lbs of the total, thanks to extensive use of aluminum and carbon-fiber reinforced plastic. Exterior body panels are made almost exclusively of the latter material.

Other weight-saving features include suspension springs made of fiberglass-reinforced polymer and an aluminum-carbon-fiber anti-roll bar. Audi says aerodynamic tweaks, such as a long rear air diffuser, help reduce the e-tron's coefficient of drag to 0.27 from a Cd of 0.35 for the conventionally powered R8.