Audi R8 e-tron

The all-electric Audi e-tron concept car was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show,[25] followed by 2009 LA Auto Show (in orange body colour),[26] and at the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans.[27]

The Audi e-tron is a version of the R8 Coupé with a slightly smaller body, four electric motors rated 317 PS (233 kW; 313 bhp) and 4,500 newton metres (3,319 lbf·ft) of torque. However the proposed torque rating is the torque measured at the wheels, not at the output shaft — as is the industry standard, the true torque rating being around 678 newton metres (500 lbf·ft).[28] Other features include 42.4 kilowatt hours lithium-ion battery, needs-based energy management system, LED technology used for all lighting units, independent cooling system for each axle, doors, covers, sidewalls and roof in fiber-reinforced plastic; 3-mode flush gear selector (forward, reverse and neutral), instrument cluster with fold-out central display with integrated MMI functions, climate control unit located to the right above the steering wheel, racing-inspired lightweight bucket seats, snow white and cognac interior colours, heat pump, climate control system, triangular double wishbones at the front axle and trapezoidal wishbones made of forged aluminum components at the rear axle, direct rack-and-pinion steering with speed-sensitive electromechanical steering boost, 235/35R19 front and 295/30R19 rear tires with a new blade design, prototype of an information processing system (car-to-x communication).

Audi R8 e-tron prototype at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Audi originally announced the first e-tron model to be built by quattro GmbH at Neckarsulm, with a small production series beginning in late 2012. The R8 e-tron prototype was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The prototype is based on the R8 and follows closely the original concept, with a shape reminiscent of existing V8 and V10 petrol-powered versions. Audi claims the production version of the R8 e-tron will be capable of a 0–100 km/h (62 mph) time of around 4.8 seconds, making it only 0.2 seconds slower than the R8 V8. Initial plans call for its top speed to be limited to 124 mph (200 km/h) to protect the charge of the battery. It is planned for launch in early 2012. Along with the R8 e-tron, Audi is also considering small-scale production of a smaller and lighter zero-emission sportscar based on the second e-tron concept displayed at the 2010 Detroit Motor Show.