340 kW of power, a 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) sprint time of 3.9 seconds and a driving range of up to 450 km (279.6 mi) – Audi has further developed the R8 e-tron*, an electric high-performance sports car comprehensively. The high-performance sports car combines its purely electric high-performance drive system with radical solutions in lightweight design.

Visually, the 4.40 meter (14.4 ft) long Audi R8 e-tron can be made out by the unique lighting solutions on its air inlets, front apron and sideblades. The car’s exterior skin, painted in magnetic blue, combines body parts made of aluminum and CFRP – such as the front and rear lids. Thanks to aerodynamic modifications – to the cooling air inlet, rear spoiler, diffuser, underbody and sideblades, for instance – the drag coefficient (cD) of the R8 e-tron is just 0.28. Its Audi Space Frame (ASF) is based on the multimaterial design of the V10 version, which has been extended by a rear body module made of CFRP. Despite its low weight, the corrugated walls that form the luggage compartment can absorb an extreme amount of energy in a rear-end collision.

The T-shaped battery is structurally integrated in the center tunnel and is mounted behind the occupant cell – this location offers a low center of gravity and an axle load distribution of 40:60 (front/rear). The high-voltage battery, which Audi manufactures itself at its battery technology center, is based on lithium-ion technology. The liquid-cooled battery consists of 52 modules. Compared to the first e-tron technology demonstrator, the energy capacity of the approximately 600 kg (1,322.8 lb) battery system was increased from around 48.6 to 90.3 kWh – without any modifications to the package.

Thanks to its high energy density, which was increased from 84 to 152 Wh/kg, the R8 e-tron can be driven up to 450 km (279.6 mi) on a single battery charge – its previous range was 215 km (133.6 mi). In the Combined Charging System (CCS) for charging with DC or AC electricity, the battery can be fully charged in well under two hours. The driver can control this process remotely by smartphone, provided that the relevant Audi connect app has been installed on it.

Immense tractive power: 920 Nm (678.6 lb‑ft) of torque
The two electric motors on the rear axle each output 170 kW and 460 Nm (339.3 lb‑ft) of torque. The R8 e-tron, which weighs just 1,841 kg (4058.7 lb) empty (without driver), sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.9 seconds and can accelerate to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph) while developing its unique e-sound. Targeted torque vectoring – a need-based distribution of drive power between the rear wheels – gives the car excellent stability and dynamism.

Intelligent energy management and an electromechanical brake system at the rear axle ensure high rates of energy recuperation. The suspension springs consist of glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP), and the anti-roll bar is made of CFRP.

The R8 e-tron rides on aerodynamically optimized, 19‑inch aero wheels with a gloss turned finish that were specially designed for this car. Size 225/40 R19 tires on the front wheels enable precise steering response. On the rear wheels, the high torque of the electric motors is transferred to the road by size 275/40 R19 tires. Specially developed to meet the needs of the high-performance electric sports car, the tires combine sporty driving properties with low rolling resistance. Sporty 20-inch wheels for the production R8 are available through the Audi Genuine Accessories program.

In the finely crafted interior, the R8 e-tron offers illuminated door sill trims, folding bucket seats and a specially configured Audi virtual cockpit. A heat pump removes waste heat from electrical components for thermal management and for interior climate control – an important efficiency module of the overall concept.

Audi is also utilizing the new development stage of the R8 e-tron as a mobile high-tech laboratory. Here, it plays an important role in developing concepts and components for electric mobility of the future. Interested customers will be able to order the car later this year, and it will be produced in handcrafted quality at the Audi “Böllinger Höfe” production site.

The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.