The marketing benefits of Audi’s 2012 Le Mans win will soon be seen on the road when 1000 R8 e-tron evaluation models hit the streets later this year. Thanks to that 11th victory at the Circuit de la Sarthe, the world is more aware of the e-tron brand than it’s ever been.
Of course, the e-tron name has been with us for a few years now. The original R8 e-tron concept was revealed at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show after all.
A near production ready R8 e-tron has recently been seen out on the roads in Europe ahead of its evaluation launch. We’re not sure if the prototype version here lives up to the specs of the original show car. But to refresh your memory the Frankfurt concept featured a total of 230kW, courtesy of an electric motor at each wheel, and a staggering 4500Nm of torque.
At first glance the R8 e-tron looks much the same as the conventionally powered petrol models. A large bonnet scoop and the lack of exhaust tips at the rear are the best clues that this R8 is not like the others.
[Source: WCF]
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Turns out this vehicle is quite possibly a production-ready model. Audi has announced the R8 e-tron has set a new Nürburgring lap record for electric powered vehicles.
The lap time was a tidy 8:09.099—more details to follow.