Nevertheless Audi is right when they state, “Electric drive systems are still very much outsiders.” Audi is taking what they call a holistic approach to the design of an electric sports car, utilizing systemic lightweight construction and attempting optimal configuration of all components of the electric drive.
The Audi R8 E-Tron will take full advantage of recuperative braking energy to boost the power and range of the vehicle. “A hydraulic fixed-caliper brake is mounted on the front axle, with two novel electrically-actuated floating-caliper brakes mounted on the rear axle,” explains the brand website. The new demonstration model of the Audi R8 E-Tron will join Audi’s other debuts of the Audi Urban Concept and A2 Concept plus the fast and sporty S6, S7 and S8 models. The 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show will kick off on September 13. The car maker has created an online opportunity for its fans by providing an Audi virtual tour for the Frankfurt Auto Show stand.
This new Audi R8 e-tron is the second-generation version and is said to showcase specifications and cosmetic highlights closer to the eventual production version.
Audi is looking to introduce a production version of the Audi R8 e-tron Concept onto the market sometime next year. Like the concept, it will feature a fully electric powertrain comprising four separate electric motors mounted at each wheel.
Just be glad you’re not waiting for an electric Audi R8. This latest E-Tron concept will bridge the gap between several Audi debuts in Frankfurt, with the green Audi Urban Concept and A2 Concept on one hand and the high-performance S6, S7 and S8 on the other. Look for full details with AutoGuide’s Frankfurt Auto Show coverage starting here on Tuesday, September 13th.
