There is much buzz about the new 2016 Audi R8 E-Tron, featured at this year’s Geneva Auto Show. After a brief hiatus, Audi has come back strong with the all new 2015 Audi R8 electric car, and unlike the R8 concept cars, this one is already in production.
The new Audi features a 92-kWh battery pack which gives the vehicle a range of approximately 275 mi (this is more than double the range of the previous R8 concept cars). If using a DC fast-charger, the battery can be fully charged in less than two hours.
The R8 accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of up to 155mph. The peak output of the Audi R8 E-Tron is around 456hp and 678lb-ft of torque. The drag coefficient value comes in at 0.28 and torque vectoring is available, for better handling.
Why all the hype? Well, not only is the R8 a powerhouse electric vehicle but it signifies the commitment Audi has made to the success of high performance electric vehicles. Rather than let a few setbacks sideline their efforts, Audi has continued to push forward, confident that electric cars are the way of the future.
Also anticipated, is the consumer release date of the 2016 Audi Q7 E-tron Quattro plug-in. According to Volkswagen, the new platform on the Q7 will be used for Bentley and Porsche as well.
Volkswagen currently owns controlling interest in Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche and a few more. What this really signifies is that through Volkswagen, the German car market is forging ahead unrelentingly, undaunted by the success of Tesla.
What exciting news for high performance EV enthusiasts and for those pioneering the widespread use of electric cars!