Audi runs R8 e-Tron prototype

Audi's been promoting the fact that an "e-tron" would lap Le Mans this week as part of a demonstration of alternative fuel vehicles shown at speed just before the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Joining cars like the Porsche GT3 hybrid and natural gas powered Volkswagen Scirocco that both ran Nurburgring, the Audi e-tron turned out to be an outwardly normal Audi R8 painted in a matte medium grey with bright green decals.

Its battery sits behind the passenger cabin to optimise its centre of gravity, thus achieving a 42:58 weight distribution. Four motors drive the front and rear axles and maximum power is quoted at 230 kW (308 bhp/ 313 PS), while peak torque is an astounding 4,500Nm (3,319 lb-ft). About 70 percent of power goes to the rear. Audi says the R8-based e-tron will accelerate from 0 - 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds.

A cable and plug allow the Audi R8 E-tron’s energy storage to be powered by your household current of 230 volts/16 amperes. Charging time is about 6-8 hours when the battery has been completely depleted and goes down to about 2.5 hours when high voltage is used.