Audi R8 e-tron close to production

The Audi R8 e-tron project has been reprised by Audi technical chief Ulrich Hackenberg, and is now close to being signed off for production. 

The electric supercar had been axed last spring amid concerns about its cost and range. Just ten were going to be made, each for R&D purposes and not for sale.

Confirming Autocar’s scoop from last month, Hackenberg revealed the packaging of the R8 e-tron had been changed and its battery technology updated to offer a greater range and improved cost.

Insiders report that the range of the R8 e-tron, which gets twin electric motors, rear-wheel drive and 376bhp, has now almost doubled to around 250 miles.

Hackenberg said that with electric and specifically plug-in hybrid technology playing such an important role in Audi’s future going forward, it was important this technology was introduced on a technology flagship model.

“I’m discussing with the board a way to realise this car and use it as a technology flagship,” said Hackenberg at the Detroit motor show. “We need something to bring these new technologies to market.”

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