Audi has just released the first pictures of the new R8 E-Tron, an electric super coupè that will hit its production stage by the end of 2012. Quite similar to its petrol versions, the Audi R8 E-Tron will be able to reach a remarkable 200 Km/h and to go from 0-100 Km in 4.8 seconds thanks to four electric motors, one for each wheel, providing a total system output of 230kW (313hp) and maximum torque of 4,500Nm. In addition, an abundant use of light fibres has allowed this vehicle not to compromise its weight balance and to keep the overall mass under the 1500 Kg mark.
The lythium batteries’ weight is of 550 Kg while their capacity is of 53 kwh. Located behind the passenger compartment, they enable an autonomy range of 250 Km - measured according to the standard NEDC cycle - with recharging times of 6-8 hours when using 230V plugs, shrinking to 2 and an half hours when charging through a system providing an higher voltage. Other features include a single-speed transmission and the ability to recover energy while braking.