Audi is rumored to be creating an electric-powered concept based on the R8 sports car to the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall. Though the diesel-powered R8 was canned earlier this year, this extra-efficient, high-performance variant of the R8 might get the green light after all.
German publication Auto und Motor Sport says the electric R8 hardtop will be called “e-Version,” though the report didn’t specify if it would feature a hybrid powertrain or a full electric setup. A diesel/electric hybrid remains a distinct possibility, though the rumored name for the concept car hints at full electric power.
We’ll keep you posted should we hear more out of Ingolstadt. If not, make sure to check back in September for Leftlane’s live Frankfurt coverage.
05/27, 3:13 PM
posted by:
05Z88Path
Stupid move. Diesel version would have been awesome…electric version is, well, a waste of such a beautiful sports car…
05/27, 3:17 PM
posted by:
atoms
wow, this is an unexpected surprise…. one that I don’t agree with…. give us diesel!
05/27, 3:27 PM
posted by:
AFSOCSARGE
Diesel would have been a Great Move especially when they do so well in racing with there Diesel Engine
-Sarge
05/27, 3:30 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I’m sure Tesla must be thrilled. I wonder if this is Audi’s way of letting Daimler know the game is afoot.
05/27, 3:31 PM
posted by:
CADDY-V
Ya… lets turn an R8 into a prius….SH*T.
05/27, 3:41 PM
posted by:
Borat
Johnny, I don’t know if game will be afoot, but I suspect that Audi will a boot up the butt with this one.
05/27, 3:41 PM
posted by:
Borat
^^^will a have a boot
05/27, 3:50 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
One of my favorite things about the R8 is the sound it makes. This e-version won’t make that sound anymore. Sad.
However, aside from that, I like this idea. Between this and a Tesla Roadster, I think I’d take this. Although I will say that the Tesla Roadster is still a great looking car in my opinion. I just like the look of the R8 better.
I can’t imagine an R8 e-version would be even remotely affordable, though. I think Tesla will definitely conquer in the price category.
Caddy, this is definitely not a Prius, as it will maintain its good looks, performance and exclusivity. However, I fully understand where you’re coming from. That great sound…
05/27, 4:06 PM
posted by:
Dante_JoseCuervo
They should’ve done a diesel version. The sound is awesome, very deep-throated. Oh well, guess not.
05/27, 4:14 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
Wonder if it will catch on fire just like the gas powered R8?
05/27, 4:35 PM
posted by:
gizmo2
Weather we like it or not electric car will become a factor and every smart automaker knows this by now. Imagine there is break through in battery technology and you have nothing in the pipiline. Audi is sensing that and remember parent company VW sign a memorandum of understanding with BYD to develop hybrids and electric cars. Face the facts electric cars are coming and the people who have the money to buy them are putting in their order.
05/27, 4:37 PM
posted by:
A4
DIESEL
05/27, 5:03 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
It’s Electric! Boogy woogy boogy
05/27, 5:30 PM
posted by:
aggie531
Ill miss the sound of the gas R8. oh well.
05/27, 5:47 PM
posted by:
The Stig
The diesel would have been special but I’m sure I can get used to the whine of an electric motor just the same. And if not, maybe some rear mounted subwoofers can fix it.
05/27, 6:40 PM
posted by:
xcatchmyshadowx
i love the R8 but a real Sportscar needs a decent, aggressive sound, FACT!
they can keep Diesels and the electric stuff for their station wagons etc..
05/27, 6:46 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
You know, just because there may be an e-version doesn’t mean it’s the only option. I’m sure they will still offer the normal petrol version for a while. However, it’s a bummer that the diesel version is out.
05/27, 7:23 PM
posted by:
Pazzo Canguri
This is SOOO SOOO SOOO WRONG……
U fn greanies, see what you did with your lies…..
05/28, 3:59 AM
posted by:
scratchy
i don’t think Audi will make an electric R8 , that would be stupid.
05/28, 5:19 AM
posted by:
Hyperion
They really need to build the promised turbo-diesel version if they’re considering this. I’d like to see them finish the 24 hours of Lemans with this “E-Version”
05/28, 6:22 AM
posted by:
acashshri
This is absolutely rubbish..!!
Whats happening to the world……I can take honda’s with hybrid engines….BUT hell no Audi, ferrari’s and Lambos shifting to electric….Goddam Screw the environment…M looking for fast cars