2022 Audi R8 to come in an electric-only guise

According to a media report, the third-generation Audi R8 will come only with an electric powertrain. The car is rumoured to have over 1,000 BHP and a 0-100 km/h time of just over 2.0 seconds.

The step is being taken amidst increasing demand for electric vehicles (EV) and the gradual demise of large capacity internal combustion engines without any electric assistance. Audi is trying to position itself as a contender in the EV market with plans to sell over 800,000 electric cars by 2025. EVs are expected account for 30 percent of the company’s total sales. Globally, emission norms are getting stricter and markets like China are witnessing an increased demand for EVs.

Audi launched the R8 back in 2006. It was powered by a 4.2-litre V8 engine making 414 BHP and 430 Nm of torque. The German carmaker unveiled the R8 V10 Coupe in 2008. It was equipped with a 5.2-litre V10 petrol engine producing 525 BHP and 530 Nm of torque. In 2015 Audi introduced the second-generation R8, but it has not been able to match the success of its predecessor.

In 2015, the company also came up with a limited edition all-electric version called as the R8 e-tron. It had 2 electric motors driving the rear wheels and a 92 kWh battery pack, which was claimed to be capable of giving the car a range of 450 km and a top speed of 249 km/h with a 0-100 km/h time of 3.9 seconds. The electric motors put out a combined power of 340 kW (456 BHP) and 920 Nm of torque.

The all-electric R8 is likely to be based on the PB18 e-tron concept, which was showcased at the 2018 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Source: Autocar