Audi could launch an all-electric R8 in 2022, but only when it believes it is the right time.
Audi produced less than 100 copies between 2015 and 2016. This is a car it hyped up since 2009. Audi’s execution was not up to the lofty goals when it came time to launch the electric supercar. Audi instead exhibited extreme German restraint. The R8 etron was sold only in Europe, was built only when ordered and had no online configurator. It was still a great performer due to the two electric motors at its rear axle. They produced 456 horsepower (340 Kilowatts) as well as 679 pound-feet (921 Newton meters) of torque.
These impressive power figures enabled the Audi to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. The electronically limited top speed was 155 mph. The original R8 etron’s battery pack was a 92-kWh unit that was good for 280 miles. Although these numbers were quite practical, the MSRP of $1.1 million was not. This was approximately ten times The price of a 2015 R8 equipped with a V8 engine. However, there are reports that a new R8 with a V8 engine will be released by 2022. When we asked Audi about pursuing the electric supercar formula again, they said that they weren’t too eager.
“It could take [time]; it’s possible. We’ll watch what happens when the battery technology is advanced enough to make a supercar. Anthony Garbis, product manager for Audi R8, said that it could be very exciting. Garbis spoke about battery technology and cost, which are key components of a viable supercar BEV
“But how can you do it and at what price? Is it possible to have batteries that do what we want them to? Garbis noted that battery prices have been falling, but didn’t give any targets.
Garbis stated, “If you take a look at the charts between where we were and where we are now it’s now close to $100 per kilowatthour.”
The original R8 etron’s 92-kWh battery would have cost Audi $9,200. Audi’s senior vice president of research and development Dr. Peter Mertens revealed in a 2017 report that the company was purchasing batteries at $114 perkWh to be used for the new SUV. The all-electric Audi SUV is estimated to have a range of 204 miles, and a MSRP of $74,800.