Audi CEO: An Electric R8 “Could Make Sense”

Audi CEO: An Electric R8 "Could Make Sense"

You’re implying that there is a chance.

Markus Duesmann, Audi CEO, believes that EVs are the future Four Rings. This could mean the revival or a vehicle similar to the E-Tron. Don’t wait too long to see the model.

Audi produces the E-Tron GT electric sedan using the same production line that made the R8, which means it can also make EVs. Top Gear asked Duesmann questions about the possibility of building an electric R8. He told Top Gear that it wasn’t his original idea. It could make sense. If we wanted to, we could.

The 2015 Geneva Motor Show saw Audi unveil the R8 E-Tron. The two-motor powertrain produced 456 horsepower (340 Kilowatts) as well as 679 pound-feet (692 Newton-meters) in torque. The vehicle weighed in at 4,056 pounds (1.840 kilograms), while the base R8 weighed in at 3,428 pounds (1.555 kilograms).

It was a complete failure. Audi sold less than 100 units. It was certainly not enough to attract buyers.

The Audi R8 product manager stated that the company would not build an EV version until better battery technology was available. The main problem was the price per kilowatt for the battery.

Duesmann also shared some details about the Audi Artemis project. He explained Top Gear that it’s a battery-powered car with an onboard network and level four autonomous driving.

Versions for the Four Rings will be available in 2024. Later versions would be available from Bentley and Porsche. Duesmann states that Level 4 self-driving capability might not be available at launch due to the difficulty of creating it. VW’s Trinity Project Vehicle would use some of these features.