Unfortunately, this is just a concept car for now, but at the rate Audi is putting out these piloted concept models (read our reviews of the RS7 piloted driving concept here and the Prologue piloted driving concept here ), it seems like this tech is on the verge of making it to showrooms.

One of the biggest concerns among gearheads when it comes to self-driving cars is that the fun of driving will be taken away. Well, when it comes to this insane concept supercar, there is plenty of fun to go around, thanks to its sub-four-second 0-to-60 time and agility. What’s more, its range rivals the likes of the Tesla Model S , and it looks cooler.

Earlier this year, Audi released the revamped 2016 R8 R8 e-tron, and at the 2015 CES Asia show, it released a self-driving version of the electric supercar dubbed the R8 e-tron Piloted Driving Concept.

Exterior

From a distance, the R8 e-tron piloted driving concept looks like any old R8. But side by side comparison with a production version of the R8 will reveal that there are a few minor differences between the two.

The first changes are mild nips and tucks to the body and updated wheels that combine to help push the aerodynamic drag down to 0.28 Cd. In addition to these minor updates are e-tron exclusive headlights and fog lights. The e-tron badge just above the rear diffuser is also a partial giveaway as to what this car really is.

Interior

Audi didn’t get into the interior of the R8 e-tron piloted driving concept, but look for the basic digs of the standard R8 with a bit of e-tron twist. Also part of the cabin will be the systems required for autonomous driving, which is what the piloted concept program is all about.

Drivetrain

Power comes not from a thunderous V-10, but rather from a virtually silent pair of electric motors that produce 170 kW (228 horsepower) and 460 Nm (339 pound-feet) of torque each for a grand total of 456 horsepower and 678 pound-feet of torque. Unsurprisingly, this is the exact same output as the standard 2016 R8 e-tron.

What makes this R8 e-tron so special are its laser scanner, video cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and radar sensors that allow it to drive itself.

Power travels exclusively to the rear wheels and accelerates this rolling technology rocket to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.9 seconds. Top speed checks in at 250 km/h (155 mph), but there is a reduced top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph) if the R8 is fitted with different tires – Audi didn’t specify what tires these are.

Range anxiety is a thing of the past, as the R8 e-tron piloted driving concept can travel up to 450 km (279.6 miles) between charges, thanks to its 92 kWh, T-shaped battery pack. The onboard Combined Charging System reduces charging time to as little as under two hours.

What makes this R8 e-tron so special are its laser scanner, video cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and radar sensors that allow it to drive itself. These tech gizmos send their signals to a central computer that processes them and creates a picture of the vehicle’s environment so it can drive you around safely.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type two electric motors Output 340 kW (456 HP) Torque 678 LB-FT 0 to 100 KM/H (62 MPH) 3.9 seconds Top Speed 130 MPH or 155 MPH depending on tires) Electric range 279.6 Miles

Conclusion

Unfortunately, these piloted driving concepts remain only technology studies for now, but this shows Audi’s seriousness about automated driving. What I think is really cool is that it put this system in a supercar like the R8 e-tron. This will allow drivers who love to drive the opportunity to pilot their own rig, but it also allows them to switch into auto mode and let the car do the heavy lifting when needed. This truly is the best of all the recent automotive technology.