The Audi R8 e-tron electric sports car has been cancelled and revived numerous times, but now it appears that not only will the e-tron enter production, it will also be the stepping stone to a more mainstream electric car.

At this week's 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, Audi officials indicated that the carmaker is planning an all-electric family car with around 280 miles of range for 2017.

SEE ALSO: How Audi, BMW & Mercedes Plan To Compete With Tesla--And Why

The R8 e-tron will come first, though, perhaps as early as the 2015 Detroit Auto Show in January, according to a report from Seeking Alpha.

The two-seat coupe--along with a rumored plug-in hybrid version--will be based on the platform of the next-generation R8, also set to debut next year.

2016 Audi A3 e-tron - First Drive

However, speaking to Auto Express at the L.A. show, Hackenberg also said that Audi will leverage experience gained during development of the R8 e-tron for a more practical family car.

With an anticipated 280 miles of range, the car will likely target the Tesla Model S when when it arrives in calendar year 2017, perhaps as a 2018 model.

MORE: Audi Plug-In Hybrid Range To Include R8 Supercar Too

Audi believes it can achieve that range target thanks to anticipated improvements in battery energy density and electric-motor efficiency.

Audi's parent Volkswagen Group claims to be developing motors that are five times more efficient than the one used in the current VW e-Golf.

No other details have been confirmed, including whether the electric car will be based on one of Audi's existing models, or be a completely new addition to the lineup.

2016 Audi A3 e-tron - First Drive

The luxury brand is also thought to be developing an all-electric version of its upcoming Q8 "four-door coupe utility vehicle," which would seem to have the Tesla Model X in its sights.

Meanwhile rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz reportedly have plans for larger, more luxurious electric cars, while Porsche may build an all-electric version of its planned "Pajun" (Panamera Junior) sedan.

Will these new models change the electric-car landscape in a few years' time? Or will Tesla simply fire back with an even more competitive product?

Stay tuned.

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