Updated 10/27/2015: While Audi already dropped official details on the R8 E-tron, this is the first time the new car was caught in action at the Nurbrugring race track. You have to admit that its blue exterior color looks stunning, and that orange light around the “sideblades” is also a nice detail.

As expected, the R8 e-tron is one of the quickest EVs out there. What’s surprising though is that it can perform extremely well in the range department. How well, you may ask? Let’s say that the Tesla Model S needs a small range update next time Elon Musk rolls out a new upgrade. But you’re going to have to check out the review below for more info on that.

The big news comes straight from the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, where Audi showcased an all-electric supercar alongside the redesigned, second-generation R8. At first glance, the e-tron model is an R8 with the stock V-10 drivetrain swapped out for a pair of electric motors and their associated batteries, but this German-built EV with supercar credentials is more than that. And with zero emissions emanating from a non-existent tailpipe, the R8 e-tron represents a big step forward for green racing tech.

Audi has teased the idea of an electric version of its R8 supercar on more than one occasion. First we had the e-tron concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009, which then made a debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Audi even went as far as to put its creation around the Nürburgring for a record-setting 8:09.099 minute lap time. Now, finally, it looks like the R8 e-tron is set to make it to showrooms worldwide.

Spy Shots

October 27, 2015 - Audi R8 E-tron testing at Nurburgring

Exterior

The front fascia misses the standard grille and the side intakes now feature five horizontal slats that change the R8’s appearance quite dramatically

Aesthetically, there isn’t much to discern between the e-tron and regular petrol versions of the R8. The large front air dam and intakes are made redundant without an internal combustion powerplant, but are still useful for cooling the brakes and battery packs. The signature Audi LED daytime running lights sit up front, and the whole body has been smoothed for a low drag coefficient. Out back, you’ll notice a complete lack of exhaust.

Take a closer look, however, and you’ll notice the front fascia misses the standard honeycomb grille mesh and that the side intakes now feature five horizontal slats that change the R8’s appearance quite dramatically. The same modification can be seen around back, under the taillights, while the race-like diffuser has been replaced by a smaller piece. A larger spoiler sits above the fascia for increased aerodynamics. Lastly, there are mildly revised side intakes and a new set of wheels, the latter developed for reduced aerodynamic drag.

Length 4,431 mm (14.54 ft) Width 2,029 mm (6.66 ft) Height 1,252 mm (4.11 ft) Wheelbase 2,650 mm (8.69 ft)

Interior

*Standard R8 interior shown here

Audi has yet to publish photos of the e-tron’s interior, but it should come with the same driver focused cabin and luxury-laden trim that you’ll find in the petrol-spec R8. Expect leather upholstery upon highly bolstered sport seats, large gauges for road speed and charge levels, high-end infotainment, and a large assortment of gadgets and features. We expect the option list to be slightly lacking compared to other Audi models, given the niche fit that the e-tron will represent.

Drivetrain

The real breakthrough the e-tron, however, is its range. The Germans claim the all-electric R8 can travel approximately 280 miles on a single charge, compared to the 134-mile range of the previous car

This is where the R8 e-tron really shines, more so when compared to the previous car that never made it into production. Motivated bu two electric motors powered by a large, T-shaped, 49-kWh battery, the R8 e-tron boasts 455 horsepower and a whopping 679 pound-feet of torque, a massive 225-pony increase over the concept car. The electric supercar needs 3.9 seconds to hit 62 mph from a standing start, while its top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph. The drivetrain uses an electromechanical brake system for high energy recuperation rates and targeted torque vectoring for increased stability.

The real breakthrough the e-tron, however, is its range. The Germans claim the all-electric R8 can travel approximately 280 miles on a single charge, compared to the 134-mile range of the previous car, which puts it on par with the Tesla Model S.

But the R8 e-tron isn’t just about power and speed. Audi focused on reducing its aerodynamic drag coefficient as well by making certain modifications to the outer shell and on the wheels. Now at 0.28, the low aerodynamic drag coefficient plays a key role in the car’s fantastic range and performance. What’s more, charging can take as little as two hours using a rapid charging point thanks to its Combined Charging System (CSS) which allows charging with direct and alternating current.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type Electric Output 455 Hp Maximum torque 678 LB-FT 0 to 62mph 3.9 Seconds Top speed 130 MPH or 155 MPH Electric range 280 miles

Prices

The regular R8 will cost you $115,900, and we’d expect the e-tron model to bump that up another $140k or so, especially considering the enormously long development time. Who said saving the planet would be cheap? The R8 e-tron will go on sale by the end of 2015.

Competition

While the i8 is a hybrid, rather than full-on EV, it represents a decent competitor to the Audi R8 e-tron as an environmentally conscious sports car in the six-figure price range. We think the i8 looks awesome, drawing inspiration from the BMW’s other supercar from the late-70s, the M1. Made of aluminum and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), the i8 tips the scales under 3,285 pounds.

Sitting behind the 2+2 seating arrangement is a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, while up front is an electric motor. When these engines combine output, the result is 362 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. Total EV-only range is only 22 miles, but it’ll hit sixty mph in 4.4 seconds and charge onto a 160 mph top speed. The interior is trimmed in leather tanned with olive oil extract, and there’s a host of technology to play with, like multiple drive modes, real-time traffic information, and Bluetooth smartphone integration.

Read more about the BMW i8 here.

The 2015 Tesla Model S is basically unchanged from last year... Well, except for the 691-horsepower P85D model!

The standard for electric sporting intent, the Tesla Model S is much cheaper than the speculative price for the Audi R8 e-tron. However, it’s also quite a bit slower, taking 5.9 seconds to reach 60 mph, with a top speed of 120 mph. However, anyone looking to up their performance can step into the all-wheel-drive model, which shaves .2 seconds from the 0-to-60 time and adds five mph to the top speed, not to mention offers substantially improved grip.

We’d venture that the Tesla is far less nimble in the corners compared to the R8 e-tron as well. Still, it’s a fantastic car, with a gorgeous four-door coupe exterior, a large control screen that dominates the center console, and a semi-autonomous drive system that can detect road signs and nearby cars via optical sensors and 360-degree sonar. When it comes to electric performance, the Tesla S is still the car to beat.

Read more about the Tesla Model S here.

Conclusion

It’s been a long time coming, and while the excitement around the R8 e-tron built up, then died out, built up again, and squelched once more, it looks like we can actually get one of these cars out on the road. What’s more, Audi’s all-electric supercar exceeds all expectations in the performance department, becoming the only true competitor for the Tesla Model S in terms of range and acceleration and speed. Sure, the R8 misses two doors and five seats, but I have a feeling this supercar is only the first member of a large e-tron family that’s set to arrive over the next few years.

Love it Impressive range and performance No emissions 8:09 Nürburgring time

Leave it High price Hugely long development time



Update History

Updated 03/02/2015: Next to the standard R8, Audi finally unveiled the first details on the R8 e-tron version - and announced the model will be available for order later in 2015.

Updated 06/29/2012: Even though the Audi R8 e-tron hasn’t officially been launched yet, it is already a world record breaker. With a lap time of 8:09.099 minutes, the R8 e-tron has just become the fastest production vehicle with an electric drive system around the Nurburgring. The car was driven to success by racing driver Markus Winkelhock.

"The R8 e-tron has given a magnificent demonstration of its potential on the toughest race track in the world," said Michael Dick, Audi AG Board Member for Technical Development. Dick, who completed a fast lap himself in the R8 e-tron, added: "The record-setting drive confirmed that we are on the right track. To us, electric mobility has never been about sacrifice, but rather is about emotion, sportiness and driving pleasure."

Updated 08/07/2012: It’s been a little over a month since the Audi R8 e-Tron lapped the Nurburgring in record time (see previous update), but Audi has just released the video of the epic achievement. Check out Markus Winkelhock and the Audi R8 e-Tron as the record is created by clicking on the image above.