To the general public, the development of hybrids and electric vehicles is a singular pursuit for renewable energy and eco-consciousness.
However, advancements in technology allow manufacturers to demonstrate that hybrids and EVs don't necessarily have to be frugal and practical. Think about the recent influx of upcoming supercar hybrids including the next Acura NSX, Jaguar C-X75, and the highly anticipated McLaren supercar -- the sentiment cannot be farther from the truth.
Earlier in June, Audi set the fastest Nürburgring-Nordschleife lap time of any production-based electric vehicle with its radical Audi R8 e-tron, which recorded a rapid 8:09.099 under the skilled hands of German racing driver Markus Winkelhock.
Audi has finally shared the footage of the record lap, taking us into the R8 e-tron's cockpit as it tackles 12.92 miles of the most challenging racing circuit in the world. If you're watching the footage on mute while at work because you're worried about speakers that'll blow your cover, don't be silly -- the party piece of the R8 e-tron is just how silent its electric motor is as the footage better captures the sound bites coming from wind noise and tire chirps.
The Audi R8 e-tron is scheduled to go on sale by the end of this year as the prototypes finalize shakedown testing. Of course, production numbers will be extremely limited for only the lucky few.
The Audi R8 e-tron features two electric motors, each responsible for an axle, which combine to provide a total power output of 308-hp and 604 lb.-ft. of torque. However, unlike Winkelhock's record setting R8 e-tron, the production version will only reach up to a speed limted 124 mph. Audi made this conservative decision in order to prevent the batteries from depleting too quickly.
Trending
Join the Discussion