Audi CEO Markus Duesmann has once again highlighted the importance of electrification and added that the company was looking into resurrecting the all-electric R8 model – even though its predecessor failed.
The original R8 e-tron debuted as a concept car at the Geneva show six years ago – look at it in our gallery and watch the video if you need a reminder. Its dual-motor powertrain exerted 456 PS (450 hp / 335 kW) and 920 Nm (680 lb-ft) of torque, letting it hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.9 seconds and max out at 250 km/h (155 mph).
Unfortunately, the production vehicle ended up costing a whopping €1 million, so the company had only sold several dozen units in six months before pulling the plug on the project. It also said back then that it would keep the electric R8 firmly on the shelf until traction batteries become more affordable.
With the new e-tron GT sedan in simultaneous production with the gas-powered R8 line, however, bringing back the R8 e-tron would be much easier now. Even so, Audi provides no estimates, hinting that some waiting is due.
Rumors erupted last February that the third-gen R8 would be electrified to a certain extent in order to comply with the latest environmental standards, but the traditional V10 would continue to be available.