Audi multiplies the unveilings of concepts that illustrate its electric future. However, a model seems to pass under the radar and yet it is the emblematic model of the brand, the Audi R8. While many believe in its imminent death, Audi plans instead to offer it a new generation which, unsurprisingly, will be entirely electric.
For many, there is a strong feeling of deja vu regarding this news. We remember that when the current generation of the R8 was launched, Audi also unveiled an electric version. The R8 e-tron, however, did not have a very long career.
After only a few dozen copies, Audi ceased production of the model. At the time, it replied to the Mercedes-Benz SLS Electric Drive which was also a flash in the pan. Clearly, in the mid-2010s, high-performance car enthusiasts weren’t ready for an electric exotic.
Here we are a few years later and the word electric is on everyone’s lips and defines the immediate future of the automobile. Sales of the R8 have been flat for some time now, but Audi is not resigning itself to withdrawing it. We rather look to the future by thinking about the third generation expected for the middle of the current decade.
Reflection does not yet mean confirmation. At least, that’s what Sebastian Grams, the boss of the Audi Sport division, claims. According to his statements, collected by the British publication Coach, the project is still on the table. He wants a sequel, the direction too, but the terms are not yet defined. He argues: “We look for different concepts, but the direction is electrified. If my wishes come true, it will be an electric R8. And if we make a super sports car, it will necessarily be a two-door concept. »
As always, the R8 will be at the top of the Audi range when it comes to price, style, but above all performance. Rumor has it this Audi R8 e-tron will opt for the new SSP Sport platform which will also be under future electric sports cars from Porsche, Audi and potentially Bentley. However, there are significant technical challenges that will have to highlight the modularity of the platform used.
The center of gravity is critical in a car like the R8. It is therefore quite possible that the engineers will opt for a configuration similar to that announced for the Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster where the batteries would be found in a vertical position behind the two seats. Here again, there is an issue at the level of the center of gravity and the balance of the masses.
When it comes to power, the R8 will have to raise the bar. The old 2016 Audi R8 e-tron offered 455 horsepower and 678 pound-feet of torque. Today, the Audi RS e-tron GT sedan pushes 637 horsepower. The engineers therefore have the obligation to exceed this power for the simple principle of prestige associated with the R8. It would therefore not be surprising to see a cavalry of more than 800 horses.
Conclusion
More than ever, electrification is becoming synonymous with performance. Over the next few years, virtually every manufacturer will unveil electric exotics, each more powerful and swifter than the next. Just look at Rimac with the Nevera or the Tesla Roadster to understand how far manufacturers are able to go. Those who believed that the sports car would die with combustion engines have never been so wrong. On the contrary, we are entering a new era, if not a new dimension of performance!
