The Audi R8 E-Tron Is Finally Happening, And It's Packing 456bhp And 678lb ft

It would seem Audi’s deliberation over whether to make an R8 E-Tron is finally over. The last generation R8 spawned an all-electric E-Tron concept, prototypes, and very nearly a full-on production version, but Audi decided to pull the plug (sorry). Now the new R8 is here, though, and battery technology is a little more advanced, so Audi is actually taking the plunge with a ‘leccy R8. And it’ll be quck: it’s packing 456bhp and 678lb ft of torque.

That’ll make the R8 E-Tron good for 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds. But if you drive in a less furious manner, you’ll apparently get a Tesla Model S-rivalling 276 mile range. Charging will take about two hours from a fast charging point.

The styling is a little different from the regular R8, with a blanked out grille and some fabulous-looking carbonfibre inserts in the wheels to make the E-Tron a little more slippery than its petrol-powered sibling.

The car will go on sale later this year for an as-yet-undisclosed figure, but what’s interesting is it’s also intended as a ‘rolling laboratory’ - potentially to develop an all-electric saloon. Watch your back, Tesla…