CONFIRMED: Audi Axes The R8 e-Tron, FINALLY A Manufacturer Backs Of Electric Tech

Remember when Johan de Nysschen made some disparaging comments about electric vehicles. Then, Audi decided to announce its electric vehicle program. Man, that was funny!

Now we're seeing an interesting development after Audi has certainly invested in not-so-cheap Research & Development initiative: The R8 e-Tron program has been "delayed indefinitely." Check out the quote -- in italics -- below.

In a recent issue of Audi's technology magazine, the R8 e-Tron specs were revealed. It is powered by a pair of electric motors, which power totals 376 horsepower. Though it weighed in at over a lofty 3,900 pounds, it still was able to achieve zero to 62 in 4.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 124 mph.

Here's where the problems start though. A charge from a socket would take approximately 12 hours and was only good for 130 or so miles. That's by way of a 230-volt socket. For those more time-crunched individuals, there is a "high performance DC charging device" that can provide juice within an hour's time.


Audi has confirmed that the launch of its all-electric R8 e-tron has been delayed indefinitely. Originally scheduled to arrive in showrooms last year, the Mercedes SLS Electric Drive rival is now being treated purely as a technical exercise to advance electric car technology for models lower down the range.

“We’ve already built 10 cars which are being evaluated internally,” an Audi spokesman told us. “We’re concerned about the limited range of pure electric cars with existing battery technology, we don’t think the customers are ready to accept it...

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Steve - 1/6/2013 5:43:37 PM

0 Boost

The Audi R8 e-Tron was Audi's way of saying "we can do electric exotics, too, ya know!" while their decision to axe it was their way of saying "but consumers don't care."

vdiv - 1/7/2013 3:28:58 PM

+3 Boost

Where's my Golf Blue eMotion and A3 eTron? They killed the A2 too because the big bad BMW wolf is going to eat them for breakfast with the i3.

http://autospies.com/news/Audi-Cans-Production-Of-Electric-A2-Will-Focus-On-Vehicles-Customers-Actually-Want-74087/

VAG sux. Thinking of stopping by their HQ on the way home and telling them that.

vdiv - 1/7/2013 3:35:08 PM

+2 Boost

It is really a shame though. It could be a fun little toy:

http://fourtitude.com/features/Miscellaneous_Features_16/all-the-latest-on-the-facelifted-audi-r8-e-tron/

Some are really hoping the A8 eTron's fate may not be set in a grave stone just yet:

https://insideevs.com/development-of-electric-audi-r8-e-tron-still-underway-limited-production-run-a-possibility/

Agent00R - 1/7/2013 11:36:00 PM

0 Boost

Pst.

No more links in comments.

You've been warned.

IanJames - 1/7/2013 8:24:52 PM

+3 Boost

I assume the headline was meant to read: "FINALLY A Manufacturer Backs OFF Electric Tech"

Your shortsightedness seems to be affecting your spelling and grammar.

Agent00R - 1/7/2013 11:36:54 PM

-1 Boost

@IanJames

Work 100 hours a week then get back to me.

Steve - 1/8/2013 1:19:25 AM

+2 Boost

'00R writes "...Work 100 hours a week then get back to me..."

Are you serious? You say that like it's a "badge of honor." If I was working 100 hour weeks, I'd feel like crap that someone or something "owns" me :-( Different strokes for different folks. I offer my condolences.