Audi R8 e-tron breaks Nurburgring’s electric car record – 5 seconds behind the R8 V8

Posted 29th June, 2012 in Audi, Videos | Leave a comment

Audi has revealed that its R8 e-tron has broken Nurburgring’s lap record for a electric production car, with Markus Winkelhock travelling around the 20.8 kilometre (12.9 mile) track in just 8:09.099 minutes – a mere 5 seconds behind its 4.2-litre V8-engined counterpart.

A T-shaped 49 KWh lithium-ion battery, mounted within the central tunnel, feeds the pair of electric motors generating a total output of 230 kW (308 hp) and 820 Nm (605 lb/ft) of torque, with around 490 Nm (361 lb/ft) transferred to the rear wheels from a near-standing start. A range of 215 kilometres (134 miles) is possible, with energy recovery during coasting and braking also providing a charge. The utilization of aluminium and carbon fibre for the car’s construction helps to keep weight to a minimum, however, at 1,780 kg (3,924 lb) the large battery means it’s 220 kg (485 lb) heavier than the R8 V8.

Performance is still impressive, with 100 km/h (62 mph) happening in just 4.6 seconds and, while top speed is normally governed to 200 km/h (124 mph), approval was given for this figure to be raised to 250 km/h (155 mph) for the record-setting lap. Times of 8:30.873 and 8:26.096 were achieved with the speed limiter activated.

“The record drives were a fantastic experience for me. Of course, the R8 e-tron is a production car, not a racing car with the assistance of aerodynamics. But with its low centre of gravity and rear biased weight distribution, it brings with it a lot of sporty qualities. The torque with which the electric motors propel the car uphill beats everything that I know,” said an elated Winkelhock.

It is believed that the R8 e-tron will become available by the end of the year at a price of around € 200,000.