Electric R8 - rumors resurface

[AnOutsider]

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/31/f...battery-power/

There is, however, another long-shot possibility: an electric supercar based off the R8. This is a rumor that first cropped up last spring and was quickly shot down by Audi. However, two weeks ago Mercedes-Benz announced that it would build an electric version of its upcoming SLS gull-wing coupe. Might the cross-country rivals from Ingolstadt have an answer for that eco-friendly supercar up its corporate sleeves?

We checked with our contacts at Audi who would only say it's too early to talk about Frankfurt. If Audi has suddenly reversed course and decided to build a electric R8 concept, it will probably be mostly a styling mock-up rather than a fully functional vehicle. Of course, it's even more likely it just won't happen at all.

Also: http://www.worldcarfans.com/10907302...t-in-frankfurt

I'd be all over this, but if they didn't want to fit the DSG in, imagine the hassle fitting a whole new drivetrain in. I guess it might end up easier, but who knows.

[willyjp]

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/31/f...battery-power/



Also: http://www.worldcarfans.com/10907302...t-in-frankfurt

I'd be all over this, but if they didn't want to fit the DSG in, imagine the hassle fitting a whole new drivetrain in. I guess it might end up easier, but who knows.

If you guessed easier, you'd be guessing right! No worries about "fitting the driveline in." Just eliminate the driveline!

It's called the Michelin Active Wheel. And the tree huggers think it might be the "holy grail of carbon emissions control."

Of course, if you think ceramic brake rotors are a good deal to reduce your unsprung weight, you probably won't like the handling too well! But this may be the wave of the future. Michelin has put A LOT of investment into this.
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008...ectric-car.php

[randombloke]

even if they did the central motor approach, they'd have a much easier time of it given electric motors are so much smaller and the battery pack could be formed to fit the space they have.

will be very interesting to see either way - but hope this has more legs than the diesel concept.

[harrison]

If we could only have a light weight battery/charging system. A LIGHTWEIGHT car with alot of down force! Even Formula one would go for that!!