2013 Audi R8 e-tron Concept

After the E-tron concept and the E-tron Detroit Show car, Audi has brought us the e-tron technology platform based on the R8 from the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. This has turned out to be more than just a publicity stunt or science experiment. Audi is serious about bringing this car to market and has taken the time to develop a completely new ideology behind this electric R8 and the normal gasoline version.

2013 Audi R8 e-tron

Having the exterior design of the car already completed and in supercar form it was an easier job for the Audi engineers to develop an electric version than if they would have had to start from scratch. The mid-engine design of the R8 provides the perfect location to store heavy batteries without distorting the weight balance that Audi wanted to achieve. In essence, this electric version should be able to compete on the same levels as its V8 and V10 brothers, but will it be as exhilarating?

2013 Audi R8 e-tron

2013 Audi R8 e-tron

2013 Audi R8 e-tron

That all depends on what the driver sees as excitement – The V10 version will provide an unbridled amount of power and harmonious soundtrack to go along with it, but the electric version will incorporate some of the most innovative technology available today. Being able to reach high top speeds in the least amount of time is the most important thing that a sports car can deliver, if it can do it by using batteries than we don’t really see a problem. If Audi can truly create an exciting Quattro experience with its new E-Tron R8 than they will have accomplished something truly special in this emerging market.

Audi R8 V8 Versus Porsche 911 Carrera 4S on the Track

Take a look at the Volkswagen Group's vast lineup of cars and you will be hard pressed to find two vehicles competing for the same buyers that are so different to each other.

On one side, you have the recently updated Audi R8, which sports a 424hp (430PS) 4.2-liter naturally breathing V8 engine positioned right behind the driver linked to an all-wheel drive system.

It’s rival from Stuttgart, continues the tradition of the Porsche 911 with a flat-six engine sitting on top of the rear axle, and which in the case of the all-wheel drive 4S, has a displacement of 3.8-liters and an output of 394hp (400PS).

British magazine Autoexpress brought the two rivaling sports car together to see which one is faster and better on a racing track. See what they came up with in the video after the break.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Video Source : Youtube