Electric R8 ready to light up Frankfurt?

By Sam Hardy

02nd June 2009

AUDI could soon be giving the phrase ‘electrifying performance’ new meaning! Insiders at the German firm have told Auto Express that it is planning to reveal an electric version of its R8 supercar at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

It’s likely to take the form of a dramatic concept car, similar in design to the head-turning Audi RSQ, which previewed the R8 in the sci-fi film I, Robot back in 2004.

In the Will Smith movie, the RSQ was powered by electricity – and it seems that it could be rather prophetic.

Audi bosses are known to be keen on the idea of alternative power for the R8, having already planned a V12 TDI diesel-engined version, before having to can it as a result of the current economic downturn, as reported by Auto Express in Issue 1,062.

And that’s where a zero-emissions model could step in. The VW Group’s electric powertrains are already highly advanced – VW itself will take the wraps off a plug-in family car concept at Frankfurt (see Issue 1,065) – and the R8 would be an ideal showcase for a performance version, rivalling Tesla’s Roadster.

While Audi is keeping tight-lipped about the idea, it has confirmed that it will take the wraps off a drop-top R8 Spyder version at Frankfurt.

Tell us about your car in our Driver Power survey.