- 2022 Audi R8 to skip V10 engine for an all-electric powertrain
- To draw inspiration from the PB18 e-tron concept
- Audi aims to sell over 8 lakh units by 2025
The third-generation Audi R8, which is due for launch in 2022, will skip the V10 engine in favour of an electric powertrain. The latest development reveals the company’s future plans to replace the large capacity internal combustion engine. Reports indicate that the upcoming all-electric R8 will draw inspiration from the PB18 e-tron concept, which was showcased at the 2018 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
Reports further indicate that the third-generation Audi R8 is expected to generate over 1,000bhp of power and will be capable of sprinting from 0-100kmph in a little over two seconds with a top speed of 300kmph. In an effort to position itself as a strong contender in the electric vehicle segment, the company plans to sell over 8 lakh electric units by 2025. Moreover, the company expects 30 per cent of the total sales to originate from the electric vehicles.
Strict global emission norms, especially in the Chinese market, has encouraged the carmakers to undertake electric vehicle development initiatives. Back in 2015, the company had introduced a limited edition all-electric version called the R8 e-tron. Back then, the rear wheel driven vehicle was powered by two electric motors and a 92 kWh battery pack. The Audi e-tron was capable of attaining a top speed of 250kmph and could sprint from 0-100kmph in just about 3.9 seconds. The electric motors generated about 456bhp of power and 920Nm of torque.
