Meet the R8’s all-electric sequel

Audi’s e-Tron family hits hyperdrive in 2022 with the GTR, an electric replacement for the R8.

AUDI’S PATH TO 650BHP

After this year’s e-Tron SUV and Sportback, 2020 will bring a production version of the e-Tron GT concept (above). Expect 575bhp from two electric motors, with 0-62mph in 3.5sec. But 2022’s still-secret GTR is expected to have more than 650bhp from a solid-state battery, o ering a 0-62mph time closer to two seconds, wireless charging and a range of 300 miles.

PORSCHE PLUS EXTRA PRACTICALITY

Audi’s foreseeable future does not include a single sports car that’s pure Ingolstadt. Get used to it – the EV age will see more, not less, sharing of ideas and hardware. In any case, the R8 has always had a healthy dose of Lamborghini in its DNA. In the case of the e-Tron GTR, the key donor is Porsche: the Taycan’s J1 platform will be tweaked for Audi dynamics and extra passenger-friendly practicality.

PB18 CONCEPT MADE REAL

Audi’s California design team under Gael Buzyn have already designed a body that could very plausibly become the e-Tron GTR: the two-door, two-seat PB18 shooting brake-style concept (above) was one of the hits of last year’s Pebble Beach show in the USA. Expect the aggressive front end to stay, along with a layout that puts EV hardware behind the driver rather than under the floor, allowing it to stay low.

STREAMLINED AUDI LINE UP

To help make every part of Audi profitable in the face of the slim margins on electric cars, CEO Bram Schot is in the midst of a product cull. Some cars and many engine variants will be killed o . On the provisional casualty list are the stillborn five-door A3 sport coupe, the three-door A1/S1, the A5 coupe and convertible, the TT twins, the R8 and the proposed A8-based A9 coupe (concept pictured below).

Hans-Joachim Rothenpieler R&D chief

‘Audi Sport must have e-mobility, and our icons for the brand must become electric. We are in discussions regarding the sporty cars and the RS vehicles – they will need a change towards e-mobility. The e-Tron GT will come towards the end of 2020 – that’s the first step. Electrically, you can control things more, and have more of an emotional influence on driving behaviour.’