World record for Audi R8 e-tron

The Audi R8 e-tron electric sports car is due to be available to the market later this year

Audi’s new electric sports car, the Audi R8 e-tron has set a world record for a production car with an electric drive system.

The car, with racing driver Markus Winkelhock behind the wheel, completed the 20.8km track at Nürburgring Nordschleife in 8:09.099 minutes.

The drive system of the record-setting Audi is the same as that of the production model, which is due to be available at the end of the year.

The Audi R8 e-tron can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 4.6 seconds. Its top speed is normally limited to 200kph but a top speed of 250kph was approved for the record-setting lap.

The ultra-light body of the R8 e-tron is made primarily of aluminium and its rechargeable lithium-ion battery stores enough energy for a distance of about 215km.

AUDI AG Board Member for Technical Development, Michael Dick said: ‘The record-setting drive confirmed that we are on the right track.

‘To us, electric mobility has never been about sacrifice, but rather is about emotion, sportiness and driving pleasure.’

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