AUDI's R8 e-tron future lab tron-experience

 AUDI R8 e-tron – future lab tron-experienceimage © AUDI

one of the strategic corporate objectives of AUDI is to develop technologies that combine the joy of driving with sustainability. the automotive company seeks solutions that strike a balance between individual mobility, with economy, ecology and the requirements of their customers on the other. the models of the AUDI tron family demonstrate how these seemingly opposing fields can come together. g-tron driving concepts run on synthetic AUDI e-gas and natural gas and achieve an excellent CO₂ footprint. the first production model to pave the way for CO2-neutral long-distance mobility is the A3 sportback g-tron. the term e-tron, on the other hand, stands for the systematic electrification of the drivetrain. as one outcome of its research and development projects in this area, AUDI is now going into volume production with the A3 sportback e-tron, the first premium compact car with a plug-in hybrid drive.

designboom was recently in berlin to participate in AUDI’s future lab tron-experience, where we test drove the R8 e-tron, a vehicle which demonstrates what emotional and dynamic electric mobility can be. powered by two electric motors whose energy is supplied by a large 48.6 kWh battery, it has the capability to produce 380 horsepower and 604.80lb-ft of torque, taking the high-performance car from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.2 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 200 km/h (124mph).

AUDI R8 e-tron teaservideo © AUDI

the AUDI R8 e-tron weighs 1,780 kilograms (3,924.23 lb)–the body structure, including side sections weighs 199 kilograms (438.72 lb). this makes its total volume 23 kilograms (50.71 lb) lighter than the R8 coupé which has already set the bar high with its aluminium-based ASF principle (AUDI space frame). the AUDI R8 e-tron demonstrates the automotive manufacturers new stages of development into lightweight construction and design technology which is evidenced in the large sections of the frame that are made from carbon-fiber-reinforced-polymer (CFRP), in combination with an aluminium frame. the CFRP elements make up 23% of the total bodyshell weight, with the metal components comprising 75%; miscellaneous materials make up the remainder.

AUDI R8 test route at former airport berlin-tempelhofimage © designboom

the forward structure of the  R8 e-tron is based on a classic aluminium design, while the occupant cell is composed of CFRP. the back end utilizes a blend of both materials, with a supporting trunk insert that integrates corrugated crash structures. this allows the rear module to absorb five times as much energy as its aluminium lattice framework. the B-pillars and rear bulkhead exhibit a new sandwich concept which reduces the overall massing by 11.5 kilograms (25.35 lb). the outer skin is made almost entirely of CFRP and is tailored specifically to its position and purpose. in certain zones of the front hood, seven layers of carbon fiber matting stacked one on top of the other. for the inner shells of the rear side sections, two layers of non-woven materials are incorporated.

 AUDI R8 test routeimage © designboom

the lithium-ion battery which powers the automobile further proves AUDI’s development expertise as it was designed and built in-house. it is composed from 530 prismatic flat cells which take on the shape of a ‘T’, measuring 235 cm (92.52 inches) long, 135 cm (53.15 inches) wide, with a control unit included that is 71 cm (27.95 inches) high. two options are available for charging the unit: a full charge with 230-volt alternating current from domestic mains takes about twelve hours; while charging with direct current cuts the time the required time to less than one hour, depending on the connected load.

image © designboom

other revised solutions contributing to the aerodynamic design of the AUDI R8 e-tron can be seen in the chassis. the coil springs are made from glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) and weigh only 1.2 and 1.3 kilograms (2.65 and 2.87 lb) respectively, which is about 40% less than steel springs. forged titanium rear wheel hubs save 0.6 kilograms (1.32 lb) of weight, and wound layers of CFRP forming the anti-roll bar at the front, accompanied by aluminium shanks–the component weighs 2.5 kilograms (5.5 lb), a total savings of 35%.

AUDI future lab tron experiencevideo © AUDI

during the AUDI future lab tron experience workshop in berlin AUDI presented all tron models with the latest media technology: AUDI A3 e-tron, AUDI A 3 g-tron, AUDI A1 e-tron, AUDI R8 e-tron and the AUDI R18 e-tron quattro. the 3D animation for tron AUDI shows the company’s philosophy of technology faithfully in every detail.

AUDI A3 e-tron, AUDI R8 e-tron, AUDI R18 e-tron quattro presented with the use of 3D animation projectionvideo © designboom 

exhibition setting inside the halls of former tempelhof airport in berlinimage © designboom

AUDI R8 e-tron front viewimage © designboom

a small computer within generates frequencies from data supplied by the drive controller, with a speaker system on the underbody, directing it to the road surface. the equipment of the R8 e-tron with a synthetic sound, which is audible up to about 60 km/h (37.28 mph), recreating the sound and feel of driving a gas powered vehicle.

find out more about AUDI’s e-sound system for e-tron electric vehiclesvideo courtesy of AUDI

image © designboom

the AUDI R8 e-tron looks similar to the AUDI R8 g-tron, but the two vehicle body versions share only nine common parts. what is distinctive of the R8 e-tron is that with the absence of a combustion engine, the transmission and exhaust system permit it to have a flat underbody, improving the centre of gravity of the vehicle which enhances performance and handling. at its rear end, a long, relatively steeply raked diffuser deflects the air in a way that harmonizes with the air flow around the tail end, where the spoiler edge is slightly higher than that seen on the R8 g-tron. the drag coefficiency of the electrically powered high-performance sports car is 0.27 making it highly aerodynamic.

image © designboom

the R8 e-tron demonstrates AUDI’s commitment to innovation and optimized power consumption, proving that high-performance sports vehicles can successfully run on electric power with commendable  results.

back view of AUDI R8 e-tronimage © designboom

AUDI R8 e-tron frameimage © designboom

technical animation show the features and functions of AUDI R8 e-tron in detailvideo © AUDI

technical data :

output: 2 x 140 kW maximum torque: 2 x 302.40 lb-ftbattery capacity: 48.6 kWh acceletation 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph): 4.2 s operating range in NEDC cycle: 215 km (134 miles) top speed: 200 km/h (124.mph)* length / width / height: 4,431 / 2,029** / 1,252 mm (14.54 / 6.66 / 4.11 ft) wheelbase: 2,650 mm (8.69 ft) unladen weight: 1,780 kg (3,924.23 lb)

*electronically limited, **including exterior mirrors

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