The next-generation supercar will officially debut at the event in Switzerland, and it will do so alongside the all-electric, on-again-off-again R8 e-tron.
Prof. Ulrich Hackenberg, Audi board member for technical development, confirmed the news to CarAdvice, saying that the electric version “will be introduced with the successor of the R8, and we will have first example of the car next March.”
The R8 e-tron has been confirmed, delayed, rumored, and everything else under the sun over the past few years, and one of the biggest catalysts for its postponement has been range anxiety.
“The project had to be re-engineered because the range was 220 km (136 miles); it was not enough,” Hackenberg said. With Tesla’s vehicles boasting ranges of 208 to 270 miles, the R8’s early estimates simply weren’t enough.
“Here we are working on a car which is able to go around 500 or maybe a little more kilometers range (310 miles).”
Last we heard, the e-tron was capable of producing 376 horsepower and more than 500 pound-feet of torque. At around 4,000 pounds, the electric R8 is around 500 lbs heavier than its gas-powered siblings, but is still capable of reaching 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.
As for the model with the fuel tank, Hackenberg reiterated reports that the next-generation R8 will not be offered with a manual transmission.
“Double-clutch gearboxes are extremely sporty, and if you want to drive extremely sporty and fast, for the record of your personal lap time, you will need a double-clutch.”
The 2015 Geneva Motor Show kicks off March 5th.
