Audi Plug-In Hybrid Range To Include R8 Supercar TooAudi Plug-In Hybrid Range To Include R8 Supercar Too

There’s a new wrinkle in the seemingly never-ending saga of the electrified Audi R8 sports car.
While the battery-electric Audi R8 e-tron has been cancelled and revived numerous times–it’s reportedly back on again–it now appears that it won’t be the only green version of the Audi sports car.
DON’T MISS: Audi R8 e-tron: First Drive Of Audi’s Electric Supercar
According to Britain’s Car magazine, Audi will not only produce an electric version of the next-generation R8, but a plug-in hybrid as well.
(Which one would carry the e-tron label is unclear–or perhaps both would.)
Speaking to the magazine at the recent Paris Motor Show, Audi technical chief Ulrich Hackenberg said both versions are possible, and would help the carmaker comply with stricter global emissions regulations.
Audi R8 e-tron track drive, Berlin Tempelhof Airport
He noted that the plug-in hybrid Lamborghini Asterion concept unveiled at the show uses the R8’s platform, theoretically making some sharing of powertrain components possible.
In addition, Hackenberg said, Audi hopes to deliver an all-electric R8 e-tron with up to 250 miles of range, echoing a claim made earlier this year.
In January, Hackenberg announced that Audi had managed to increase the range of the electric R8 for production, compared to the 130-mile ranges of prototype cars.
This time, he claimed it was on the verge of being approved by company officials.
Audi R8 e-tron track drive, Berlin Tempelhof Airport
However, with the next-generation R8 due in 2015, Audi will wait for the launch of that redesigned model to introduce plug-in powertrains.
The electric and plug-in hybrid versions may not appear until some time after the car’s launch.
The plug-in hybrid seems like a natural rival for the BMW i8 coupe. It also conforms to Audi’s current plan of offering a plug-in version of nearly every car it makes.
ALSO SEE: Audi R8 e-Tron Electric Supercar Nearly Ready For Production
Following the launch of the 2015 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron later this year, Audi is expected to debut plug-in hybrid versions of the A4, A6, and A8 sedans, as well as the Q7 SUV.
The carmaker hopes to offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain in every significant model it makes by 2020; its goal is to meet customer expectations for range, speed, and flexibility by blending limited all-electric propulsion with the flexibility of an internal combustion engine.
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