It once was a sure thing: the Audi R8 e-tron was slated to hit production and emerge toward the end of the year. This could be a pipe dream, according to recent hints dropped in Car and Driver and by Audi of America! According to Brad Stertz, corporate communications manager for Audi of America, the production is not exactly derailed, but more of a road-based laboratory than a prototype heading for production. If you listen carefully, you can hear hearts breaking around the world.

The Audi R8 e-tron is the electric version of its sexy sibling.

Some reports claim that the cost of battery power is spiraling out of control for carmakers and that limited range is another issue (estimated at 134 miles). Stertz continued,
“All along, Ingolstadt has been saying there would be a limited production run at first. The plan for the R8 E-tron is for the production of 10 in an initial series run, which will continue to serve as a technology platform.”

My two cents: The problem with this is that the initial 10 production models will be strictly for internal use.

Audi R8 e-tron

The e-tron first emerged in concept form at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and has been undergoing testing and enduring rumors since that time. An e-tron prototype hit up the Nurburgring with a time of 8 minutes and 9 seconds recently, which is not too shabby for a luxury hybrid. More details on the e-tron record at Nurburgring here!

The rear-drive e-tron coupe destroys the 0-62 marker in 4.6 seconds, according to Audi. I say let’s run it again…for fun.

Look for a plug-in version of the A3 to pull up around 2014. Hopefully, the amazing R8 hybrid will be available by then!

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