If you don’t think electric cars can put up incredible speed numbers, you have never heard of Audi’s R8 e-tron. The engineering marvel made its brilliant German maker proud earlier this summer by posting the fastest ever lap time for an electronic vehicle at the famed Nürburgring motorsport complex.
The R8 model, which will actually be identical to the eventual production model completed the 20.79 kilometer course with a final lap time of 8:09.099. According to engadget, the record for the fastest lap overall also belongs to an Audi engine; a 700 hp V8 that lapped in 7:12.000.
The e-tron features two electric motors to generate 280kW of power and 820Nm of torque. The race version of the same engine also earned serious credibility by aiding Audi’s R-18 race car to victory at this year’s 24-hour Le Mans. In accomplishing this feat, the e-tron paired with a turbo diesel V6 became the first ever hybrid to win Le Mans, proving the ability to hang in one of the most challenges races in the world.
If all of that wasn’t enough, Audi announced that the aforementioned production model will also feature a production car first; a 7.7 inch AMOLED screen in place of a rear view mirror. The device, which features a rich and vivid display, is placed in a heated housing attached to the back of the vehicle. According to slashgear, the camera provides a wider than conventional vantage point.
For those who are unaware, AMOLED technology allows screens to illuminate themselves at extremely low voltages, allowing a rich and vivid display regardless of how dark it is outside without the aid of a rear light. If that wasn’t enough, headlight glare will also be tamed completely.
Audi, who are at the forefront of the marriage of technology and automobile engineering have also stated that they intend on incorporating additional information onto the large display. We’re excited to see what would be possible with that space, resolution in concert with the sheer awesomeness of that car.
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