Audi e-Tron

AUDI AG unveiled the Audi R8 V10 on 9 December 2008. It uses a 5.2 litre FSI engine, based on the unit in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 (which in turn was based on the 5.2 FSI V10 as used in the Audi C6 S6 and Audi D3 S8), but is re-tuned to produce a power output of 386 kilowatts, and generate 530 newton metres of torque. Compared to the V8 variant, the R8 V10's performance numbers are enhanced. Audi states the new 0 to 100 kilometres per hour time as only 3.9 seconds, 60 to 124 miles per hour (97 to 200 km/h) in 8.1 seconds, and a top speed of 317 kilometres per hour (197.0 mph). Other changes to the V10 version of the R8 include some aesthetic differences: such as all-LED headlights (a world-first), interior enhancements such as Bang & Olufsen 465 watt sound system, and a more aggressive body styling, larger rear brakes and unique roadwheels.

It was initially thought that this version of the R8 was going to have the same engine as the C6 Audi RS6, a 5.0 litre V10 TFSI twin-turbo engine, which produces 427 kilowatts. However, some components of the twin-turbo system overheated, and one prototype was destroyed by fire at the Nürburgring. This model was shown at the 2009 North American International Auto Show.

The Audi e-Tron concept was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. It is an electric supercar based on the Audi R8, and has a fully-electric powertrain with an electric motor on each wheel which distributes torque individually, allowing for a full quattro four-wheel drive layout. The electric motors in the e-tron concept produces 230kilowatts and 4,500 newton metres of torque, for exceptional acceleration. Production date and price are unavailable, as the e-Tron is currently aconcept car only.