Audi R8 e-tron spied in the wild [video]

Audi engineers are busy preparing the R8 e-tron for a test fleet of around 1000 units that are due to be evaluated by the end of this year. Fortunately our spies were on hand to catch a prototype while it was out testing and it seems very clear that Audi are doing little to disguise this pre-production model.

The R8 model caught here has e-tron plastered all over making identification very easy. It is also missing its tailpipes and the air intake manifolds are covered from the inside.

If the specifications of the original concept are kept in tact, under the sheet metal lies an electric powertrain that consists of a 53 KWh lithium-ion battery that powers four electric motors. Output is rated at 230 kW (308 hp / 313 PS) and a quite astounding 4,500 Nm (3,319 lb-ft) of torque, which enables the electric sports car to accelerate from 0-100 kph (0-62mph) in 4.8 seconds.

When the Audi R8 e-tron hits the market, we expect a price in the region of €100,000.

UPDATE 25th June 2012: Spy video added