CES ASIA: Audi reveals self-driving, all-electric R8 e-tron supercar

Audi has revealed an autonomous driving version of its next-generation R8 e-tron supercar at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Shanghai, China.

Said to hit 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds, top out 250km/h and have a range of more than 450km, the new R8 is thought to be the world’s fastest autonomous vehicle.

Using the same technology developed on the self-driving A7, the R8 e-tron concept was a signal of intent that Audi plans to roll out the new tech on all its models.

Speaking at the event, Audi board member Ulrich Hackenberg said “The key message for our customers: Our efficiency technologies are ready for series production and customer roll-out. The same applies to our current flagship technology – piloted driving.”

In his speech Hackenberg said Audi plans to electrify its entire product range from compact car to luxury sedan and that it would soon have a plug-in hybrid version of every model.

The senior Audi exec also reaffirmed Audi’s commitment to have a battery powered SUV with a range of 500km will be on sale by 2018.

Key to the breakthrough in its all-new electric car range is the new more powerful batteries used by Audi. The new R8 e-tron’s cells’ capacity has reached a record 90kWh.

Meanwhile, Audi boss Rupert Stadler confirmed Audi’s first car to incorporate full autonomous driving will be the next-generation A8, which goes on sale in 2017.