Don’t mistake Audi’s unique R8 prototype for the much-hyped-about and anticipated R8 e-tron electric super car—because although they’re definitely not one in the same, the R8 is definitely something for the Audi community to buzz about.
Audi has been testing a unique R8 prototype fitted as a modular electric car platform, according to the automaker. Labeled the F12 e Sport, the research is finally completed after three years of development.
Researchers’ goal was to develop an adaptable architecture for electric cars flexible enough to be installed in various vehicle types with the added plug-in hybrid capability.
Audi has yet to announce whether such a system will be used in its upcoming range of e-tron electric cars, but any Audi bearing an e-tron badge is likely to be influenced by the findings of the research.
Breaking the concept down into a dozen work packages, from the energy storage system to the control concept to dynamic stability control, the project team worked mostly with advanced simulation tools in the initial phases, then building the submodules and finally a driveable car, which we now know as the F12 e Sport.
The battery system featured in the F12 e Sport is a lithium-ion array made of 200 individual cells. It was one of the main areas of research, and is rated at a combined 38 kWH. The unit in the R8 e-tron has a 49 kWH rating.
The F12 e Sport has one more motor than the R8 e-tron, a total of three electric motors. During slow driving, only the synchronous motor at the front axle is activated, and at higher speeds, the performance-optimized synchronous motors at the rear axle are activated. Together, the three motors put out a total of 201 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque.
Article by: Julia Jacobo
Source and photo courtesy Motor Authority.
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