Audi just put Tesla on notice, unveiling an electric supercar prototype that can go from 0 to 60 in 2 seconds, USA Today reports. But don’t expect a zoom zoom: It’s electric, so it’s quiet.
Who says a supercar needs to growl?
Not Audi.
The German luxury automotive brand revealed an electric supercar prototype at Pebble Beach Automotive Week in Monterey, California.
The Audi PB 18 e-tron debuted late Thursday with a splash, aiming for the same rarified air as ultra-luxury supercars with wickedly powerful engines and sleek designs.
Unlike sports cars, electric vehicles don’t have engines and thus don’t make window-rattling noise as they whip down the street.
The concept car’s reveal comes ahead of the official debut of the Audi e-tron electric production SUV in September — which is viewed as a serious competitor for Tesla in the luxury electric vehicle space.
Unlike the Audi e-tron, the PB 18 e-tron won’t be coming to dealerships anytime soon. But it’s nice to dream once in a while.
Audi described the PB 18 e- tron as part of “a new family of visionary automobiles” that serve “as a preview for the next decade.”
As a concept car, the vehicle uses a powerful battery and three electric motors to go 0 to 100 kilometers per hour (62.1 miles per hour) in just over 2 seconds.
That blisteringly fast acceleration would place it among the world’s fastest cars.
With a full charge, its battery would be capable of enabling 310 miles of distance. And it can theoretically be fully charged with an 800-volt connection in 15 minutes.
While that technology is not currently available widely, it’s on its way.
Or the vehicle can be charged wirelessly using charging pad induction technology.
This car’s interior is designed to empower track driving. Frankly, it’s made to go obscenely fast. Audi designed a cockpit paired with a “monocoque shell that can be slid laterally,” so that the driver can sit in the center of the vehicle for optimal vision and control.
When the driver’s seat is pushed to the side, there’s room for a passenger.
The vehicle also gets laser high beams, 22-inch wheels, carbon disc brakes, adaptive magnetic ride shock absorbers.
Since this is a prototype car, there’s no pricing to speak of. Which is probably for the best. That would just ruin the dream.
