Having electric motors pushing your car along has its benefits for the driver, as the only noises left come from the tires and the wind passing over the car. But pedestrians, especially children are in danger of being hit by the silent automobile.
So Audi now also has to tackle the fine art of artificial engine noises for the upcoming R8 e-tron, and has released this video to show how it’s working toward the ideal blend of sporty and futuristic. The fake harmony isn’t quite as cool as the Fisker Karma yet, but it’s definitely getting there!
Wrapped in an Audi R8 body, the e-tron comprises four electric motors, two at the front and two at the rear axle, which generate a combined 313 hp. The motors allow the car to use all that instant torque and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds slower than the V8 model, but still respectable considering the output.
“Because we here at Audi are all automotive experts, we have a great advantage over sound specialists elsewhere,” said Dr. Ralf Kunkel.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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