After shattering a Nürburgring record and starring in Iron Man 3, Audi's electric version of the R8 is apparently dead. Well, that's kind of a bummer.
Autocar reports that Audi has confirmed that they have no plans to sell the R8 e-tron, an electric version of their much-beloved supercar. The magazine reports that Audi made the decision because they aren't pleased with the current state of battery technology with regards to cost and charging times.
The car has had something of a bizarre history. It first showed up at the 2009 Frankfurt show as the e-tron concept, but then it evolved into a more conventional, R8-based vehicle. At first Audi said a production version would eventually be produced and sold to the masses, but over the years they've gone back and forth on that promise.
The 10 R8 e-trons that have been built will remain in use for internal testing only, Autocar says. It's kind of shame, because with a zero to 62 mph time of just 4.2 seconds and a 'Ring time of 8 minutes and 9 seconds, the car was certainly quick.
Was anyone holding out hope that the electric R8 would hit the streets after all?