German automaker debuts self driving R8 e-tron

folarin okunola

May 26, 2015 7:21 AM

The concept car is basically a self-driving version of the 2017 R8 e-tron that Audi displayed during the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Audi R8 e-tron self-driving car during its launch.

Audi just unvealed a self-drivig version of the R8 e-tron sports car at the CES Asia show in Shanghai, China.

From a mechanical side, the piloted driving concept is the same as the other R8 e-tron. It uses an all-electric powertrain with two motors that generate a total of 455 HP and 678 lb-ft of torque to reach 60 MPH in 3.9 seconds.

With a top speed that is limited to 155 MPH. It goes without saying, this concept steps beyond limits by being able to drive itself without constant direct input from a driver. It achieves that by using a combination of video cameras, radar sensors, ultrasonic sensors and a new laser scanner that allow it to read the road.

Power for the car sits in a T-shaped battery that can fully recharge in less than two hours with a total driving range of 279 miles.

Audi is working fully producing and selling self-driving cars in the near future. Presently, it is one of just three companies that have a permit for testing self-driving cars on public roads in California.

With the R8 e-tron launch for the 2017 model year, Audi says customers may be able to get a form of automated driving as optional equipment.

folarin okunola