Audi R8 e-tron spy shots
These latest pictures show the Audi R8 e-tron being put through its paces, silently, at Germany's Nurburgring.
Seen here wearing 'e-tron' stickers instead of the usual camouflage, our spies tell us that while the electric car is quiet, it's also fast.
Obviously based on the Audi R8 and R8 e-tron concept seen at 2009 Frankfurt motor show, the R8 e-tron does have some noticeable differences; the rear window that normally exposes the V8 or V10 powerplant has been covered up, the bonnet has a large Audi R8 LMS-style cooling vent and the grille and side intakes have been revised, giving a preview of the upcoming facelift for the internal combustion-engined Audi R8.
The rear-end has been restyled too with a tweaking of the tailgate and rear vents and the obvious deletion of exhaust pipes.
The Audi R8 e-tron is expected to hit showrooms in 2013 in limited numbers.
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