Almost a month ago my colleague José Antonio informed you that Audi was going to bring an important prototype to the event of Pebble Beach, which was inaugurated yesterday. That prototype is Audi PB18 e-tron, a fully electric car that combines very high performance with a design focused on maximum sportsmanship. Its name comes from Pebble Beach (PB) the current year (18).
Whether we like it more or we like it less, it is clear that the future of mobility lies in the electrification of our cars, something that will also inevitably affect high-performance vehicles and super sports cars. It is probably something in the long term, and that is precisely what the Audi PB18 e-tron wants to convey to us, the aesthetic and technical future of a supercar.
With a body of 4,53 meters long, 2 wide and only 1,15 meters high, in addition to a distance of 2,70 meters, this prototype would be a true supercar. It is not necessary to say or extend in the exterior design section, because the images speak for themselves. We are in front of a car very low, wide, long and with the wheels located at the ends. The shapes are very futuristic, perhaps too much so, and its raised rear stands out in the style shooting brake.
And if the exterior has seemed like a real madness in terms of design, take a look at its interior. Thanks to the fact that there is no direct connection between the steering wheel and pedals with the wheels and brake, the Audi PB18 e-tron can modify the placement of the seat, steering wheel and pedals laterally. It is a curious idea that allows move the driving position to the center for circuit driving, "hiding" the passenger seat in the ground. Audi calls this solution “by-wire technology”.
According to the battery, the brand with the four rings declares that its capacity is 95 kWh, and its autonomy in the WLTP cycle exceeds 500 kilometers. As it is designed to use 800 volt charging systems, the battery could be fully recharged in just 15 minutes. It also allows charging by induction, that is, without cables.
This prototype could be the successor to the current Audi R8, and not only because of its supercar design. The electric propulsion system consists of three motors, one for the front and two for the rear, thus providing effective all-wheel drive. The front axle has an engine whose power output is 204 hp, while the power of the rear is 612 hp.
As a whole, the electrical system develops 680 hp, although it is temporarily extended to the 775 CV thanks to a “Boost” function. The maximum torque is 830 Nm. This energy, together with the enormous instantaneous torque offered by the electric motors and the huge wheels mounted on 22-inch rims, allows the Audi PB18 e-tron accelerate from 0 to 100 in just over 2 seconds (exact figure not confirmed by Audi), so the difference with a current LMP1 competition prototype is minimal.
Finally, the mark with the four rings tells us that the suspensions electronically piloted independents directly inherit solutions from top competition, based on the Audi R18 e-tron Quattro from Le Mans. With respect to braking system, this futuristic electric supercar uses carbon discs with a diameter of 19 inches.
