Tesla Motors Inc Rival Coming From Audi Soon On Request Only

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Tesla Motors list of rival electric cars is growing at a brisk pace, and the latest entrant to that list is an upcoming product from luxury car maker Audi. Audi launched the raging V10-powered, 610 horsepower 2016 R8 Supercar on Wednesday and also made an unexpected announcement that a battery-packed two-seat coupe will also be available this year.

Upon special request only

The latest announcement from Audi could emerge as a challenge to the Tesla Model S, which has a battery capacity of 85 kWh, whereas the Audi R8 will feature a 92 kilowatt-hour capacity. The German car manufacturer said the battery is enough to run 280 miles on a full charge. However, Audi will not launch the electric version as a regular production model but will build it to order on special request.

“Audi uses the electrical high-performance sports car primarily as a mobile high-tech laboratory,” said the automaker’s management, adding, “Upon customer request, the R8 e-tron will be available for order in 2015 as an electrically powered sports car in supreme hand-built quality.”

There is no confirmation from Audi on whether the R8 e-tron is rear or all-wheel drive, but with 456 hp and 679 lb-feet of torque on tap, it is powerful enough to zoom up to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, compared to 3.4 seconds for the four-door Model S P85D, says a report from Fox News. Both cars have a speed cap of 155 mph.

There is no confirmation on pricing, but traditionally, R8s are priced over $175,000, which indicates that the R8e-tron will cost more than that. Also it is still not confirmed if this model will go on sale in the United States.

Tesla Model S rules

Separately, for the second time in a row, Tesla Model S has been nameed “Best Overall” vehicle to buy for 2015 by Consumer Reports. The report noted that the buyers of the Tesla Model S are more content with their new cars compared to buyers of any other models.

Tesla Motors’ service experience has also been rated best by Consumer Reports, which based its their decision on accumulated customer experience while getting their cars fixed or repaired at any Tesla-owned service centers.

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