2009 Detroit auto show

2009 Detroit auto show

Any worthwhile discussion of today's best supercars mentions the Audi R8. It's a car that looks like it was sent to Earth from an alternate, more advanced (but clearly benevolent) dimension. The interior is as luxurious as they come. Not to mention the performance, which rivals that of Ferraris priced five times higher.

News related to upcoming R8 models makes headlines. Lately the conversation has focused on the convertible version of the Bavarian beast known as the Spyder, which is slated for 2011 production. The Spyder is expected to appear at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Apparently bringing one new R8 to Frankfurt is not sufficient for Audi. Several sources speculate that the German automaker will use the Motor Show to unveil an electric concept of the R8 supercar. Whether the concept will be a hybrid or pure electric vehicle is unknown.

While near term production of any such car is unlikely, Audi may be using this to suggest future EV or hybrid programs. That's OK, because if an R8 EV turned up ten years from now, it might still look like it's from the future.

Source: Autoblog