Audi R8 e-tron in production next year

Audi confirmed at the Australian International Motor Show that the car, which was first shown in 2009, will be made from late next year.

The supercar is a true quattro with an electric motor for each wheel that combine to generate 230kW and push the 1600kg car from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds.

The lithium-ion battery pack weighs in at 470kg and has a useable charge of 42.4kW/h.

For those not inclined to plug their performance cars in, Audi has the R8 GT - a 412kW/510Nm rocket powered by a V10 engine. All five cars earmarked for Australia have been sold, despite the $470,700 price.