Audi PB18 e-tron Concept – Four-Ringed Electric Concept Car

Audi’s Latest Take On The Mid-Engined Electric Supercar

The Audi PB18 e-tron Concept was recently unveiled during Monterey Car Week taking place in Pebble Beach, California. Just a few hours’ drive away is where it was designed, at the new Audi Design Studio in Malibu.   

This new concept car derives its naming scheme – and some of its DNA – from the Audi R18 e-tron LMP1 racing car. The PB18 also carries an uncanny resemblance to the company’s Audi Aicon concept which appeared at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. However, unlike the aforementioned which was touted as a completely autonomous vehicle, the PB18 requires a driver behind the wheel.

Powering the PB18 are three electric motors which deliver a combined output of 670-horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque to the all-wheel-drive system, and achieves 0-100 km/h in just over 2 seconds. The 95-kWh battery is stated to provide over 310 miles of driving range on a full charge, and can be recharged in under 15 minutes with an 800 volt station.

The PB18 body is the amalgamation of an extensive use of aluminum, carbon fibre and other lightweight composites. The car still weighs a not-exactly-flattering 3,417 pounds, though taking into account that this is a fully electric vehicle will save Audi any blushes. Afterall, the battery placement ensures that the PB18 has the weight distribution of a mid-engine car, while also borrowing the magnetic suspension from the R18 race car.

Most notable – as far as eye-catching features are concerned – would have to be the central seating position. Even with the proliferation of high performance, track-oriented supercars and hypercars these days, this is very rare to see. There are however, controls which allow the seat to shifted to the side and allow room for a passenger.