Audi unveils PB18 e-tron electric tech demonstrator at Pebble Beach

The
new Audi PB18 e-tron concept electric sports
car.
Audi

• The Audi PB18 e-tron electric concept
  sports car made its world debut on Thursday at Pebble Beach in Monterey,
  California.
• The electric concept is powered by three electric
  motors that can develop up to 764 horsepower.
• Audi’s concept is equipped with a 95 kWh battery pack
  that gives it a range of more than 310 miles.
• The PB18 e-tron also features a unique sliding cockpit
  that can shift within the cabin. 

Every year, for a week in August, the glitz and glam of the
automotive elite descend upon the streets of Monterey,
California,

Traditionally, Pebble Beach has been an opportunity for the rich
and famous to see and be seen among a sea of automotive exotica.
These days things are a bit different. The exotic cars are still
there, but it’s also developed into another auto show for
manufacturers to exhibit their latest and greatest.

On Thursday, Audi did just that with the introduction of its new
PB18 e-tron concept sports car. It’s a futuristic technology
demonstrator created especially for Pebble Beach. In fact, the
“PB” in its name stands for Pebble Beach.

Audi

The rest of its name is in reference to Audi’s all-conquering R18
e-tron Le Mans prototype race cars.

The PB18’s stand out feature is a driver’s pod complete with
integrated pedals, steering wheel, controls, that can be slid
laterally inside the cabin. When on a race track, the driver’s
compartment can be positioned in the center of the cockpit like
that of an open-wheel race car. 

“We want to offer the driver an experience that is
otherwise available only in a racing car like the Audi R18,” Audi
Design Loft boss Gael Buzyn said in a statement. “That’s why we
developed the interior around the ideal driver’s position in the
center.”

Audi

However, the compartment can also be slid to the side to create a
traditional road car setup that also allows for a passenger
thanks to an integrated seat mounted low in the cabin. 

As with every Audi to carry the e-tron moniker, the PB18
e-tron is all electric. The Audi concept is powered by a trio of
electric motors — one up front and two in the back. The motors
send roughly 200 horsepower to the front wheels and a whopping
600 hp to the rear. Thus creating a virtual
quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Working together, the motors develop 670 hp that can be
temporarily boosted to 764 hp. Sadly, you can’t simply add
up the output of the front and rear motors. 

Audi

According to Audi, 0-62 mph can happen in about two
seconds. 

The PB18 e-tron is equipped with a 95 kWh liquid-cooled,
solid-state battery that, Audi claims, can be fully recharged in
15 minutes. The pack also gives the PB18 a range of more than 310
miles on a single charge.