Video: Audi R8 e-tron Sets Nurburgring Record for Production Electric Vehicle

Nearly two months ago, the 12.9-mile "North Loop" section of the famed Nurburgring was eerily silent as the spectacular Audi R8 e-tron set out on its record-breaking attempt. There was no exhaust roar or stench of fuel in the air as the electric R8 e-tron gripped the corners and accelerated down the straights, but there was a sense of immediacy that few electric vehicles could match.

The Audi R8 e-tron completed its record-setting 12.9-mile run in 8 minutes, 9 seconds. That time soundly place the R8 e-tron in the number one spot for "production" electric vehicles. Why use quotes around "production?" Well, this particular R8 E-tron had its top speed limiter removed to allow for unadulterated acceleration up to 155 miles per hour, compared to the production spec of 125 mph.

At 8 minutes, 9 seconds, the R8 e-tron is quicker around the 12.9-mile track than both the Dodge Viper GTS and the Ferrari 355 GTB. And though there's no roaring exhaust noise, nor any ticking of valves or race-like sounds emanating from its engine bay, the sense of ridiculous speeds is still easily conveyed as the R8 e-tron rips round the Ring in this official video released just days ago by Audi.