Currently reading: Audi e-tron latest pics
Concept will reach production once performance targets met

Audi plans to put an electric car on sale when the powertrain in this e-tron concept hits targets on range, performance and durability.

The Audi e-tron, which was unveiled at the Frankfurt show, could also give clues about a Porsche Boxster-sized sports car - the much-rumoured R4 - although sources suggest that’s not its main role.

See the high-res Audi e-tron photo gallery here

“We’re not putting a date on an electric road car yet, but the significance of the e-tron concept is that we will develop an electric road car in the future when the technology is right,” said an Audi source.

At 4.26m long and 1.9m wide, the e-tron is shorter and wider than a Boxster. This raises the possibility, after VW’s takeover of Porsche, that a platform-sharing deal with Audi is imminent, and that a compact two-seater is one potential outcome.

Because the e-tron’s electric powertrain is clothed in a sports car shape, it shows Audi’s intention to introduce an electric powertrain from the top of its range downwards.

That means it is more likely to appear in a sexy model, such as a small sports car or the A8 flagship, than the forthcoming entry-level A1 or Golf-based A3.

The powertrain for the e-tron features four electric motors — one pair at the front and another pair on the rear axle.

Total available power is 313bhp and torque is an astonishing 3319lb ft — around 10 times that produced by the V8-engined R8. Performance is brisk; 0-62mph takes 4.8sec, 37-75mph takes 4.1sec and the top speed is 124mph.

The 470kg lithium ion battery sits at the front of the e-tron to help achieve a 42 per cent front/58 per cent rear weight distribution. Storage capacity is 42.4kWh, so Audi claims an impressive range of 154 miles.

The chassis is a new version of Audi’s alloy spaceframe and the body is a lightweight composite, which contribute to a kerb weight of 1600kg.

Julian Rendall

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maclauk 16 September 2009

Re: Audi e-tron electric car unveiled

"Total available power is 313bhp and torque is an astonishing 3319lb ft — around 10 times that produced by the V8-engined R8. Performance is brisk; 0-62mph takes 4.8sec, 37-75mph takes 4.1sec and the top speed is 124mph"

I detect the distinct odour of B.S. here. A car with 1/6th the torque should match those acceleration figures and a car with 3319lb ft and 1600kg in weight should manage the 0-62 sprint in a sub 2 sec time. Lets not forget that maximum torque for an electric motor is produced at standstill.

Have Autocar mistyped the figure or did they just not bother to confirm what are obviously bogus statistics? 10 times the torque of a standard R8 and yet only a small increase in performance!

jackjflash 15 September 2009

Re: Audi e-tron electric car unveiled

beachland2 wrote:
whatever car i'm in i will never drive into 3 figures thats just stupid. all road cars should have an enforced speed limit of about 100mph, japan are the leaders and for decades have had a 112mph limit for all vehicles. and it doesnt make them one tiny bit less sporty.

So you want to bring all other sports cars down to the lowest common denominator so this pathetic attempt makes sense. I will alert Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti and Lotus they need to limit their cars so the Audtron makes a better showing. Some people are enthusiasts who occasionally go to track day events, you think they will want to have their cars speed limited, or do you favor the big brother approach of the GT-R?

freethinker 15 September 2009

Re: Audi e-tron electric car unveiled

It's quite interesting. Just a pity they ignore what "etron" means in french.

But the guys at Renault did'nt know either the meaning of Koleos in ancient greek ...