Autoweek is reporting that Johan de Nysschen, President of Audi of America, has confirmed that the E-Tron concept shown in Frankfurt is headed for production. According to the report, de Nysschen said he expects to see working prototypes on the road within two years.
The Audi E-Tron is essentially a shrunken R8 with an all-electric drivetrain. The four motors reportedly develop 3,319 pound-feet of torque. Should make for an interesting sports car.
Frankfurt Auto Show: Audi E-tron Concept
brn says:
10:52 AM, 10/ 5/09
Audi says there aren't enough idiots to buy the Volt. A week or two later, they announce the etron going into production. I wonder how many idiots they plan on selling that to.
inlinesix says:
11:29 AM, 10/ 5/09
I'd rather drop $100,000 on a car that looks like this with 3,300 lb ft than $35-$40,000 on a Volt.
Still doesn't make Audi look smart saying that, especially considering the prices of their vehicle lineup.
thejohnp says:
02:45 PM, 10/ 5/09
Are there going to be enough idiots who will buy an e-tron?
rallyandbosox says:
03:01 PM, 10/ 5/09
How exactly does a car have 3,300lb ft of torque?
inlinesix says:
03:24 PM, 10/ 5/09
^^
I think its based on multiple motors and electric motors yield a lot of torque.
jederino says:
04:05 PM, 10/ 5/09
I assume the car is seriously traction-limited with that much torque, and the car will have all sorts of gizmos to limit torque and slip. It does sound like a fantastic tractor, if the chassis is strong enough.
estreka says:
04:33 PM, 10/ 5/09
Eh, the majority of car buyers have no idea Nysschen has called them idiots. It won't be a factor.
It's amazing what the new CAFE-like standards in Europe have accomplished. Suddenly Euro automakers are planning tons of new EVs and hybrids. Legislation like this could never happen in the US. Too much politics.
rallyandbosox says:
05:12 PM, 10/ 5/09
3,319lb ft torque at an extremely low 1000rpm would produce 632hp. At a more realistic 2000rpm seeing that Audi likes its torque at low revs, the e-tron would produce a whopping 1264hp. How much is this car going to cost? $5 million?
zoomzoom22 says:
10:19 PM, 10/ 5/09
Audi, stop trying to be Bugatti. NO ONE is going to buy a million dollar audi...except the aforementioned idiots.