#NAIAS With the introduction of its Detroit-show E-tron concept, Audi has taken the lead in electric-powered, chrome-wheeled sports cars. The company is already on its second-generation E-tron since last fall's Frankfurt show.
This silvery-blue number is smaller and lighter than the big red one unveiled in Germany. Further, Audi says the new version adds "even more emotion." In addition, the company claims another unbelievable torque rating, this time 2,000 pound-feet. The two electric motors put out 150 kilowatts. Audi estimates that's enough to launch the vehicle to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds. Theoretically, the E-tron has a 155-mile range, but presumably not if you run it to its top speed of 124.27 mph -- you know, roughly. The aluminum and carbon-fiber E-tron weighs in at 2,976 pounds. The two motors are mounted inboard of the rear wheels and can operate independently and work something like the mechanical torque-vectoring system from the S4 sport sedan.
We must say, we like this trimmer, tidier version. Audi has committed to producing a limited number of E-trons for sale and we anticipate it would wear bodywork like the one shown here. And hell, why not throw a gas engine into the little boy and make the long-rumored R4 out of it? What Audi hasn't changed from the Frankfurt version is the super-chromed Dayton wires-style wheels.
The company also announced that it will unveil a full-hybrid version of the new A8 luxury sedan in March at the Geneva auto show.
throwback says:
12:18 PM, 01/11/10
Simply stunning! Since eletric cars seem to be the theme this year did you guys drive to Motown in the Mini EV? No, where is your sense of adventure? You could have used a Suburban as a suport vehicle. When the juice runs out, put the Mini on a trailer hook up a a diesel generator and tow the whole contraption behind the Suburban. Yes the EV fans would be mad, but they are always mad, and you would have had a heck of a story.
ulf187 says:
02:01 PM, 01/11/10
Sexy!
mrjost55 says:
03:50 PM, 01/11/10
I like this version better than the R8-looking one. Less goofy looking and more like production version. The rear is very Aston Martin like
yungmula85 says:
04:56 PM, 01/11/10
The E-Tron Concept was supposed to be an electric R8. This latest edition looks too much like the Audi TT and not enough like the R8.
machine_man says:
08:53 PM, 01/11/10
*drools* This is just plain stunning. Today is a great day in auto design. This baby, the new Focus, and the new VW coup show up on the same day. I wish I had all three.
This baby looks better than the first E-trons and that's saying a lot. It also makes a lot more sense, especially the rear window/C-pillar design. I can't say anything bad about this car except that it's not mine.
rlyon says:
07:23 AM, 01/12/10
Sexy proportions. Nicely balanced and I love the non-R8 updates to the side panels and the TT rear end treatment.
mind_ride says:
10:25 AM, 01/14/10
This is the car Cadillac ought to be building.
johnbomb says:
06:01 AM, 01/15/10
Enough with the plug-in electric vehicles. I will only consider one if I can pull into a charging station and get a full charge in 10 minutes. These just are not going to be practical until a rapid charge can happen on the road, not just at home. In the meantime, those who opt for these plug-ins better renew their AAA membership or put a towing company number in speed dial.
I agree with Inside Line, drop a gas engine (even a strong diesel) in this great looking car, give it 5 sec. 0-60 capability and I am sold.