| Manufacturer | Audi AG |
|---|---|
| Class | Electric vehicle |
The Audi e-tron family is a series of electric and hybrid concept cars shown by Audi from 2009 onwards.
It has been speculated that the second e-tron concept car, shown in 2010 in Detroit, provides a preview of a future mid-engined Audi sports car production model to be launched in 2012,[1] possibly to be named Audi R4 or Audi R5,[2] which may be available in both electric and internal combustion engine-powered variants.[1]
The name “e-tron” has been seen in the French-speaking press as laughingly close to the French word “étron” (turd).[3]
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As this car is still in concept, much of its performance specifications is still uncertain. The car will have four electric motors, one per wheel. Together, these motors will produce ~3,320 pound-feet of torque. Top speed for the e-tron is limited to 124 miles per hour, and will be able to travel 150 miles on full charge.
In concept form, the e-tron also is equipped with conceptual technology: technology that communicates with other cars, road signs, etc.[4]
| Production | 2012 (expected production of R8 e-tron) |
|---|---|
| Related | Audi R8 |
The first e-tron concept car was shown at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. A two-seater, similar in appearance to the Audi R8, but slightly smaller, it is powered by four motors, providing four-wheel drive. Together, these produce 230 kW (308 bhp) and 4,500 N·m (3,319 ft·lbf) of torque, resulting in an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds.
A 470 kg (1,036 lb) lithium-ion battery is located in front of the rear axle and provides a range of approximately 248 km (154 mi),[5] with a full charge taking 6-8 hours from a normal household socket. The ceramic brake discs can also provide regenerative braking energy.[6] A limited production model based on this car, called the R8 e-tron is reported to be under development.[7]
| Production | 2014 (expected production of Audi A/S/RS 4 & 5) |
|---|---|
| Related | Audi R4 |
The second e-tron concept (confusingly, also named "e-tron") was shown at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Smaller than the Frankfurt car, this model had only two motors, powering the rear wheels. Power output is quoted at 150 kW (201 bhp) and 2,650 N·m (1,955 ft·lbf), with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds.[8] A similar production model, based on a future mid-engined automotive platform codenamed 9X1, shared with Porsche and Volkswagen, is reportedly under development.[2]
The Audi A1 e-tron concept car, an electric variant of the Audi A1 production model, was first shown at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The A1 e-tron is a series plug-in hybrid, powered by an electric motor with a continuous output of 45 kW (61 PS; 60 bhp), and a peak output of 75 kW (102 PS; 101 bhp). A 254 cc Wankel engine is also used to power a 15 kW (20 PS; 20 bhp) range-extending generator.[9]
| Production | 2014 (expected production of TT/TTS) |
|---|---|
| Related | Audi R4 |
Shown at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, this roadster is a plug-in hybrid powered by a 221 kW (296 bhp) twin-turbo TDI 3.0 L V6 diesel engine driving the rear wheels, plus two electric motors together producing 64 kW (86 bhp) powering the front wheels. Acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) is achieved in 4.4 seconds.[10]
Audi presented the e-tron Spyder in January 2011 at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show, near identical to the Paris show car, but this time painted bright red. The car was advertised with the same performance specifications, including an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h).[11]
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