2013 AUDI E-TRON

[marwan25]

Audi’s all-electric e-tron concept, which debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, surprised us by showing up at the 2009 Los Angeles in a decidedly unique paint scheme. Headed for production with the nameplate of R4, the e-tron is a high-performance electric sports coupe created in the same vein as the less-than-green R8.

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Although technically not an electric version of Audi’s R8 supercar, the e-tron concepts places a heavy emphasis on all-out performance and shares a considerable amount of design language as well. The e-tron features independent electric motors at all four corners, giving the concept a true quattro all-wheel drive system. Combined output is 313 horsepower and a staggering 3,319 lb-ft or torque.

That power is enough to accelerate the e-tron from zero-to-62 in 4.8 seconds. The rush from 37-75 mph is accomplished in 4.1 seconds, according to Audi.

The e-tron utilizes a lithium-ion battery back, located low and behind the passenger compartment for optimal weight distribution (42/58). Audi says the e-tron carries enough juice for a 154 mile optimal range. Audi enlists all LED lighting and other power saving features ensure that maximum range.

Aside from the massive 1,036 pound battery pack, the e-tron is fairly light at its total weight of 3,527 pounds. Its low weight comes courtesy of an Audi Space Frame designed aluminum structure. All of what Audi calls the “add on” parts, like doors, hoods, roof and fenders are composed of fiber-reinforced plastic for added weight savings.

The show car features a production-like interior with simplistic controls and a revised MMI scroll pad with a touch-sensitive surface on the steering wheel, as well as a unique smart phone integration setup. The car is designed to allow users to insert specially-equipped smartphones into a slot in order to utilize the phone’s built-in audio and video capabilities.

Audi has confirmed that it will use its newly established and dedicated e-tron sub-brand to develop the production version of the e-tron. Audi set a target run of 1,000 units worldwide, but said it will only produce units that are pre-ordered, meaning the final number produced could fall short if the demand isn’t there.

While most automakers are focusing on budget EVs for city driving, don’t expect a price tag this side of reasonable for Audi’s e-tron offerings. Due to the high price of lithium-ion batteries, Audi of America president Johan de Nysschen says Audi e-trons will be the most expensive in the automaker’s lineup, topping the R8 5.2 FSI’s price of $156,300.