2012 Audi E-Tron
Audi has always been known for stylish automobiles, but with their two e-Tron concept cars, they're looking to add high-performance green cars to their reputation -- even if the green cars in question are actually orange and silver.
Audi has debuted two concept cars under the e-Tron name. The repetition is intentional: Audi is planning for the e-Tron moniker to apply to all their EVs, similar to how all their all-wheel-drive vehicles have a Quattro designation.
The first e-Tron concept (the orange one) is based on the Audi R8 and debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and made it stateside for the 2009 L.A. Auto Show. The second e-Tron concept is smaller and lighter than the first and debuted at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. It's slightly larger than the current Audi TT but Audi says its architecture is more in line with the R8's. The larger 2009 concept will likely make it to production first, as the R4 e-Tron.
Details
The 2009 e-Tron concept is the one most likely to be in limited production by 2012. Expected to hit the road as the R4 e-Tron, the concept features independent electric motors at each of its four wheels. The combined output of the motors is 313 horsepower and an incredible 3,319 pound-feet of torque. Audi puts 0 to 62 time at 4.8 seconds. And says that the e-Tron should be able to rocket from 37 to 75 in just 4.1 seconds. At a 230 volt outlet, the e-Tron gets a full charge in about seven hours. However, if you have a 400 volt outlet, charging time is just 2.5 hours. On a full charge, it has a range of 154 miles.
The Audi e-Tron can accelerate from 0 – 62.14 mph in 5.9 seconds if or when it is necessary and it can also go from 37.28 – 74.56 mph in just 5.1 seconds. This car is also able to conveniently distribute the high-torque power of its 4 electric motors to the wheels as needed – this the e-tron the performance of a totally genuine sports car.
The 2010 e-Tron concept features two electric motors that create a combined 204 horsepower and 1,954 pound feet of torque. Zero to 62 time is 5.9 seconds with a top speed of 124 mph. The 2010 e-Tron concept has a range of 125 miles on a single charge. A full charge takes 11 hours from a 230 volt outlet.
