REPORT: Audi plans to produce e-tron, begin testing prototypes within two years
Audi e-Tron concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Even though we knew it was coming, the Audi e-tron concept still caught us by surprise. After all, who would have expected an electric sportscar with over 3,000 lb-ft of torque? But if that wasn't enough of a shock, reports now suggest that Audi is actually preparing to put the green beast into production.
Although clearly based on the R8, the e-tron concept unveiled just a couple of weeks ago at the Frankfurt show is actually sized in between the range-topping supercar and its kid brother, the TT. In that frame, however, are packed four electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack pumping out the equivalent of 313 horsepower and an unfathomable 3,319 lb-ft of torque.
According to a report from Automotive News, Audi's North American chief Johan de Nysschen says the company is proceeding with plans to put the e-tron into production, and hopes to start testing working prototypes within the next two years. So if you were disappointed that Audi didn't produce the V12 TDI version of the R8, you've now got something else on which to feast your imagination.
Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Audi e-tron concept
[Source: AutoWeek]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
NunyaBizness 1:07PM (10/05/2009)
WHERE IS THE NEW AUDI RS5 AND RS4 SPECS?
AUTOBLOG:
PLEASE RESPOND.
YOU'VE IGNORED MANY REQUESTS REGARDING THIS INFO.
thank you.
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MemphisNET 1:10PM (10/05/2009)
Perhaps there is nothing to talk about...
srDRIVEN 1:11PM (10/05/2009)
I'd love to know about these cars too, but chill out Nunya, sheesh...
Come on Autoblog! Make Audi NA release the specs already! you can do that right? Pricing would be nice too! hahaha
NunyaBizness 2:04PM (10/05/2009)
It was reported that Audi was going to debut the RS5/RS4 at Frankfurt.
That didn't happen.
I think an explanation or a educated theory on why Audi didn't deliver, and a update of the latest information, would be appropriate.
Sr=FAIL
Autoblog:
Please post a thread to address the above..
Thank You.
srDRIVEN 4:51PM (10/05/2009)
Thanks for the crappy "fail" reference, but if the car(s) didn't show at Frankfurt as everyone was under the impression they would be, perhaps it is time to look back at your clever user name and realize that they reason is likely a worthy one that is NunyaBizness.
On a side note: Autoblog! I demand that you reveal the full specs on the P4/5 Competition car! I have waited too long already, and surely knowing this information does not fall under the realm of things that are NunnaMiBizness! I will type in all caps next time if I have to!
Sean 1:07PM (10/05/2009)
All of the moving parts even remotely connected to the wheels better be built of unobtanium, because anything else is going to snap like dry spaghetti under that much torque.
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zamafir 1:52PM (10/05/2009)
we went over this in the last bazillion threads... O.o
Sean 1:56PM (10/05/2009)
Yes, this is true, but then it was just hooplah and a concept.
zamafir 2:15PM (10/05/2009)
exactly, so what bearing will it have on the production model? you just mooted your own comment guy.
bhtooefr 11:32PM (10/05/2009)
Or just use a computer to limit the torque delivered below certain speeds...
MemphisNET 1:10PM (10/05/2009)
....just saying is all..
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adam1drift 1:23PM (10/05/2009)
It looks good... dont know if i'm sold on it though. just wonder how much it will cost$$
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Rar 1:42PM (10/05/2009)
"e-tron"
Sound like a Jeff Bridges's movie title name.
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cdwrx 2:13PM (10/05/2009)
What's its towing capacity?
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CarPictures.com 2:15PM (10/05/2009)
I truly hope it doesn't look like this, but rather less...cartoon-ish. Yes, it makes sense to differentiate it from other R8s, but do it in a way that makes regular R8 fans want it. Perhaps a retractable spoiler with solar panels on it?
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idmadj 3:12PM (10/05/2009)
Not shure e-tron will be such a successful name in french-speaking countries... http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%C3%A9tron
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ForgedInternals 7:49PM (10/05/2009)
So this is a car for 'idiots' if it's TT sized
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pruszki 8:43PM (10/23/2009)
Witam serdecznie mam na imię Łukasz i mam 26 lat, ludzie mówią ,,marzenia są piękne, ale piękniejsze są te które się spełniają,, moim marzeniem jest stary samochód bo z 1997r audi a6, w 2008r zakupiłem swoje pierwsze auto 6tys dałem za Punto 1 rok 1997 na kredyt, część uzbierałem… miał być rewelacyjny i tak było do póki nie wyjechałem z komisu, po 2 dniach okazało się ze pekł alternator, potem wydmuchało uszczelkę pod głowicą naprawy 800zł szok dla studenta na utrzymaniu rodziców który kazda złotówkę odkłada żeby coś mieć, potem okazało się ze podłoga a raczej jej brak uniemozliwia uzytkowanie, zbierałem 4msc na remont koszt 500zł matko sobie powiedziałem (ale jestem naiwny) mówia ze ciężką pracą człowiek do czegos może dojsc, studiuję na medycynie, co wakacje charuje przy kostce brukowej odkładam każdy grosz, i co mam ludzie mogą cię tylko oszukać… Dla tego jeśli istnieją jeszcze jacyś sprawiedliwi i tacy którzy nie mają co z pieniędzmi robić wspomóżcie 89 1940 1076 5715 7041 0000 0000 wiem ze to strasznie głupi sposób na możliwość odłożenia ale ja nie mam siły już na ta ciezka prace, chce poswiecic się w całości za nauce, wreszcie stworzyc rodzine, bo po 5 latach związku nie stac mnie nawet na pierścionek a co dopiero wesele…. Wszystkim darczyńcom bardzo dziekuje…. Jeśli ktoś się zdecyduje na jakis datek nawet 1grosz to w tytule niech wpisze swój adres e-mail, podziękuje, napisze co u mnie, wysle życzenia świąteczne. POZDRAWIAM
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