Audi E-Tron Concept Electric “Supercar”

In mankind’s relentless attempts to improve, invent and re-engineer technology into more appealing solutions, new ideas are born. Electric cars are nothing new however, electric cars that are more practical is what today’s automotive hype is taking a hold of. Audi’s new E-Tron concept car, which is set to be released in 2012 at around $150,000 USD is the new pioneer of electrical cars that we may be inclined to use on a more daily basis.

Not only due to it’s longer than average lasting 150 mile range and half to full day charge time on a regular 110 volt wall plug or 2.5 hours on a special 400V wall outlet, the E-Tron is bringing electric cars a closer reality. I’m like most car guys who think that NOTHING will replace the internal combustion engine. Well, although that may be true I would consider an electric car if it were actually fun and refined. With a 0-60mph acceleration speed of 4.8s, I would say that there is a lot of fun to be had since this figure is based on the prototype weight of 4400lbs and production weight will be just over 3500lbs. There is a downside to it though. While low to mid range speeds are nothing less than surreal due to the quietness, the top end is rather sluggish. A governor restricts top speed to 70mph with a theoretical top speed of 124mph. This is an attempt to preserve battery life and do away with a second gear in the transmission – which is no easy feat to integrate seamlessly.

The E-Tron is propelled by four electric motors – one on each wheel which can be operated independently to induce torque vectoring for added agility. The horsepower sits at a reported 313hp and the torque is 502lb-ft. Although Audi was announcing 3319 lb-ft, they were getting this number through drive train multiplication of the actual motors’ torque figures. The motors are juiced by a 1040lb 53kWh lithium ion battery which is set to efficiently operate at only 42.4kWh.

Futuristic Styling

Closely modeled to Audi’s V10 R8, the E-Tron is actually more overall compactly built and is fitted with the same 19″ wheels from the R8 for road application over “show car” application. The interior is designed with a minimalistic approach so very characteristic of all futuristic interpretations these days. The E-Tron looks truly like attention has been paid to fit and finish unlike the unrefined look of most electric cars which fortifies Audi’s intention of this eventually becoming a company flagship centerpiece.

NUJRYBHAKDQU