It has been called several names by the motoring press, but Audi are still holding onto ‘E-Tron’. Now this is not to be confused with the E-Tron they unveiled at the end of 2009. This second E-Tron is much smaller and production is a little more realistic.
Headlights
Thinking back to when Audi first announced the R8 with it’s LED daytime running lights. This really captured the imagination and has given the inspiration for many designs across other manufacturers. Here we have the next stage of evolution, technology has moved along so quickly. All of the cars lighting is now provided by ultra-efficient LED technology. The headlights are the most innovative of these as they can actually change their appearance, angle and brightness dependant upon the speed of the vehicle and ambient conditions.
Air intakesThe lights are not the only thing that can adapt themselves to the environment. Despite having no engine (electricity is all that is required) the car still needs a supply of cold air to cool various components. Therefore Audi have developed moving air intakes that will open to allow more air to enter cooling ducts, or close to enhance the car’s aerodynamics.
Interior SpaceA real leap forward in design is the amount of space inside the cabin. The car has no need for a transmission tunnel and so the centre-console can be made much slimmer. Buttons have been removed wherever possible and in there place, we have touch-sensitive pads. These clever pads (also in the new A8) can read hand-gestures and even allow you to write with your fingers. An un-necessary gadget you may think, but this actually means that you no longer have to take your eyes off the road to navigate the car’s menus.
I-Phone and Blackberry application
The Smart-phones of today can have a symbiotic relationship with the E-Tron. The car can use the phones internet connection, play music/videos from the phones memory, access addresses, phone numbers, etc. The phone can control car functions (even from in your home), monitor the car’s status (including alarms, battery levels, etc) and the user can even plan routes for the satellite navigation from the comfort of their own home.
Torque RenderingNow this is where the electric drive system of the second E-Tron comes in. The rear wheels are independently driven by two energy-efficient motors meaning that oversteer and understeer can be eliminated with just a short burst of power to the effected wheel. It also helps that the car has a near perfect 40:60 weight distribution and the batteries are situated in a mid-engine-type position.
Living with it
Simple really, it has a range of 155 miles on one charge and even a fully depleted battery will fully charge overnight when connected to a normal mains plug socket. Upgrade to a 400 volt supply and this full charge will only take 2 hours! Amazing, a two hour charge and I can do 155 miles in a super-car – emission free! The E-Tron is capable of doing the 0-62 MPH sprint in only 5.9 seconds and then keep on accelerating at the same blistering pace, meaning that it will do the 37-75 MPH climb in only 5.1 seconds.
Stopping power
With all that speed, you are going to need some serious stopping power. That is why Audi have created these clever electric floating brakes. These reduce friction and work in harmony with the electric drive motors. When the cars brakes are applied, the motors can capture the energy and use it to charge the batteries. The basic principle of this is already in place on the new range of Audis (called recuperation) however using the cars big electric motors is like having two generators in the car.
What is next for the Audi E-Tron?
Well, we don’t really know for sure, but this is what we hope is going to happen. We would love for this car to become a reality, sooner rather than later and not just electric power either. I would love to see a mid-engined, rear-wheel drive version of this car. The existing placement of moving vents could be used to cool the engine and provide a much needed supply of cold air for the engine to breathe. The Audi sports-differential would give a similar level of torque control and if they managed to get the very shallow 2.5 litre turbo charged engine from the TTRS to fit in the E-Tron’s aluminium space-frame, it would create a very quick car indeed.
Press Coverage
Don’t just take our word for it. Below are just a small selection of comments from the motoring press:
Autocar.com
Audi has taken the wraps off its Detroit show car, a smaller and lighter version of its e-tron electric sports car that the firm's development boss Michael Dick described as a "vision of how a small sports car positioned below R8 could look." The unveiling of this second e-tron model just a few months after the first was shown indicates that Audi is still looking at different formats for a future electric sports car. While the first e-tron previewed a car the size of an R8 that would cost over £100,000, this second model is clearly aimed at providing a more affordable electric sports car.
Auto Express.co.ukStunning new concept finally confirms Audi's plans for an affordable sportscar... And it's electric! The waiting is finally over! Audi has shocked Detroit Motor Show goers with a new electric concept car that previews a new zero emission baby brother for the R8 supercar.
Whatcar.com
It has the same name as the model shown at the Frankfurt motor show in September – e-tron – but this one is mid-engined and develops more than 200bhp and almost 2000lb ft of torque. 'We want the name e-tron to take its place alongside our other iconic brand names like quattro and TDI,' said chief executive Rupert Stadler.
More Information
To find out more about the E-Tron and other new Audi models, call Poole Audi on 01202 775050
The A1 e-tron is an innovative Mega City Vehicle (MCV). Like the previously unveiled e-tron sports cars, it is electrically propelled and has a range of more than 30 miles in heavy traffic. With a peak power output of 102 PS, the A1 e-tron is also fun to drive.
