Detroit 2010: More compact, lighter Audi e-tron

Detroit 2010: More compact, lighter Audi e-tron

The e-tron, Audi’s electric sports car concept, continues to evolve since its debut at Frankfurt 2009, and this version in Detroit features a more compact aluminium and carbon fibre reinforced plastic hybrid body that’s closer to the production car, which will go on sale in late 2012.

The latest e-tron measures 3.93m long (from 4.26m), 1.78m wide (from 1.9m) and 1.22m tall (from 1.23m). Its 1,350 kg gross weight is also lower by 250 kg.

While the Frankfurt e-tron had four motors, it’s now down to two asynchronous electric motors mounted on the rear axle. With a combined output of 201 bhp and 2,650 Nm, the e-tron accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds with a limited 200 km/h top speed. The monumental torque propels the Audi from 60 to 120 km/h in a mere 5.1 seconds. Range is 250 km. The e-tron is charged with household current (230 volts, 16 amperes) via a cable and a plug. Full charging time takes 11 hours.

Audi claims agile “go-kart” handling from the e-tron’s torque vectoring system, low weight, short wheelbase and weight distribution (rear biased at 40:60). The 399 kg lithium-ion battery pack is located behind the passenger compartment and ahead of the rear axle for optimal centre of gravity.

More pictures after the jump.

[zenphotopress number=999 album=751]

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • normal_user on Jan 12, 2010 at 10:45 pm

    There should be i-Robot II movie sequel that features this car.

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  • chew ban (Member) on Jan 12, 2010 at 10:58 pm

    and i think 50 cent should act in it. he wont fit in the car hehe

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  • Mazda 3 MPS on Jan 12, 2010 at 11:08 pm

    this car looks more and more evil lol

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  • joni (Member) on Jan 12, 2010 at 11:13 pm

    it still run on four wheels

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  • crazy tork figures..

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  • drMpower on Jan 12, 2010 at 11:56 pm

    how many meetings, outdoor group enhancement programmes, tea and biscuits these boffin at audi spend before they come up with that 'e-tron' name for this car?

    and that torque, for one that familiar with electrical machines, although the number is ridicolous, he can point out that the torque always there in abundance.

    which leaves me to a question. why we dont see any electric powered trucks? because we know in trucks, between bhp and torque, the most important is the torque. and these machine provides that easily.

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  • alpha0201 on Jan 13, 2010 at 12:01 am

    Can easily beat off road car with that torque.

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  • mr_3m on Jan 13, 2010 at 12:31 am

    looks almost production-ready… with mini-R8 theme and this car may eventually replace the TT…

    looks well & good for Audi's sports car future… only thing is Audi keeps stepping on Porsche's feet (R8 v 911 and now this R4/R6 v Cayman/Boxster)… and they are under the same umbrella (VW group)!!!

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  • l3ryan on Jan 13, 2010 at 12:52 am

    2,650 Nm is crazy!

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  • Just a dream

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  • SashiRao on Jan 13, 2010 at 1:36 am

    R8 is way better..

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  • shawal on Jan 13, 2010 at 2:43 am

    a bit o 1-77 at the back.. , compact sports cars are alwiz nigh on the cardz…

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  • Mazda 3 MPS on Jan 13, 2010 at 5:48 am

    looks like aston martin. and the front grille hilang

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  • just plug and play. yeah!

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