This is the newest member of the conceptual Audi e-tron family: the Audi e-tron Spyder. The sexy baldie is based heavily on the original R4 e-tron shown in Detroit–at least on the outside. Inside it moves away from the all-electric powertrain of that model, relying instead upon a diesel-electric hybrid system. In an all-wheel-drive configuration, Audi uses a 300-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine to drive the rear wheels and 44-hp electric motors at each front wheel.

Continue Reading

Reports today are indicating that Audi will show a new e-tron convertible concept at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. The concept will be based on the R4 e-tron shown in January at the Detroit auto show, with the only change being the loss of its hat.

Continue Reading

We’ve been patiently waiting to see the full production e-tron, and here’s a little payoff: Audi showed a yellow-bedazzled, charcoal-colored version of the car at the 24 Hours of Le Mans this past weekend. And boy did it look good.

More than pure show, the e-tron took to the track in the Le Mans vers le futur, an event designed specifically for electric cars.

Originally shown as a concept in Frankfurt, the all-electric e-tron features four wheel-mounted motors for a total of 313 horsepower and 3,319 lb-ft. All that power and twist provide a 4.8-second 0 to 62 mph and 125 mph top speed. [via MotorAuthority]

Continue Reading

Two of Audi’s most prominent vehicles of recent months are set to merge at the Geneva Motor Show. In a last minute press announcement, Audi detailed plans of presenting the new e-tron concept version of the recently unveiled A1.

The A1 e-tron will derive its drive power from a 75 kW motor (102 hp) paired to a range-extending single-rotor Wankel engine and electric generator. On its own, the motor provides 31 miles worth of city driving, but with a boost from the range-extending package, the A1 e-tron drives an additional 124 miles.

Audi provides a consumption figure of 123.8 mpg. [via WCF]

No string of teaser videos. No grand unveiling in some art museum. Just some details–for now.

According to the reports, Audi will base the production R8 e-tron model on the original concept from Frankfurt and it will be looking to 2012 for launch. The automaker will start off producing e-trons to the exclusive tune of just 100 examples, but plans to expand production to 1,000 e-trons annually. It is likely to tweak later designs based upon feedback from its first customers. It is currently setting up a subdivision to handle production.

Continue Reading

We saw the stylish, new take on the e-tron just days ago, and a report has surfaced that indicates that the updated concept will be the basis of the production version to be called the R4. The R4 will find a niche between the TT and R8 and will come in both electric and gas versions. As for the latter, it’s expected the R4 will get a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 2.5-liter turbo five-cylinder. The current version of the concept, which is on display now in Detroit, features two rear-mounted motors that combine to deliver a 5.9-second 0 to 62. [via Inside Line]

Audi was content to repaint the e-tron concept blazing orange for L.A., but for Detroit, it has debuted a full redesign. The new concept sits more rearward than the original, an alteration that we feel agrees with it wholeheartedly. Audi also incorporates a short wheelbase of 95.67 inches into the refashioned e-tron.

The most dramatic change comes in the dropping of the front motors of the AWD version of the e-tron. The new iteration uses only two motors, one mounted on each rear wheel. The battery pack is mounted just in front of the rear wheels.

Continue Reading

The Audi e-tron concept was one of the A-list celebrities at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, and it’s set to go into production within the next few years, possibly under the name of R4. Reports are indicating today that only 1,000 models of the electric supercar will be pumped out of factories.

The e-tron concept is powered by a mid-mounted lithium-ion battery pack. Four electric motors are mounted around the car, at each wheel. Acceleration is given at 4.8 seconds (0 to 62 mph).

Continue Reading

Audi brought us the e-tron concept back at the Frankfurt Motor Show, after a rather dramatic and secretive Internet campaign. At the time the stunning electric supercar was decked out in a red paint job. The e-tron that we saw back then has taken on a little touch of yellow for the LA Auto Show–perhaps to give it the official burnt orange skin color of LA.

The e-tron is Audi’s answer to the burgeoning performance electric market and is destined to see its way into production under an R4 badge. Four electric motors positioned strategically at each wheel combine to provide 313 horses and a torquetastic 3,319 lb-ft. Acceleration for the e-Tron is given at 4.8 seconds for 0 to 62 mph and the lithium-ion battery pack is said to deliver a 154-mile range. No exact production dates have yet been made, but we hope to see this one join the freeway ranks asap. [via LeftLaneNews]