autoevolution
 

Frankfurt Auto Show: Audi e-tron

Rumors of an electric version of the R8 have finally been put to rest by the official unveiling of the e-tron, "a high-performance sports car with a purely electric drive system." After a quick look at it, we must say, the German manufacturer was right when it said "electricity, and all its force and power, will run free and completely untamed."

The aforementioned electricity is generated by four electric motors, two at the front and two at the rear axle (quattro ring any bells?). Together, they generate an amazing 313 hp troop, as well as 4,500 Nm of torque (according to Audi's official press release!).

Those technical specs make it easy for us to imagine the e-tron buzzing at the start line of a track somewhere, getting ready to reach 100 km/h only 4.8 seconds after the first turn of the wheel. It will only reach its limits when the speedometer shows 200 km/h (124.27 mph), but is able to maintain its speed and travel for some 248 kilometers (154 miles) thanks to the 53 kilowatt hours battery block.

The batteries can be recharged, from a usual household plug, in between 6 and 8 hours. Audi says it is working on a wireless charging solution, to make the process more convenient.

Audi has yet another ace up its sleeve when it comes to the e-tron. It what may very well be a world premiere, the Germans have developed the automobile-intended heat-pump. As you might have guessed, one of the downsizes of owning a non-combustion engine is that during the winter, heating is done at a much more slower rate.

Unlike additional heaters used in other EVs, the heat-pump uses mechanical work to provide heat with a minimum input of energy. To get the opposite effect (cold), a climate control system, which also helps control the temperature of the high-voltage battery, is being used.

Of course, the e-tron is still a concept, so no official word on a production version yet, even if Audi says it will use some of e-tron's technologies on some of its vehicles. A price list is out of the question as well.

Additional information can be found in the PDF attached below.


If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Daniel Patrascu
Daniel Patrascu profile photo

Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories