2011 Audi E1 - Ultra Efficient City Car

Audi is currently working on what seems to be the company's first major step into the green car sector: the so-called E1, an ultra-efficient city car that is expected to go on sale in 2011. According to the editors over at autoexpress.co.uk, who also provided the adjacent early illustrations with the future car, Audi E1 will be based on the same platform as Volkswagen up! but will rely on Audi's iconic features, including the mesh-styled grille and the front badge.

Furthermore, the car is expected to be one of the most advanced models in its class, with front and rear LED light clusters, alloy wheels, touchscreen display providing access to navigation features, communications or MP3 player coming as standard.

Just like Toyota's iQ, one of the models likely to be regarded as a competitor, the E1 is gonna be offered in 2+1 architecture, which means it will offer enough room for two occupants - the driver and the front passenger - plus a child or luggage in the rear side of the car.

But the most important aspects of the E1 are still the engines. Autoexpress.co.uk writes the city car is expected to be offered with both petrol and diesel versions, with the 600cc two-cylinder turbo units to come as standard. A 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol configuration might also join the range, the source added. All these engines are expected to produce below 100 g/km of CO2, with fuel economy going as high as 94 mpg (2.5 l/100km), which means the car will be eligible for government incentives.

Additionally, the German brand is also considering introducing an electric powerplant powered by lithium-polymer batteries. Although there are no official specs at this time, it is said this particular configuration will help the car jump from 0 to 100 km/h in 10 seconds, with autonomy reaching 100 miles in optimal conditions.