Audi to Work on A3 Sedan for the US

Audi is one of the companies that are looking into ways to increase its business in the United States and the best way to do that is to offer the Americans the models they like the most. And a sedan seems to be the best idea when talking about the United States so Audi is reportedly planning an A3 sedan specifically for the local market.

According to the guys over at Inside Line, the A3 sedan is projected to arrive in the American market in 2012 and will be similar in dimensions with the first-generation Audi A4.

Obviously, it's way too early to discuss about technical specifications but Audi will most likely try to introduce a fuel efficient engine range, more focused on gasoline units. A hybrid configuration might be offered as well.

Separately, the German brand showcased at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit a new version of the e-tron, an electric vehicle that will also go on sale in 2012 but only in limited numbers.

The new e-tron features high-torque power units driving the rear wheels. Together, they develop a combined output of 150 kW (204 hp) and 2,650 Nm (1954.54 lb.-ft) of torque, pushing the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in in 5.9 seconds. The top speed is limited to 200 km/h (124.27 mph), because the amount of energy required by the electric motors increases disproportionately to speed.

According to rumors surrounding this subject, the e-tron production will be limited to 1,000 units.