Photo: S. Baldauf / R. Kah
This year’s Geneva Motor Show didn’t bring about just a plethora of world debuts but also some new info into the future plans of the major manufacturers out there. Amongst them was Audi that revealed they have plans of releasing an electric SUV with a range of more than 500 kilometers (around 300 miles).
The information comes after the Ingolstadt-based company told us all about its Q7 e-tron model that was talked about for the first time earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show. However, you shouldn’t expect that car exactly as there are a few tidbits that will be different.
That’s if we take the new info with a grain of salt. According to Auto Express, the new car will have a completely different design that will make it stand out in the Audi range. If you’re a fan of the brand, that’s good news, as the design has been rather dull recently, with more and more cars looking almost the same in the range.
It won’t be the case here, said engineering boss, Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg: “It will have a specific design, so we won’t take and A6 or a Q5 or whatever and integrate the battery electric drivetrain.”
As for the the drivetrain specs, things should be looking grim for Tesla. At the moment, the American manufacturer is ruling the EV scene with its Model S and they just announced that the company’s plans are to release two more models, an SUV included.
However, looking at what the R8 e-tron is bringing to the table, some people must be worried in Palo Alto. That’s because the reign of the Model S’ range might be in peril, the Audi claiming a figure in close proximity of 450 kilometers (280 miles), putting it in the same region as the 85 kWh battery versions of the sedan.
For the SUV, however, the engineers are looking at an even bigger range. You have to take into consideration that for the R8, the space and weight factors were extremely important. It is a sports car after all and those two will make or break a car in this niche.
When it comes to a bigger auto, those limits can be pushed a little and fitting a larger battery inside will not take a huge toll on performance but will offer better range if all other parameters are kept in check.
According to Hackenberg, that won’t be an issue either, as this project will use the MLB platform which, in turn, translates into access to lightweight materials including aluminum. With all things considered, the range could reach into the 500 km (over 300 miles) territory which would make it more efficient that the current Tesla offerings. Game on!
That’s if we take the new info with a grain of salt. According to Auto Express, the new car will have a completely different design that will make it stand out in the Audi range. If you’re a fan of the brand, that’s good news, as the design has been rather dull recently, with more and more cars looking almost the same in the range.
It won’t be the case here, said engineering boss, Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg: “It will have a specific design, so we won’t take and A6 or a Q5 or whatever and integrate the battery electric drivetrain.”
As for the the drivetrain specs, things should be looking grim for Tesla. At the moment, the American manufacturer is ruling the EV scene with its Model S and they just announced that the company’s plans are to release two more models, an SUV included.
However, looking at what the R8 e-tron is bringing to the table, some people must be worried in Palo Alto. That’s because the reign of the Model S’ range might be in peril, the Audi claiming a figure in close proximity of 450 kilometers (280 miles), putting it in the same region as the 85 kWh battery versions of the sedan.
For the SUV, however, the engineers are looking at an even bigger range. You have to take into consideration that for the R8, the space and weight factors were extremely important. It is a sports car after all and those two will make or break a car in this niche.
When it comes to a bigger auto, those limits can be pushed a little and fitting a larger battery inside will not take a huge toll on performance but will offer better range if all other parameters are kept in check.
According to Hackenberg, that won’t be an issue either, as this project will use the MLB platform which, in turn, translates into access to lightweight materials including aluminum. With all things considered, the range could reach into the 500 km (over 300 miles) territory which would make it more efficient that the current Tesla offerings. Game on!
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