Audi's Green Onslaught: A3 Sedan, A8 Hybrid, e-Tron Tesla-Fighter Page 4
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Audi e-Tron: Tesla fighter
The green Audi that has received by far the most press attention, however, is undoubtedly their e-Tron all-electric supercar.
It may be the first vehicle from a major manufacturer to aim directly at the small niche of two-seat electric supercars, which is now occupied solely by the undeniably fast and smooth 2010 Tesla Roadster and Roadster Sport models.
Launched at last fall's Frankfurt Motor Show as a bright-red electric two-seater based on the R8 mid-engine supercar, and shown again in orange at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Audi e-Tron concept metamorphosed yet again for the Detroit Auto Show.
Third time's the charm
The latest e-Tron was a stunning silver sports coupe smaller than the previous pair, widely assumed to be a disguised version of Audi's future R4 "smaller" mid-engine two-seater.
It retains Audi's characteristic all-wheel-drive, but makes do with a pair of electric motors--one per axle--rather than the four used by the earlier concepts. As before, the bodywork features carbon-fiber panels to reduce weight (and add to its high-tech street cred).
The taut lines and overall design of the latest Audi e-Tron concept were widely praised at the Detroit show, and it was designated the best concept car of the show by many commentators.
Production: 1,000 cars
Audi officials are said to be serious about producing the e-Tron, but volume will be limited to 1,000 copies--or exactly the number of Tesla Roadsters that have been built as of last month.
The production R4 is said to be based on the same understructure as upcoming replacements for the Porsche Cayman and Boxster, as well as a future Volkswagen sports car previewed by the Concept BlueSport at last year's Detroit Auto Show.
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By Allison Crawford Posted: 2/3/2010 3:04pm PST
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