Audi has released a brief clip showcasing their highlights from the Paris Motor Show. Of course, that means the e-tron Spyder and the quattro concept. In addition individual promo videos on both cars can also be seen.
Rupert Stadler, Chairman Audi AG, reckons the “e-tron” name will end up holding a similar significance for Audi as the term “quattro”. Will be interesting to see if that comes to fruition in the coming years.
Audi have given the motoring world a new acronym—MCV—Mega City Vehicle. It is used to described Ingolstadt’s third e-tron concept, this time built on the A1 platform.
The A1 e-tron is fitted with a transversely mounted synchronous electric motor. It can be found under the bonnet at the front and has a continuous power and torque rating of 45kW/150Nm. Although, in short bursts those numbers peak at 75kW/240Nm. A low mounted engine and below-floor battery storage ensures the A1 e-tron has a low centre of gravity.
Battery life offers a range of 50km for city chores, but a rotary engine, called a “range extender”, is capable of recharging the batteries for longer drives. It sounds like a pretty ingenious solution really.
Full details available after the break.
Rumours are getting stronger that the Mini-e-tron revealed in Detroit this week is a thinly disguised preview of the upcoming Audi R4 mid-engine sportscar. US blog InsideLine claim they have been told as much by sources within Audi.
The underpinnings of such a car would likely be shared across the Volkswagen group’s range, including its own Concept BlueSport and even the next generation Porsche Boxster and Cayman.
In regards to the Detroit showcar Audi e-tron, you would expect a lot of the concept to get lost in production, such as the aluminium carbon-fibre composite body, but an electric powered engine option could stay. Speculation also suggests that the snarling five-pot turbo from the Audi TT RS could find its way under the R4’s skin—yes please!
How or where the R4 would slot into the Audi range with the company’s iconic TT is uncertain at this stage, but Autoblog reckon an entry-level R4 could fit under the TT. Hard to see that happening, but stranger things have happened.
[Source: InsideLine & Autoblog | Thanks to Wayne for the tip]