Audi e-Tron Concept
Here's something new: an innovative sports car that seeks to
bridge the gap between energy efficiency and high performance.
It is called the Audi e-Tron Concept, and already it is making
waves as one of the most revolutionary vehicles in its class.
Let's take a closer look.
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The Audi e-Tron Concept is a striking
two-seater that utilizes a power-efficient lithium-ion battery
pack that features a liquid-cooled design. While the battery
generates a fairly unimpressive 313 hp, it does offer 3319
lb-ft of torque. This is about ten times as much torque
as that offered by the R8, which is powered by a 4.2-liter
V-8 engine.
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In the speed department, the e-Tron Concept clocks 0-62 mph in
just slightly less than 5 seconds - 4.8 to be exact - which is
just a hair slower than the R8. Unfortunately, the e-tron tops
out at only 124 mph. Any faster and it will simply be too much
power drain for the battery to handle efficiently. To its credit,
the e-Tron does offer a 154-mile range on a single charge.
The Audi e-Tron Concept is also quite a bit smaller than the
R8 all around, being 7 inches shorter in length, 6 inches narrower,
and lower by an inch. The body uses a combination of aluminum
and fiber-reinforced plastic for the doors, as well as the roof,
the fenders, and the lids.
The Audi e-Tron Concept weighs in at a very reasonable 3,527
lbs, much of which is located over the rear axle if the vehicle.
In contrast, the V-8 powered R8 is about 90 pounds lighter. It
is also interesting to note that the battery of the e-tron makes
up as much as 1,036 pounds of the car's total weight.
Like all the other Audi models, the e-Tron Concept adopts a four-wheel
drive design, although the company takes on a slightly different
approach compared to other similarly advertised designs. The company
has opted to use four electric motors for instance, with two designated
for each axle. This unique design directs as much as 70-percent
of the power to the rear wheels, although it is able to vary the
torque sent to each wheel. This innovative feature provides much
greater control and handling over slick surfaces as well as on
corners.
Like all electric cars, the e-tron will have to be plugged in
when the battery runs down, with 6 to 8 hours required for a full
charge on household current. If you use a high-voltage charging
station of 400W and higher however, you can cut this time down
to as little as two-and-a-half hours.
The high-tech feature set of the Audi e-Tron Concept electric
car doesn't end there, as it also offers a heat pump for interior
temperature control, air intake valves in the grille and the sides,
a touch-screen pad for the MMI interface, and an LED lighting
display that helps you decipher oncoming traffic patterns. This
and other features enhance the e-tron's performance as well as
safety, proving that there is more to this model than meets the
eye.
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