Audi’s electric R8 is plug-in perfect!

Is this the car that finally makes electric vehicles cool? Well, our first drive suggests there’s no reason why the new e-tron can’t become the most desirable model in Audi’s range.  As a technical showcase, it’s simply incredible. Not only does it feature a stunning new electric powertrain, it also debuts systems that will almost certainly be seen on everyday Audis in the near future. And this concept is close to being showroom ready! Clearly, the German company means business

THE future of Audi sports cars has charged in. This stunning electric supercoupé is the e-tron – and Auto Express took to the roads of California to drive it.

The concept resembles a baby R8, but this is no pie-in-the-sky show car. It’s due on sale in 2012, and will rival the Tesla Roadster and an upcoming electric version of Mercedes’ SLS. At the e-tron’s core is an all-new platform, with a mid-mounted lithium-ion battery pack – developed by joint-venture partner Sanyo. There are four electric motors: two on the front axle and two either side of the rear. In all, this drivetrain produces 313bhp from zero rpm.

The body is constructed from composite carbon fibre, and this covers an aluminium spaceframe chassis. As a result, the e-tron tips the scales at 1,600kg – not bad when the batteries alone weigh a hefty 470kg. Other clever features include a brake-by-wire system, comprising powerful ceramic discs – these recover as much energy as possible in operation to top up the batteries.

So how fast is the car? Well, Audi claims 0-62mph in less than five seconds, 40-70mph in about four seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 124mph. The latter would be higher if aerodynamic drag didn’t drain the batteries so much at these speeds.

A torque vectoring system is capable of sending power to individual wheels, to ensure strong handling. In standard mode, this adopts a 30:70 bias in favour of the rear wheels, to deliver R8-style cornering.

The e-tron has a range of 154 miles, while the battery pack can be recharged from a 400V supply in two hours. Plug into a regular household socket, and it takes six hours. The most striking thing about the car is its size. Although it’s inspired by the R8, the body isn’t much bigger than a Ford Fiesta.

Either way, it looks fantastic. Neat details include a metallic grille, which has a movable flap. This stays shut for maximum aerodynamic efficiency in normal driving, but can open to cool the car’s systems.

There’s more to the LED headlamps than it seems, too. They work with a small camera and the sat-nav to illuminate into bends before the driver even turns the wheel. Plus, they can adapt for rain or fog. There’s no gearlever; instead, a simple selector pops up from the centre console. And in place of a regular dashboard, there’s a fold-out MMI cabin control screen, flanked by analogue dials – a speedo and a charge meter. What’s more, the e-tron can talk to other cars to warn of accidents and even reserve parking spaces.

Acceleration is lightning fast, and even at motorway speeds it’s accompanied by only a gentle hum from the electric motors. This prototype uses modified R8 suspension, so the ride is firm. But the car is agile, despite seeming heavy.

Even though it’s still in development, the Audi feels showroom ready. And that’s the point, according to Thomas Krauter, e-tron project leader. “This isn’t just a show car; it’s a fully working prototype,” he said. “Apart from some of the aluminium trim, the exterior will stay the same. We will also create a synthesised ‘engine’ sound. But our main challenge will be to keep all the electrical systems cool and integrate the latest battery technology.”  

Only 1,000 models will be built, each costing £120,000. And the lack of an electric car infrastructure is a major issue. But if Audi can overcome this, the e-tron is sure to be a hit.

Rival: Tesla Roadster
Developed with Lotus, the Tesla is partly based around
the Elise, but has a battery and a powerful electric motor. It’s fast and handles like a Lotus should – but a £90,000 price has hampered sales succes