LIVE: Audi A1 e-tron at Geneva 2010

By Sam Hardy

March 2010

Here's the car that proves Audi's electric revolution is on full charge! This concept is the latest model to wear the firm's e-tron badge, and it points the way to a new electric A1 for the near future.

At the front lies an electric motor which is backed up by a range extending 254cc Wankel rotary engine under the boot floor. Together the powertrain provides 61bhp and 240Nm of torque.

The system is capable of running on electric power alone for 31 miles, at which point the engine kicks in to extend the range to 124 miles. It runs at 5,000rpm to provide energy for the on-board batteries.

The A1 e-tron posts some remarkably green figures, emitting 44g/km of CO2 and returning 149mpg on the combined cycle. And it's pretty quick too – 0-62mph in 10.2 seconds and a top speed of 81mph.

However, don't expect to see it in showrooms alongside the new A1 – which goes on sale later this year. Speaking exclusively to Auto Express, project engineer Matthias Seer said: "We will start testing A1 e-tron prototypes in June and the development process will take two years.

"After that we will see what happens, but as for other projects, the e-tron supercar [based around the R8] will go on sale at the end of 2012."

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