Audi e-tron confirmed for production

By Sam Hardy

10th December 2009

	It is expected the showroom-ready e-tron will carry a price tag of around £120,000

Audi has confirmed it will launch a new electric flagship sports car in the next few years. Based on the e-tron concept car, revealed at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the production version will launch at the end of 2012 - in a limited production run of 1,000 models.

Costing more than the R8 supercar, it is expected the showroom-ready e-tron will carry a price tag of around £120,000. Featuring the same lithium-ion battery pack and four electric motors, it will get a new aluminium spaceframe chassis and a lightweight aluminium body, virtually identical to the e-tron concept. What's more the e-tron name will be carried over too - although not in France, where 'etron' is slang for fecal matter.

Development has already started on the newcomer. Project team leader Thomas Krauter told Auto Express: "Apart from some of the dramatic aluminium trim pieces, the exterior will stay the same on the production car. We will manage the aerodynamics with an underfloor tray so there will be no large spoilers and the car will maintain its simple look. Between now and 2012, our acoustic department will create a synthesised 'engine' sound too, but our biggest challenges will be to keep all the electrical systems cool - and also to integrate the latest battery technology."

In other Audi news, the firm has also confirmed its A7 four-door coupe will be unveiled in late 2010, most likely at the Paris Motor Show. Rivalling the BMW 5-Series GT, it will look almost identical to the Sportback concept, but will differ by featuring a Skoda Superb-style twin-door hatchback while in the back there will be the option of two and three seater layouts. UK sales will start toward the end of 2010 with prices kicking off at £40-45,000.