Frankfurt concept: Audi e-tron
Electric cars are causing a real buzz at Frankfurt and Audi has brought along perhaps the most interesting of the lot. The e-tron is a concept R8 model that's powered by four electric motors and a lithium ion battery. The result is a car that has an individual motor powering each wheel - perhaps the ultimate example of Audi's quattro four-wheel drive technology - that's able to reach 62mph in 4.8 seconds and cover around 150 miles on a single charge.
What's all the fuss about?
Anything electric at Frankfurt is important as it demonstrates a real paradigm shift from oil-based propulsion to the power of batteries. The Audi e-tron exemplifies this, and the fact that manufacturers are already able to offer electric solutions that can match and even beat the performance of their petrol counterparts. It's an odd looking thing though, the e-tron's slippery shape bringing with it weird alloys that look like spoked wheels, and a completely enclosed rear engine bay. However, you can't argue with the drivetrain, which offers a respectable range and pretty spectacular performance.
Any new technology?
More than merely a showcase for an electric drivetrain Audi has used the e-tron to demonstrate some real near-production technology. Most obvious are the company's LED lights, which here can adapt to the weather conditions and set their illumination accordingly. There's a car recognition system too, which scans traffic and the environment via communication between vehicles, this helping both the flow of traffic and hence economy and range of cars included. The e-tron also uses clever heat exchangers to warm and chill its interior.
Will it ever see the light of day?
Audi's R8 has been shown in alternative fuel guise as a concept before when the German firm put a huge turbodiesel engine in it. This all-electric model might have a more serious chance at production, it both a perfect environmental figurehead and ultimate performance test bed for Audi's most up-to-date electric drivetrain technology. We wouldn't bet against seeing a handful being produced in time, with customer cars a possibility. Though it wouldn't be cheap.
Frankfurt concept: Audi e-tron pictures
