Audi e-Tron electric concept supercar based on R8 for Frankfurt Motor Show

As the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show approaches, it seems we would all get washed away in the flood of leaked cars. The latest to join the cars that will be unveiled officially at the Frankfurt Show is the Audi e-Tron, an electric concept car from Audi.

Photo: Audi e-Tron concept car at Frankfurt 2009

An electric car from Audi? That too, based on the Audi R8 supercar? What the hell is going on?

Let’s see. Last month, I think, was when Audi America president Johann de Nysschen infuriated the entire bunch of electric car aficianados around the world by pooh-poohing all electric cars. According to him, the road to the future was slick with diesel. Batteries were for toys. Or something like that. The man, of course, denied most of that though did not dissociate himself from the sentiment.

Photo: Audi e-Tron concept

Now it seems the company, Audi, is disassociating itself from him! Anyway, let’s move on to the car.

Several renderings of the Audi e-Tron – no photos yet – have appeared on the internet.

Update: The Audi e-Tron has been officially revealed. Here is what we know so far.

The two-seater e-Tron has four electric motors, one in each wheel. The total horsepower – or whatever is the equivalent in electric terms – is 313 bhp. OK, I just figured out it is 230 kilowatts.

Like the Tesla Roadster, the Audi e-Tron too uses lithium ion batteries. In this case, they are made by Sanyo. With airconditioning on, the car should give a per-charge range of around 150 miles.The torque delivered by the four electric motors is an astounding 3319 foot-pounds. That amazing torque is much more than that of a Bugatti Veyron’s 922. Acceleration figures of the Audi e_tron boast of a 0-60 mph timing of 4.8 seconds. That is monster torque there alright.

Now, let’s not mistake the eTron for a real car. It is a concept, and at best a running prototype. But the technologies would find their way into production electric cars from the company.

Frankly, I am not impressed by the looks of the e-Tron. From the photos, the car looks like an Audi R8 made from soap. too rounded. The sharpness of the R8 is missing in the Audi e-Tron. Don’t think so? Take a look at the photos and let us know in the comments.

Even the name sounds a bit painful. Why not just eTron and why e-Tron? What is the need for that hyphen in the middle?