Audi | SuperForza.com

Jan 11, 2010

Posted by Mario in Audi, Featured | 0 Comments

Audi e-tron electric drive at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show

In the past four months, Audi has put out three electric vehicle (EV) concepts that boast Audi’s essence. The first e-tron was revealed in Frankfurt, the second in LA, and the latest also arguably the best, in Detroit.

Comprised of an aluminum spaceframe coupled with a smattering of carbon fiber bodywork, the e-tron tips the scales at 2,976 pounds (550 pounds less than the previous concepts). With its reduced weight, more refined packaging and reworked drivetrain, the e-tron hits 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and – more tellingly – dispatches the run from 37 to 75 in 5.1 seconds. Audi claims the e-tron can run on a single charge for 155 miles after topping up from a 230-volt socket for 11 hours.

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Audi e-tron electric drive puts out 3,319 lb ft?!?

Audi is standing by it’s claim that the e-tron elective drive supercar has 4,500 Nm (3,319.03 lb ft) of torque. The guys over at Automotive Magazine didn’t believe that claim, so they did some of their own calculations and came up with 252 lb-ft. Now that’s a huge discrepancy, no matter how you look at it. The main difference is how Audi measure the torque output. The astronomical 3,319 is the torque as measured at the wheels after being geared down and multiplied. So, why the disparity between the actual torque of the motors and the figure espoused by Audi to the motoring press?

Well, besides the obvious answer that 3,319 lb-ft at the wheels sounds much more impressive, Audi’s engineers apparently thought the larger number was more indicative of the actual feeling of all the push generated by the four electric motors when accelerating from a dead stop, as the maximum torque figure is achieved right from zero RPM.

No matter what the torque is, the concept, based on the current R8, looks absolutely fantastic. Let’s hope we’ll actually see it hit production in the new few years.

Cargraphic brings Airlift system to Audi R8

The Audi R8 is undoubtedly awesome. It is also undoubtedly low, as in to the ground. Not low enough to prevent you from getting around, but you pay close attention anytime the word “driveway” comes up. Cargraphic has engineered an airlift system to address the issue that can raise the car 72 mm (2.8 inches) in 15 seconds. The best part about it is that it doesn’t alter the dynamic performance of the car’s suspension.