REPORT: Audi plans to produce e-tron, begin testing prototypes within two years

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Audi e-Tron concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Even though we knew it was coming, the Audi e-tron concept still caught us by surprise. After all, who would have expected an electric sportscar with over 3,000 lb-ft of torque? But if that wasn't enough of a shock, reports now suggest that Audi is actually preparing to put the green beast into production.

Although clearly based on the R8, the e-tron concept unveiled just a couple of weeks ago at the Frankfurt show is actually sized in between the range-topping supercar and its kid brother, the TT. In that frame, however, are packed four electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack pumping out the equivalent of 313 horsepower and an unfathomable 3,319 lb-ft of torque.

According to a report from Automotive News, Audi's North American chief Johan de Nysschen says the company is proceeding with plans to put the e-tron into production, and hopes to start testing working prototypes within the next two years. So if you were disappointed that Audi didn't produce the V12 TDI version of the R8, you've now got something else on which to feast your imagination.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Audi e-tron concept



[Source: AutoWeek]REPORT: Audi plans to produce e-tron, begin testing prototypes within two years originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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