Audi E-Tron Spyder Concept ~ Automotive SportCars

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Audi E-Tron Spyder Concept

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Audi E-Tron Spyder Concept

A little more than a year after first showing the e-tron Concept to the world, Audi has unveiled the roofless version, known as the e-tron Spyder. But the differences between the two concepts are far more substantial.

Unlike the all-electric e-tron, the e-tron Spyder is a complex diesel-electric plug-in hybrid. The internal combustion engine is a twin-turbo 3.0-liter diesel V-6 that makes 300 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. The mid-mounted engine drives just the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The front wheels, meanwhile, are driven by a pair of electric motors with a combined output of 88 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

Audi E Tron Spyder Concept Passenger Side Front Three Quarter

Performance-wise, the e-tron Spyder can accelerate from 0-62 mph in a claimed 4.4 seconds. More impressively, Audi claims that the 3200-lb car achieves a stunning fuel economy figure of 107 mpg and a range of over 621 miles from its 13.2 gallon tank. It is also capable of operating in full-electric mode for 31 miles at speeds of up to 37 mph thanks to its front-mounted 9.1-kWh battery.

Audi E Tron Spyder Concept Front Three Quarter

Because it has motors for both axles, the e-tron Spyder operates as an all-wheel drive vehicle, with 25% of torque going to the front wheels and 75% to the rear wheels in normal operating conditions.

The e-tron Spyder rides on a 95.7-inch wheelbase, which is 8.7 inches shorter than that of the R8. At 159.8 inches long, 71.3 inches wide, and 43.7 inches tall, it's slightly larger than the hardtop e-tron shown in January at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show but still considerably smaller than an Audi TT.

Audi E Tron Spyder Concept Right Side

Design-wise, the e-tron Spyder is similar to the Detroit car, but with a more aggressive look thanks to its crisper lines and new fascias. The front fascia has larger, bolder-looking grille elements, while the rear end is completely different.

Though nobody is quite sure yet if the rumored R5 that these e-tron concepts may preview is actually real, some of the hybrid elements of the e-tron Spyder are likely to end up in production models that Audi is currently working on.