Audi e-tron 2: Once More, With Feeling

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

After backing away from the ridiculous torque figures it gave with its R8-based e-tron, Audi is having another crack at the electric sportscar theme with a second e-tron concept at the NAIAS. Of course by not giving it a new name, Audi created the impression that this might be a very similar concept to the R8-based model it says its going to build at some point. The e-tron mk II is, however, a very different beast. Where as the first e-tron was an electrification and restyling of the R8, the e-tron 2 actually previews the look of an eventual R4 sportscar, based on Volkswagen’s Blue Sport concept. If Audi eventually sells an EV version of that vehicle (and they say the e-tron name will become a brand for Audi EVs) and it’s materially the same as this concept, it would be the first RWD production Audi since… well, why don’t we have some guesses?

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Joeaverage Joeaverage on Jan 13, 2010

    Just sell me an electric Golf and be done with it already? Don't need to supercar looks - just an electric runabout. I like the looks, don't need them... The fancy looks just drive up the consumer price.

  • Darth Lefty Darth Lefty on Jan 13, 2010

    If this is supposed to preview R4 styling, and the R4 is supposed to be a small mid-engine like the BlueSport, why does this have a long hood? Shouldn't it fall into the same sort of proportions as a 914 / Scorpion / MR2 / Fiero / Cayman?

  • Imag Imag on Jan 13, 2010

    I actually think this car is extremely promising (although obviously, the wheels have to go). It looks very close in stance and dimensions to the concept photos that floated around of the small Porsche, which makes me think it could indeed be mid engine/RWD. The fact that the weight on the electric version is under 3K lbs. is promising. And I think it looks pretty spectacular. I actually like the look and the weight much better than the R8.

  • Robert.Walter Robert.Walter on Jan 13, 2010

    Despite the cowl being level with the beltline, this is a horridly boring looking car ... like a chinese rip-off interpretation of a TT. If this is where Audi design language is going, I fear for the brand...

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