One of the most prestigious auto shows of the year is now on and Audi will of course be showcasing its models. The North American International Auto Show (NAISAS) better known as the Detroit Auto Show is showcasing one of Audi’s most innovative concept cars to-date: the Audi e-tron Detroit Concept.
Audi had confirmed prior to the Auto Show that it would be showcasing a new concept car but held its ground and allowed no further photos or information to slip out until the day of its debut. When the cloth came of the crowd was wowed by its enigmatic design that, despite the name, polarizing wheel design and electric propulsion bears little resemblance with previous e-tron concept cars.
Built in a totally different platform, the e-tron Detroit Concept car is less powerful, smaller, lighter and is not a four wheel drive like previous concepts. This time however, Audi opted for an electric rear-wheel drive.
Two asynchronous electric motors with a running range of 155 miles deliver 0-62mph acceleration in 5.9 seconds and a 124mph top speed from an output equivalent to 204PS and peak torque of 2,650Nmm, giving the Detroit showcar Audi e-tron the performance of a genuine sports car.
These two electric motors have their own cooling system and, as mentioned above, are mounted on the rear axle with a special package (featuring a 40:60 weight distribution ensuring perfect balance that contributes to the vehicle’s driving dynamics).
Overall, the e-tron Detroit concept car’s driving dynamics was developed to enhance driving safety with intelligently controlled air intakes that boost traction with torque vectoring targeting the acceleration of individual wheels making it even more dynamic.
To help keep weight down and therefore maximize range of the battery pack, the body’s structure is made with Audi’s Space Frame (ASF) technology, which combines aluminium and carbon fibre reinforced composites. The high-tech materials allow the lightweight structure to maintain the rigidity necessary without the bulk of steel. Total curb weight of the new e-tron is 2,976 pounds.
Another similarity with the Audi e-tron concept car shown in Frankfurt is the heat pump which helps boost efficiency and range. The heat pump is a highly efficient machine that uses mechanical work to provide heat with minimum input of energy.
In order to achieve optimal performance and range, the high-voltage batteries, power electronics and electric motors must maintain their ideal operating temperature that is when a highly efficient thermal management system comes into play that is associated with the climate control used to cool the vehicle’s interior.
Visual and functional references to the new drive concept characterize the purist interior design. They establish a connection between proven Audi genes and new formal hallmarks. Typical for the Audi design idiom is the reduction of the architecture, controls and information output to the essentials in favour of visible lightweight construction.
The instruments combine the analogue and the digital worlds into a single unit. Speed information is provided by an analogue speedometer while dial instruments show how much power is being drawn and a central display shows range and other key navigation systems.
The equally racing-inspired lightweight bucket seats combine excellent lateral support with comfort. Two contrasting colours delineate the various zones of the interior. The colours and the high-quality materials combine elegance and sportiness.
Audi elevated vehicle and driver interaction to the next level with a new MMI system controlled via a touch sensitive scroll pad inspired by modern smarphones. Speaking of smartphones, drivers will be able to integrate their phones into the front section of the centre console to interface between the vehicle, the driver and external information sources. The smartphone and vehicle communicate via the mobile communications network, even over considerable distances.
The system also provides a security function for the owner; within the range of the WLAN it can constantly monitor the current status of the vehicle, for instance whether all windows and doors are closed. If the Audi e-tron showcar on display in Detroit is parked charging, it also sends details of the current charge status to the driver’s smartphone.
Without a doubt the Audi e-tron Detroit concept car is another true state-of-the-art concept car but like other Audi concept cars many questions will remain answered till the German car manufacturer decides to answer them to the auto industry.
Question like: Where in the Audi range will this concept fit in? Will the e-tron be an R-badged car? Many auto industry experts are sure this is the prototype for an aforementioned Audi R4.
Audi hasn’t confirmed which version of the e-tron will go into production but the four rings company has already confirmed that the e-tron will hit the roads in 2012.
