2010 Detroit Auto Show: Audi e-tron Concept

Audi's second generation e-tron electric sportscar concept - unveiled at the North American International Auto Show - was simply spectacular. In fact, had Audi not fumbled so badly with the first R8-based, "ghettofabulous-looking" e-tron concept, its new, like-named little show-car might have been our outright favorite.

Unlike the previous version from the Frankfurt and L.A. shows, the e-tron shown in Detroit featured compact dimensions befitting an electric sportscar and providing it with a purpose-built feel. Clearly Audi isn't merely dreaming about electric cars, but is actually quite serious about its intent to offer a pure electric vehicle to the public, stating that it will do just that by 2012.

Motivated by two electric motors fitted to either side of the rear axle, the e-tron has inherent torque-vectoring capabilities similar to that of Audi's sport differential, only theoretically more instantaneous and sure to result in amazing handling. With its lithium-ion battery pack sitting directly behind the passenger compartment, the resulting 40:60 front-to-rear weight bias will also contribute to the little sportscar's road holding abilities.

While Audi continues to give irrelevant torque figures for its electric concepts, quoting 1,955 lb-ft for this latest e-tron, more telling is the 204hp combined output of the two electric motors. Coupled with what should be ample torque, Audi claims acceleration from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds along with a restricted top speed of 200 km/h - or 124 mph.

While not necessarily amazing, the e-tron's 2,976 lb. curb weight is substantially lower than it would be had Audi not employed aluminum for the chassis and much of the bodywork, along with composite-reinforced plastics. It also happens to be over a quarter ton lighter than the original R8-based e-tron concept.

If you forget its power-plant and take in its compact proportions, emotive design and evocative surfacing, it's easy to imagine this car sitting below the sensational R8 in Audi's sportscar lineup - perhaps housing the 5-cylinder, turbocharged engine from the TT-RS and driving through a rear-biased Quattro system. Now that would be a dream.

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