Audi’s recent e-tron which is now smaller than the version that was showcased at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show may carry the R4 designation when it goes into production in late 2012. The R4 is also expected to feature more conventional fuel-powered versions apart from an all electric version previewed by the e-tron. This reworked e-tron that is being showcased at the Detroit Motor Show has shrunk in size and definitely resembles the size of an Audi TT.
Instead of four electric motors that were used in the Frankfurt 2009 version, this concept has only half of that and both are mounted on the rear axle. Total output is rated at 201hp and a massive 2,650Nm of torque. The torque figure is definitely mind-boggling however a report by Automobile Magazine revealed that the original e-tron’s 4,500Nm figure was based on different set of calculation.
Usually torque is measured at the output shaft but the magazine reported that the e-tron’s torque figure is measured at the wheels which multiplies the output shaft-based figure. The magazine estimated that the torque, if calculated according to the industry standard should be about 341Nm of torque. This means that the 2,650Nm of torque figure above is about 200Nm if measured at the output shaft.
Nevertheless the compact e-tron can hit 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and can return a governed top speed of 200 km/h. The e-tron can deliver 250 kilometers over a full charge. You can enjoy an array of live pictures after the jump.
