Audi’s e-tron Spyder concept, which debuted at the Paris Motor Show, shows how to combine zero-emissions electric power and a fuel-efficient turbo-diesel engine for sports car performance.
The e-tron Spyder combines a rear-mounted 221kw/650Nm V6 turbo-diesel with two electric motors which deliver an extra 64kW/352Nm. Audi uses the turbo-diesel engine to drive the rear wheels, while the electric motors propel the front wheels.
Aided by Audi’s qauttro all-wheel drive technology (which combines the electric and turbo-diesel drivetrains), the two-seater can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds.
Audi says the e-tron Spyder returns fuel consumption as low as 2.2l/100kms, emissions of just 59g/km and with a 50-litre fuel tank it has a range between refills of more than 1,000kms.
The e-tron Spyder is compact – its overall length is 4.6 metres and its 2.43 metre wheelbase is 22cm shorter than the Audi R8.
Styling has some cues from the Audi R8 LMS race cars plus practicality – the plug-in for the battery re-charger is behind the folding Audi ‘four-rings’ on the grille. The 20-inch wheels and strong wheel arch contours contribute to a real sports car look and carbon fibre is used extensively to reduce weight.
Inside, much of the normal switch-gear has been replaced by touch-screens – even the air-conditioning controls are on a touch-screen in front of the driver.
