Audi’s E-tron Concept will be the basis of the Audi R4, with E-tron being as important as Quattro. More details here.
The Audi e-Tron electric car concept, which was on display at NAIAS, shares the same design and styling as the Audi R4. Audi intends to continue using the electric car template for future models in the long-term.
The R4 is expected to be available in 2012 as both an all-electric and conventional engine version. The R4 will be larger than the TT but smaller than R8 and share a similar roofline to the other models. The car will likely get a smaller wheel arch and side sills once it is released as a production-ready version. According to InsideLine reports metal body panels will replace carbon fiber paneling.
The R4 EV will be available with turbocharged 2.0- or 2.5-liter engines.
Audi’s electric plans are not limited to its sportier cars. The company moniker “E-tron”, which is similar to the “Quattro” moniker, will be “Etron”. As such, the company plans to market the electric versions of A1 through A8 with the Etron badge.