AUDI FIELDS ITS LATEST E-TRON VARIANT IN GENEVA
2010-03-02 15:06:51 Author: admin Source:
Audi has announced its intentions to introduce a new member of the new e-tron variants at the Geneva International Motor Show, 2 - 14 March, the A1 e-tron. The first e-tron, which debuted at the 2009 IAA in Frankfurt/Main, is a near-series high-performance sports car with electric motors for all four wheels. The next model unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in 2010 was a lightweight, compact two-seater with two electric motors on the rear axle.
The latest Audi A1 e-tron is a Mega City Vehicle (MCV) with an innovative drive technology. It comes equipped with a powerful electric motor for zero-emission driving in the city. There is also an internal combustion engine on board that recharges the battery in exceptional circumstances. The A1 e-tron is more than a little efficient thanks to the 75 kW (102 hp) peak power of its electric motor.
The A1 e-tron now presents another approach – a compact electric car in the premium class. The four-passenger, two-door MCV city car was designed specifically for use in the metropolitan areas of Europe and North America and in the rapidly growing megacities of Asia and South America.
At the heart of the A1 e-tron is the electric motor with a power output of 75 kW (102 hp). This electric motor is mounted transversely at the front of the car. Its low mounting position has a positive effect on the vehicle’s center of gravity. Continuous output is rated at 45 kW (61 hp), with peak power of 75 kW (102 hp) available in short bursts. 150 Nm (110.63 lb-ft) of torque is continuously available, and peak torque is 240 Nm (177.01 lb-ft).
The electric motor sends its power to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission. The elegant, retractable selector lever on the console of the center tunnel used to choose between “Drive,” “Reverse,” and “Neutral” was taken from the first Audi e-tron.
Above the electric motor is the power electronics consisting the most important components; the pulse-controlled inverter, which serves as the controller between the electric motor and the battery; the DC converter, which connects the high-voltage network with the 14 volt electrical system; a breaker unit to protect the high-voltage components; and the charging module. A fully depleted battery can be recharged in approximately three hours from the 380 volt grid. A display immediately adjacent to the plug-in connection shows the current charge status and the charging time remaining.
A special circuit which coordinates the climate control also functions as a heat pump that regulates the temperature of the cabin and the battery.
The first defining impression that the driver of the Audi A1 e-tron gets is that of nearly total silence. Even the engine in the back can barely be heard when it is running.
The second characteristic perception is the power of the electric motor, nearly all of which is available instantly and thrusts the Audi A1 e-tron forward with authority. The innovative Mega City Vehicle, which despite its complex drive technology weighs only 1,190 kilograms (2,623.50 lb) delivers zero-emission driving fun in a modern and sophisticated manner. The vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 10.2 seconds and has a top speed of more than 130 km/h (80.78 mph).
The A1 e-tron can also cover longer distances if the range extender charges the battery. The extra range, which is intended primarily for interurban driving, is 200 kilometers (124.27 miles).
The third impression that the A1 e-tron makes is that of a larger car. The compact two-door boasts all of the strengths of the new A1 model series – the carefully tuned, sporty chassis with specially designed 18 inch alloy wheels and 215/35 R18 tires; the generous, “grown-up” interior; the excellent fit and finish; and a multitude of high-end equipment. The dark shade “ebony” dominates the interior. The seats – with stone gray seams – and the headliner are in “Alabaster White".
The concept car in Geneva has a special “Aqua Mint, pearl effect” paint finish; the contrasting roof arch is offset in “High Gloss Steel dark.” As with the other two e-tron models, the 18-inch wheels with a 20-spoke turbine design convey the high-tech aspiration of the concept.
The rear diffuser with aluminum trim lacks tailpipes. This emphasizes the width of the vehicle and suggests the low emissions. The two front fenders are emblazoned with the “e-tron” logo.
Edited with Audi source
