Audi has been trying to show off its green credentials for quite some time now with a variety of plug-in hybrid and pure electric concepts, all sporting the e-tron nameplate, such as the 2009 e-tron Concept Coupe, the 2010 A1 e-tron, and more recently, the e-tron Spyder. Now, the brand with the four rings has prepared a new e-tron study, this time based on the A3 sedan concept shown at the Geneva Salon this past March.
The new A3 Sedan e-tron is a compact sized four-door saloon study featuring a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain, and it will receive its world premiere at this week’s 2011 Shanghai Auto Show in China.
Audi’s engineers replaced the Geneva concept model’s 408HP 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five with a hybrid powertrain comprising of a 211HP 1.4-liter TFSI gasoline unit with turbocharging and gasoline direct injection, and an electric motor with an output of 20 kW (27HP), for a combined system output of 238HP. A seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission is linked to the gasoline engine.
The electric motor runs off a set of lithium-ion batteries located behind the rear seats that offer a driving range of up to 54 km (34 miles). Audi says the batteries are charged by the standard energy recovery system when the car is in motion or directly from a household power socket when it is parked.
According to the German automaker, when the gasoline engine and electric motor work together, the A3 e-tron is capable of completing the 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint in 6.8 seconds and can reach a top speed of 231 km/h (144 mph).
Along with the eco-friendly powertrain under the hood, Audi also made some minor styling adjustments to the A3 Sedan, namely the e-tron-specific front grille and alloy wheels on the outside, and new colors in the interior.
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