Audi promises to bring more to green transportation with the introduction of their latest electric car concepts – the first 2 members of the sleek and powerful E-Tron family.  Both models of the plug-in sports car are loaded with eco-friendly luxuries and rival the performance and appearance of the world’s first electric roadster, the Tesla.

R8 E-Tron

Making its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show last September, the R8 boasts a clean, sporty design with plenty of comfort and safety features.  Weighing in at just over 3,500 pounds, the 2-seater concept features 4 electric motors to create a powerful, eco-friendly all-wheel-drive sports car. 

The lithium-ion batteries make up about 1,000 pounds of the R8 E-Tron’s total weight and provide a range of 154 miles on a single charge.  Charging time is about 6 to 8 hours, with a high-voltage charging option that reduces the wait to only 2.5 hours.  The batteries are positioned behind the passenger cabin to improve overall handling and dynamics.

As for performance, the Audi R8 is definitely not lacking.  The 313-horsepower sports car can reach 0 to 62 in a mere 4.8 seconds and boasts a limited top speed of nearly 125 mph.  Interior luxury and comfort is optimized with a thermal management system that controls the drive system along with the battery and other core electronic components, while an efficient heat pump keeps the cabin temperature regulated.

The Mini E-Tron

Showcased at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show in early January, the R8’s ‘little brother’ is just as sleek, powerful, and green as the larger member of the Audi E-Tron family.  Smaller and lighter, this version of the E-Tron is a rear-wheel-drive concept controlled by just 2 electric motors on the rear axle. 

Boasting a similar lithium-ion battery pack, the mini E-Tron can also operate up to 155 miles between charges and weighs less than 3,000 pounds including the nearly 900 pounds associated with the battery.  At 204 horsepower, the electric car reaches 0 to 62 in less than 6 seconds with a governed top speed of 124 mph. 

Availability and Pricing

Plans are already underway for the production of the new Audi E-Tron, beginning with 100 R8 units available for lease in 2011 and another 1,000 for lease and sale the following year.  Pricing for the larger R8 E-Tron will be in the $200,000+ range and production of the mini E-Tron, as well as future models of the electric car family, will depend on the success of the R8.