Audi e-tron

The Audi e-tron (click on images for hi-res photo) [Audi e-tron Full Specs]

Audi calls it the E-tron Concept, and like most electrically powered cars, this one benefits from the availability of instant torque. According to Audi, the four electric motors (one for each wheel) combine to deliver a total of 3,319 pound-feet of half-shaft-shredding torque but thats calculated at the motor and not at the wheels. Audi claims a 4.8 sec 0-60 mph from a stand still.

The inside is typical of a concept car fantasy. There are very few switches and knobs on the inside, only a single MMI controller that theoretically handles all the essential functions.

With its prodigious acceleration — like a Scalectrix car jumping from rest — the R8 E-Tron quattro will target enthusiast drivers with a green bent when it goes into limited production in late 2012.

Variations on the e-tron theme:

The second e-tron concept (confusingly, also named "e-tron") was shown at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Shown at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, this roadster is a plug-in hybrid powered by a 221 kW (296 bhp) twin-turbo TDI V6 diesel engine driving the rear wheels, plus two electric motors together producing 64 kW (86 bhp) powering the front wheels. Acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) is achieved in 4.4 seconds.

Audi is calling the A1 E-tron design study a "Mega City Vehicle," a bit of a deviation from the sports cars in the E-tron family. The A1 E-tron has an output of 102 horsepower and a range of more than 31 miles in city traffic, according to the automaker.

"When the battery's energy supply is exhausted, it is recharged by an exceptionally compact 'range extender' consisting of a single-rotor Wankel engine and an electrical generator with a charge rating of up to 15 kw," said Audi in a statement.

The device gives the A1 E-tron an additional range of 124 miles.