After seemingly dissing the merits of electric propulsion in favor of diesel power, Audi is unveiling it’s E-Tron concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show. We have been hearing about an Electric R8 concept coming at the Frankfurt Auto show for a while. An anonymous Audi representative denied those claims in July and I guess that was correct (sort of).

AudiE-TronFrontView

Electric R8? No, that’s the E-Tron. Thankfully the car is a whole lot better looking than it’s unimaginative name. Reports pointed to something more like a standard Audi R8, but modified with an electric drivetrain for a possible limited-run production version. That doesn’t seem to be the case though as this is definitely a concept right now, hence the E-Tron name.

It is without a doubt based on the R8 though. The exterior is very similar, with a few changes that make it more concept-like, such as futuristic headlights. Also, most of the exterior modifications make the car more aerodynamic, in fitting with (presumably, it hasn’t been made official yet) the electric powertrain.

AudiE-TronRearView

To be honest, I really like it! Gone are the huge, gaping scoops and the car has been smoothed out, with a redesigned rear-end. Along with other chrome accents, Audi’s signature grille has a chrome panel behind it to restrict airflow. Overall the look is more grand tourer than performance GT, and I think it works.

This isn’t a thinly-veiled production car you’re seeing – for instance the interior is pure concept, and nothing like the R8. The question is if this is just a showcar exercise or if Audi has some intent to produce an electric R8. Time will tell, but I do love the changes Audi made to the styling. They need to offer a luxury package on the R8 that incorporates some of these changes!

AudiE-TronInterior