Frankfurt 2009: Audi E-Tron

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).

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.

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!