Larger Frankfurt e-tron will be built...
Audi e-tron
electronic sports car is heading for production - this much we knew back in October. But instead of the lithe,
sub-Boxster sized coupe shown last month at Detroit
, it will be based on the larger R8-esque concept revealed at the Frankfurt motor show last year.
This will no doubt be good news for torque fiends - that first e-tron concept car had more than 3300lb ft to go with its 309bhp - but it is mildly surprising given the warm reception received by the more recent Detroit concept.
...Detroit car could become a 'baby R8'
There are no official details on spec or price of the planned electric sports car, although Audi's US boss, Johan de Nysschen, revelaed last October that running prototypes are expected within the next two years. But the production plans for the first e-tron are serious - this is a statement of intent rather than a one-off, and Audi wants to turn the e-tron badge into a distinctive label.
"We want the e-tron name to become a coveted label, just as recognisable a part of the Audi image as quattro or tdi," says Audi marketing man Stephan Ori.
But what does this mean for the smaller, some would say prettier, Detroit e-tron? Audi isn't saying, but industry whispers hint at a more conventional internal combustion-powered future for that car - possibly as a smaller cousin for the R8, labelled R4 and with rear-wheel drive. Here's hoping...