The latest car to join the e-tron family is the A3 e-tron concept, which is obviously based on the latest A3 notchback sedan, but with a plug-in hybrid twist. The A3 e-tron actually has two powerplants, a 211 horsepower 1.4-liter four-cylinder TFSI gas engine, and a 27 horsepower electric motor.
As a plug-in hybrid, the A3 e-tron is capable of traveling up to 34 miles on electric charge alone thanks to the 12 kWh lithium-ion batteries, which are found behind the rear seats. In a simplistic sense, the A3 e-tron would function similarly to the Chevrolet Volt in that it offers an initial electric-only range, followed by extended range that comes from a combination of gas and electric power through recovered energy (braking).
Gear changes are handled by a seven-speed S tronic transmission that offers either fully automatic driving, or a manual mode that utilizes paddle shifters. Audi says the A3 e-tron also features a launch control system that helps boost acceleration from a dead stop, delivering what it refers to as "explosive turbo power with minimal tire slip."
How does she handle?
If you ask Audi, they will assure you very well thanks to a chassis that is derived from the current RS 3 Sportback. The front suspension features MacPherson struts with separate axle support and a 61.89-inch track width for added stability. Steering comes from a rack-and-pinion system aided by an electromechanical drive system that consumes no energy when driving straight.
In the rear, the e-tron utilizes a four-link suspension with a 60.71-inch track. Control arms are constructed from high-strength steel, intended to absorb longitudinal and lateral forces separately. Also worth noting is the separate mounting locations for the coil springs and shock absorbers.
Of course all of the suspension components are also aided by the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, which gives drivers five modes to choose from. The modes will alter engine, power steering and shifting according, and range from comfort, to auto, to dynamic, individual and efficiency.
Transferring all of the technology to the road occurs through 245/30/R20 tires wrapped around light-alloy wheels, front and rear. The 20-inch wheels are slowed down by four-piston calipers in the front. Audi also points out that ESP can be completely disabled.
Step inside
Audi is quick to point out that the A3 e-tron features the best-in-class (premium compact) long wheelbase of 8.63 feet, which it says gives rear passengers plenty of leg room. Up front, occupants will enjoy sport-themed seats with strong bolstering, yet a slim and elegant design.
The German automaker says that in designing the interior it aimed to convey a sense of lightness, and to achieve this goal designers employed the use of horizontal lines. The entire interior has copious amounts of aluminum, both for light-weight and style, which was also incorporated into the high-end audio system, complete with motorized tweets that raise when the system is turned on.
The driver's display features readouts that cover the different driving states of the hybrid car, making it easy to read and understand. Instead of a tachometer, the gauge shows a "power meter," that shows a percentage based output reading from zero to 100, broken up into colored segments to indicate efficiency.
As if that wasn't enough, there is also an eight-inch display for the driver information system. The large screen functions as the output location for the MMI system, and also indicates operating states and power flow in 3D. The entire MMI system can be controlled with either a large rotary pushbutton, or a touchpad, known as MMI touch.
Extending the application of advanced technology is UMTS, which provides access to the internet.
While Audi hasn't officially said whether or not the A3 e-tron has production in its future, expect at the very least a plug-in hybrid to spawn in the A3 lineup in the future that will at least closely resemble this future previewing concept.
