e-tron take two

Audi has used the Detroit show to reiterate its intentions in the EV sector, rolling out a renewed e-tron concept -- the third in less than six months.

On the heels of the original e-tron -- the hit of last September's Frankfurt show -- and a modest makeover of that car for the LA show, comes a slightly shorter, lighter package with substantially reworked drivetrain and interior.

The basic design concept remains the same, but the package is smaller and simpler. The biggest change is a retreat from AWD to RWD. Instead of the original's wheel motors on all four corners, this one has just two, each with its own cooling system, mounted on the rear axle.

Between them they put out 150kW and -- okay, it's not the original's 4500 but it's still staggering -- 2650Nm of torque.

Audi claims a 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9sec. That's around a second slower than its predecessor, but this one delivers substantial improvements in midrange overtaking muscle pushing it from 60 to 120km/h in 5.1sec.

Sophisticated split-second torque vectoring varies power distribution between the drive wheels and brake pressure on all four corners to neutralise cornering according to changes in direction and road conditions.

Handling is helped out by 40:60 front:rear weight distribution and a wheelbase of just 2430mm -- a full 22cm shorter than the R8 from which its chassis is derived.

With demands on the battery rising exponentially with acceleration, top speed is governed at 200km/h. The 45kWh battery pack gives the vehicle a range of about 250km combined.

In the manner of most super high-performance cars, the e-tron is shortish, at just 3930mm long. But it's also wide and low, its 178cm breadth and 122cm height giving it the proportions of a baking dish. Beefy 19-inch wheels add emphasis to what is already plenty of visual drama.

Gross weight is down to 1350 kilograms from the original's 1600; mainly care of a smaller power pack, down to 399kg from the Frankfurt car's 470.

The new concept updates the original's high-tech minimalist interior, carrying over its clever heat pump interior heating and heavy use of robotics and systems automation.

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