Audi E-Tron will have cameras instead of exterior mirrors and five digital screens in the cockpit. Audi’s E-Tron electric car project began at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2015, when it introduced the concept of the same name.
Audi’s E-Tron electric car project began at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2015, when it introduced the concept of the same name. Three years later, the premier of the production model is close, and the German manufacturer gradually showing his electric crossover.
While the first official photographs of the vehicle are covered with camouflage foil, Audi has demonstrated what it will looks like inside of the car. Although the E-Tron has three large displays – one on the instrument table and two on the central console, for the multimedia system and the air conditioner, the most attention (and controversy) is caused by two smaller digital screens located in the upper front corners of driver and passenger. The seven-inch OLED displays are located just below the window, showing images from external cameras that replace classic mirror mirrors.
The driver will be able to zoom in / out the picture on the screen, and there are also 3 predefined camera views intended for different driving conditions. One is used for driving on the highway, the second for changing the direction of the vehicle, and the third for reverse or park. Audi has announced that it will try to make world-wide choice choices to make digital rear-view mirrors in as many countries as possible.
When it comes to the power, the Audi E-Tron is powered by two electric motors, which in total produce 360 hp (265 kW), while in the so-called Sport mode of the automatic gearbox temporarily receives as much as 408 hp (300 kW). The electric crossover from 0 to 100 km / h accelerates for less than 6 s, before it reaches a maximum of 200 km / h. Audi claim that the batteries can be charged to full for only 30 minutes if a high-powered 150 kW power charger is used, while the 400 volt three-phase charger is full for 8 hours and 30 minutes.
The Audi E-Tron is powered by a battery of 95 kWh, which is enough for a 400-km of autonomy with one charge cycle. Such a large driving autonomy is, among other things, thanks to its good aerodynamic characteristics and the air resistance coefficient of 0.28 (therefore the rear mirrors are replaced by cameras). The Audi E-Tron has enough space for comfortable accommodation for up to 5 passengers, thanks to a large wheelbase of 2,928 mm. Since the electric motors are located close to the driving axles (which generates a 4-point drive), the need for the central tunnel in the cockpit floor is eliminated, which is an additional convenience for those on rear seats. Audi has also provided the Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 16 loudspeakers and 705 watts for sound lovers.
The manufacturer has earlier announced that E-Tron will have a premiere on August 30 in Brussels, where this model will be produced. The first deliveries are expected in early 2019.
