Imagine a new Audi supercar. 0-62 mph in just 4.8 sec. 230kW and 4,500 Nm of torque. Incredible looks. Its four motors drive each wheel individually, making it a true quattro. This new Audi is a classic – instantly taking its place in the ranks of the world’s most exciting automobiles. And it runs on... electricity.

The new Audi e-tron concept car is powered by a purely electric drive system, and it marks a new chapter in electric driving. It's a concept car at the moment - but the future could be here faster than you think.

The e-tron uses lithium-ion cell technology, reducing weight and increasing performance. At 1.9 metres wide, 4.26 metres long and 1.23 metres tall, it has all the proportions you’d expect from a mid-engined supercar. The cabin is shifted toward the front axle, leaving room for the battery unit, the inverter and the power electronics.

An electric car needs to be incredibly energy-efficient – which is why so much attention has been paid to how the e-tron is powered. Its four motors give the e-tron the performance of a high-output sports car and it has range of 154 miles because it can recharge both when stationary and when in motion. It also uses an electronic brake system, which means all of the energy is converted into electricity and recovered during breaking.

Lightweight construction is even more important for electric vehicles than for conventionally powered cars. The Audi development engineers drew on the core competence of the company for the e-tron. The body structure is based on Audi Space Frame (ASF) technology and was realized as a hybrid construction. All add-on parts – doors, covers, sidewalls and roof – are made of a fiber-reinforced plastic to get the maximum performance from the power system.

Lightweight construction is even more important for electric vehicles than for conventionally powered cars. The Audi development engineers drew on the core competence of the company for the e-tron. The body structure is based on Audi Space Frame (ASF) technology and was realized as a hybrid construction. All add-on parts – doors, covers, sidewalls and roof – are made of a fiber-reinforced plastic to get the maximum performance from the power system.