Audi A3 e-tron to be out in 2015, R8 e-tron dropped

A well known magazine is reporting that Audi will launch the A3 e-tron in the UK in 2015. Next-gen A4 and Q7 e-tron versions will follow thereafter.

The magazine’s reliable sources are anticipating a 30-mile (48 km) range in electric mode and CO2 emissions of less than 76 g/km. It is expected to have a gasoline engine as a backup and its batteries will be charged from a socket, unlike the full hybrid A6 and A8 models.

Rewinding back we can recall our memory that Audi had unveiled the A3 e-tron concept two years ago at the Shanghai Auto show. Based on the A3 concept it came with a 4-cylinder, 1.4-liter TFSI engine producing 207 hp (155 kW) and an electric motor providing 27 hp (20 kW). It offered a total power of 234 hp (175 kW) and had a 7-speed S tronic transmission which enabled the concept to cover the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) run in 6.8 seconds
and reach 144 mph (231 km/h). The car is attached with 12 kWh lithium-ion batteries installed behind the rear seats which allows the A3 e-tron to provide a range of up to 34 miles (54 km) on electric power.

Another news that the same source is confirming is that Audi has cancelled the R8 e-tron due to high development costs, limited range and weak demand for such a model.

This shows that one models comes in and the other goes out. That’s all we have for now, more will follow thereafter.

Stay tuned and enjoy the lovely pictures.