Audi e-Tron v2.0 Surfaces at Detroit Auto Show
This year's North American International International Auto Show in Detroit features all of the biggest and best automobile companies in the world. But one of the most talked-about presences at the show is that of Bavarian car manufacturer Audi. To be more specific, Audi's e-Tron is the topic of conversation in many circles.
For those of you who haven't heard of it, the e-Tr
on is Audi's entry into the EV (electric vehicle) field. And quite frankly, it's beautiful. Would you expect anything less from Audi?
Although it has been featured at past auto shows, it has been positioned as more of a concept vehicle until now. The e-Tron on display now in Detroit is a scaled-down version of the original concept in terms of specifications. It's got about 100 less horsepower than the concept (down to 204 from 313) and is about a second slower in terms of 0-60 acceleration (5.9 seconds, up from an original 4.8). Since it is an electric car, the range of the e-Tron is another important aspect to consider. After fulling charging the 220 volt battery over 11 hours, Audi claims a range of 155 miles with the e-Tron.
On top of it all, the e-Tron has a new type of regenerative braking system that doesn't lose any energy from the "residual slip" you usually get from such systems. We're not sure what exactly that means, but it sounds awesome.
Source: Wired
The Tesla Roadster Takes Off
The PEM and ESS of the Tesla Roadster (the motor lies below the PEM)
This weekend I was lucky enough to attend the New England Auto Show at the Boston Covention and Exhibition Center, where a host of shiny new cars (including some hybrid versions of existing models) were on display. The one that I was most excited to see and most disappointed not to be able to sit in was the Tesla Roadster. The much-talked-about electric sports car was on display with Ferraris, Maseratis, Lamborghinis, Lotuses, and Aston Martins in a small section devoted to exotics in the middle of the exhibition floor. One of the models they had on display had the hood and the trunk open, revealing some of the inner workings of the car. (left)
The Power Electronics Module (PEM), which "control[s] the motor and allow[s] for integrated battery charging," was visible, as well as the Energy Storage System (ESS), which normal-speaking people call a battery pack. The electric motor sits under the PEM in a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration, so I couldn't get a good look at it, but the Tesla website has an interesting page that shows the layout of the Roadster as well as some additional information if you want to learn more.
Although I didn't get to sit in it or hear it running, Reuters featured a short video on Friday that shows the Roadster being started up and driven off. Take a look and enjoy!
Sources: Reuters; Tesla