Tesla has enjoyed quite a bit of time as the world’s leading producer of electric vehicles, but releases at Frankfurt are pointing toward a world with a lot more competition for the California-based manufacturer.
The Model X crossover from Tesla has yet to officially enter production, but Audi has already begun work on creating a major competitor: the e-tron quattro concept. It was first teased Aug. 20 a few weeks ahead of the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), but today the marque has issued a press release with more information and images, as well as a date for when we can anticipate this model reaching production stages.
“Audi will present an all-electric, luxury-class sport SUV in early 2018. The Audi e-tron quattro concept provides a concrete foretaste of this,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Audi Board of Management for Technical Development, in the release. “It combines driving pleasure with great range, an expressive design and excellent comfort.”
A sprint from 0-62 mph in this beauty will take an estimated 4.6 seconds, while Audi predicts that an electronically governed top speed of 130.5 mph will be possible. Three electric motors will be responsible for producing 320 kW, or approximately 430 hp, with one motor on the front axle and two on the rear. It’s described as performing similarly to a sports car, and a peak boosting moments can create as much as 370 kW and 590 lb-ft.
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Check out the photos of this new concept in the gallery below, and let us know what you think in the comments. Since this won’t be making its way to dealerships for at least another three years, find yourself an Audi from their existing models at the button below.
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(Source: Audi)
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