a new generation of exciting, yet environmentally-conscious vehicles has arisen Although diminishing in their prominence, the major international automobile expositions remain one of the most important showcases of human mobility. And while nearly every significant motor show around the world over the past several years has endeavored to promote the “green” automobile, arguably nowhere was this more evident than the recently concluded international auto show in Frankfurt. There three of Germany’s largest automakers showcased their latest designs for exclusive, high-performance exotic sportscars. But each had a surprisingly earthfriendly twist, and each in a radically different way.
Having championed the cause of clean-burning diesels with its Le Mans racing program, interest was piqued when Audi took the wraps off its R8 V12 TDI concept car, first at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2008 and then at the Geneva show the following March. The company had already revolutionized the notion of the mid-engine supercar – the epitome of automotive desirability – so disappointment was palpable when they announced that the torque-intensive, oil-burning exotic would not reach the market. All was forgiven, however, when Audi unveiled the long-rumored E-Tron concept at this year’s Frankfurt show. Based on the R8, the E-Tron does away with the internal combustion engine altogether, replacing it instead with four electric motors (one at each wheel) and a large battery pack to deliver an impressive 313 horsepower but an altogether mind-boggling 3,319 lb-ft of torque – by order of magnitude more twist than ever deemed imaginable in an automobile, all without burning a drop of oil or emitting a single curl of smoke. Almost as unbelievably, Audi subsequently announced that it will produce the E-Tron and offer it for public consumption. mysterious Luxury GREEN POWER 29