Several car makers are showing the world that it is possible to produce high-powered sports cars with clean-drive alternative power concepts and that motorists can combine an eco-conscience with all the fun that comes with a sports car.
Arguably the centre of attraction at the Frankfurt Show was the all-red Audi E-Tron concept based on the R8 sports car. The design and performance figures leave no doubt that it belongs to the top sports car league.
The lithium-ion battery unit, that provides a range of 248 kilometres, is positioned directly behind the passenger cabin for an optimal centre of gravity and axle load distribution. Four motors — two each at the front and rear axles — drive the wheels, producing a total of 230 kW/313 hp. The two-seater accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, and from 60 to 120 km/h in 4.1 seconds.
A lot of work still needs to be done before the car is ready for volume production. Audi of America president Johan de Nysschen said a production-ready model won’t be ready until at least 2012.
Not to be outdone, Mercedes Benz spread the word that its new gullwing SLS super car would probably be available in an electric version by the year 2014. The head of Mercedes sports car division AMG, Volker Mornhinweg, said the EV version would be no compromise regarding performance and super sports car qualities.
The EV SLS is planned with four hub motors producing a combined output of 392 kW/532 hp fed by a lithium-ion battery pack running down the centre of the underbody. Mercedes claims that it would accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in four seconds.
