Audi's silent supercar spotted

Audi's offering to the green cause is something of a change from the traditional image of an electric vehicle. Move over Tesla as the Audi e-tron electric sportscar is reportedly to be near production.

The spies at Auto Express have snapped a heavily shrouded prototype of the much anticipated model, driving around the German countryside.

With Mercedes' AMG department launching its electric SLS Gullwing model in the coming weeks, German counterpart Audi needs to get its skates on if it is to dominate the silent supercar market.

With an absence of air intakes and vents despite being based on the muscular R8, Wired reports that the spy shots suggest that the e-tron will be powered with EV technology. A concept announced in Los Angeles suggested that the model will be equipped with four electric motors and 53 kilowatt lithium ion battery pack.

According to Auto Express, the e-tron's vital statistics include 0 - 62 mph in under 5 seconds, producing 4500Nm of torque that will propel the car to a limited speed of 125 mph.

The stealthy sportscar is expected to go into production later this year and be available to car buyers next year. With the en-vogue Audi badge, sporty exterior and impressive under-the-bonnet specs, surely the Audi e-tron will be speeding away from showrooms.

 

Nicola Walsh, Manchester, Renault Clio

Alan Johnson, Southampton, Porsche Boxster