[dZired]

Audi has reportedly confirmed its plans to launch an all-electric four-door sedan, which will boast of high performance figures. The upcoming sedan, which is likely to be called the A9 e-Tron, will rival the Tesla Model S. The Audi electric sedan is expected to be introduced in global markets by 2020.

The A9 e-Tron is expected have three electric motors, one of which sends power to the front wheels, while the remaining two power the rear wheels. These motors will likely be supplied juice from a liquid-cooled 95 kWh battery pack, which will be bolted below the passenger compartment to lower the car's centre of gravity.

This powertrain is expected to give the car an overall range of 500 km. Moreover, in addition to conventional charging, Audi will also be offering an 11 kW inductive charging option to the owners, which will allow them to use the company's wireless charging technology. The car will further get level four autonomous technology, which is one level up from what will be offered with Audi's current flagship sedan - the A8.

Audi officials have claimed that the company will have three electric vehicles in its global portfolio by the year 2020. Moreover, by 2025, 25% of Audi's line-up will be electrically powered. The manufacturer will also be working on a production model of the e-tron concept, which was showcased at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The A9 e-Tron too will be built on an evolved version of the EV platform showcased by the e-tron Quattro concept. This platform will be different from the one that VW Group sister company Porsche is developing for the production model of the Mission E concept car.

Source: Autocar India



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[sri_tesla]

While its great to see the traditional automobile majors bringing in full EVs, this also shows how far behind all these popular brands compared to Tesla.

These are the Audi A9 e-Tron features and specs in 2020:

• 95 kwh battery yielding 500 km (311 miles) of range
• All-wheel drive. 3 electric motors (one up front, two in rear) for a total of 429 bhp, and a sport mode to boost it to 496 bhp and 590 lb ft torque temporarily
• 0-100 khm (0-62 mph) in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 211 kmh (131 mph)

These are the Model S P100D features in 2016:

• 100 kWh Battery with Performance All-Wheel Drive
• 315 miles (506 km) range (EPA est.)
• 0-100 kmh in 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 kmh.

In fact even 2014 Model S (P85D) easily beats the Audi A9 e-Tron which comes in 2020

Also, Tesla has major lead with fast growing super charger network which provides free highway runs for all Model S and Model X owners.

Tesla Model S already taking sales from high end models of Audi, BMW, Mercedes etc... in 2015 itself in USA. Its going to be even worse in 2016 for these brands. Tesla is already doing what Apple did to the likes of Nokia, Blackberry, Motorola.