Audi commemorated the twenty fifth anniversary of its cult-classic A2 hatchback by changing one into an EV.
The Audi A2 E-Tron is a one-off venture undertaken by apprentices. It is not the primary such venture; Audi apprentices beforehand transformed an NSU Prinz 4 from one of many automaker’s predecessor manufacturers right into a speedy EV idea to mark 150 years of producing on the website of Audi’s Neckarsulm, Germany plant.
Audi A2 E-Tron idea
The hatchback is powered by a single electrical motor from an Audi Q8 E-Tron, tuned for 197 hp and 261 pound-feet of torque. A 25.9-kwh battery pack from an Audi Q7 plug-in hybrid (a mannequin not offered within the U.S.) was put in underneath the cargo flooring and gives an estimated 129 miles of vary (seemingly based mostly on the European WLTP testing cycle). Audi claims there’s room for a second pack, which might enhance vary to an estimated 248 miles.
The A2 additionally obtained exterior modifications like clean wheels, deleted door handles, and illuminated entrance and rear badges much like the Audi Q6 E-Tron and A6 E-Tron. These two new EVs share the Premium Platform Electrical (PPE) that is key to Audi’s technique to focus totally on upmarket fashions—the wrong way of autos just like the A2.
Getting into manufacturing in November 1999, the Audi A2 was a forward-thinking subcompact that emphasised effectivity with aluminum bodywork, frugal gasoline and diesel engines, and a particular form that lent a low drag coefficient of between 0.25 and 0.29.
Audi A2 E-Tron idea
Nonetheless, low fuel costs across the flip of the century meant the A2 wasn’t as widespread when new because it could be right this moment. By no means offered within the U.S., it was additionally dearer than typical small automobiles in Europe. So whereas the A2 maintains a loyal fanbase right this moment, it offered poorly when new and was not changed after manufacturing led to 2005. The less-radical A1 turned Audi’s entry-level mannequin in Europe.
Audi was creating a smaller, totally electrical A2 metropolis automotive a decade in the past, however it canned the venture. The Audi This autumn E-Tron stays the automaker’s smallest EV for the U.S., sharing the Volkswagen Group MEB platform with the VW ID.4 and ID.Buzz, amongst different fashions.