2014 Audi e-tron Spyder (Electric Concept Vehicle)

The 2014 Audi e-tron Spyder was a major head turner when it was first revealed, not only because of its eye-catching exterior but because of what is hiding under the hood. The new Audi e-tron Spyder sports an all-new plug-in diesel hybrid electric drivetrain. The e-tron Spyder may appear to be the convertible version of the e-tron coupe that was revealed in Detroit, but the Spyder variant happens to be 5.1 inches longer and 1.2 inches wider. But to give you an idea of what a small platform the e-tron Spyder operates on, the current Audi TT still manages to be 4.7 inches longer than the e-tron Spyder.

The e-tron Spyder prototype shown here is reported to be worth $2.7 million. The current prototype is only limited to 40 miles per hour and can reach 45 mph if the electric motors and the twin-turbo V6 TDI work together in ‘boost’ mode. The important thing here is the long-term implications of this platform. The prototype of the e-tron Spyder may showcase what’s to come from Audi in terms of future designs of its vehicle lineup. It may also be a hint at future drivetrain platforms from Audi since manufacturers such as Nissan and Chevrolet already have plug-in electric cars available for sale to the public.

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The e-tron Spyder’s two electric motors, located at the front of the car, are capable of putting out a total of 89 horsepower. The rear-mounted 3.0 liter V6 TDI produces 296 horsepower, giving the e-tron Spyder a total of 385hp when all engines are working together in ‘boost mode’. The prototype’s two electric motors are able to provide 260 pound feet of torque from 0 rpm and a whopping 79 lb-ft of torque when working in ‘boost mode’ with the twin-turbo V6 diesel engine. The 3,200 pound e-tron Spyder could theoretically reach 0-60 mph in a quick 4.2 seconds.

Audi e-Trong electric car cruise

The exterior of the car might be too extreme for some, but I think the car is pretty easy on the eyes. I like the sharp edges and how all the curves flow from front to end. And as a friend pointed out, the short windshield does make it look a little like a speedboat from the side view. The aggressive front fascia and headlights are also very eye-catching. The 20-inch wheels on the e-tron Spyder also do not feel out of place despite the fact that the car is so small.

Parked Audi e-Trong Spyder electric car

The plug-in point for the electric motors on the vehicle is located behind the retractable four-ring emblem on front of the car which reveals the plug as well as a digital display which shows remaining charge and range possible. The battery pack on the e-tron Spyder is a 69-cell lithium-ion pack weighing in at 220 pounds and good for 9.1 kilowatt hours. The production version of the Audi e-tron Spyder will let the vehicle run on electric-only mode with its single gear ratio allowing the car to travel up to 37 mph.

Headlights of 2014 Audi e-tron Spyder car

The current prototype of the e-tron Spyder has a gas tank which is only capable of holding 13.2 gallons of fuel and a “theoretical” on-paper range of over 600 miles per fill-up thanks to the two electric motors pitching in. Audi and VW fans will have to be patient and wait until late 2013 to see what happens with the e-tron Spyder.

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eddie

Eddie is a writer covering men's lifestyle topics for Unfinished Man. With a business degree and passion for writing, he provides reviews on the latest cars, gadgets, and other interests for today's man. Eddie crafts entertaining and informative articles aimed at helping readers live their best lives.

2 comments on “2014 Audi e-tron Spyder (Electric Concept Vehicle)”

  1. I am baffled that the German auto makers are so far behind in developing a decent fully electric car? I have owned German cars for years and i am shopping for an electric car, but my decision has easily been made by Tesla, which really is the only choice one has in the world if they want a true driving range with performance with good looks! Goodby Germans. Tesla has left you in the dust.

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