Audi commemorated the twenty fifth anniversary of its cult-classic A2 hatchback by converting one into an EV.
The Audi A2 E-Tron is a one-off project undertaken by apprentices. It is not the primary such project; Audi apprentices previously converted an NSU Prinz 4 from one among the automaker’s predecessor brands right into a speedy EV concept to mark 150 years of producing at the location of Audi’s Neckarsulm, Germany plant.
Audi A2 E-Tron concept
The hatchback is powered by a single electric 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 model not sold within the U.S.) was installed under the cargo floor and provides an estimated 129 miles of range (likely based on the European WLTP testing cycle). Audi claims there’s room for a second pack, which might boost range to an estimated 248 miles.
The A2 also received exterior modifications like smooth wheels, deleted door handles, and illuminated front and rear badges much like the Audi Q6 E-Tron and A6 E-Tron. Those two recent EVs share the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) that is key to Audi’s technique to focus totally on upmarket models—the other way of vehicles just like the A2.
Entering production in November 1999, the Audi A2 was a forward-thinking subcompact that emphasized efficiency with aluminum bodywork, frugal gasoline and diesel engines, and a particular shape that lent a low drag coefficient of between 0.25 and 0.29.
Audi A2 E-Tron concept
Nonetheless, low gas prices across the turn of the century meant the A2 wasn’t as popular when recent because it may be today. Never sold within the U.S., it was also dearer than conventional small cars in Europe. So while the A2 maintains a loyal fanbase today, it sold poorly when recent and was not replaced after production resulted in 2005. The less-radical A1 became Audi’s entry-level model in Europe.
Audi was developing a smaller, fully electric A2 city automobile a decade ago, nevertheless it canned the project. The Audi Q4 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 other models.
This Article First Appeared At www.greencarreports.com
