Another fascinating concept unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show is the new Audi A3 etron Concept, with impressive efficiency and fuel economy. Powered by a tweaked version of the TT RS’ turbocharged 5-cylinder, the original A3 sedan concept presented at Geneva flaunted 400 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque.
The etron version features less power, but more consideration to the environment. It has a turbo direct-injected four-cylinder 1.4-liter engine delivering 211 horsepower and a 20kW electric unit that adds 27 more ponies to the package. The result is a maximum speed of 143 mph and a 0-60mph time of 6.8 seconds. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain ensures a range of up to 34 miles.
A slightly modified version of the regular A3 will be headed to the production lines late next year while the etron variant will probably make it on the market in 2013 at the earliest.
