Electric car from Audi to be a Volkswagen up!?
It was only last April that Audi was saying that it had no plans for an electric car (EV) in the immediate future. It's possible they're operating under a different definition of "immediate future" than us or maybe they have just changed their minds because, according to Car Magazine Online, Audi has unofficially said it will offer an electric version of the Volkswagen up! when they become available, possibly before 2011. In terms of vehicle development lead times that sure sounds like "immediate future" to us! Of course, it is conceivable they may be as just as flaky with their EV plans as they have been with their Q5 and Q7 hybrid programs. If there are more up! production delays, Audi may may a plan B. According to another bite-sized article in Car Magazine Online, Audi is also considering reviving its A2 (R.I.P. 2005) with an aluminum space frame (ASF) and stuffing it full of batteries. With all Audi's indecision though, a more sure bet may be Volkswagen making an electric Volkswagen.
[Source: Car Magazine Online]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Nick 3:13PM (8/28/2008)
How I wish Audi would bring back the A2 - a completely brilliant little car. If I were in the market for a 'new' car (instead of running my present one into the ground) I'd buy a used A2 (used, because I no longer have the option of buying a new one). My last two cars were Audis, and I would have liked to buy another - except that I am repelled by the way Audi is blinging up its image with those aggressive grilles and tacky running lights, and I don't want to be associated with f***-you monstrosities like the Q7. Audi used to be the acceptable alternative to BMW and Mercedes, but they've lost the plot.
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radler63 4:37AM (8/29/2008)
Yes, bringing the A2 back into production should be much quicker- were the hell the stamping forms and assembling facility disappeared?
Like the Dacia production in Romania, Porsche should produce the A2e in Bulgaria - adding electric propulsion to a 3 cyclinder diesel...
YES WE CAN!
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andrichrose 7:55AM (8/29/2008)
the A2 is a perfect candidate for a quick and easy electric car,
it is light , 845 kg in base model ,very slippery for a small car,
and seeing as it was designed in the first instance with electric drive in mind , ie has the deep battery box under the boot floor and ducting through the sandwich construction floor to carry all those cables out of the dirt and grime .
Audi had a few electric drive A2´s a few years ago to test fuel cells , so putting a lithium ion battery pack in the back should be a piece of cake !
I look forward to seeing them on the road !
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