Audi’s e-tron is set to get a performance-oriented variant under the German manufacturer’s ‘S’ branding.
Audi has released images of a new ‘drive concept’ of the upcoming model which features three electric motors – two of which are located on the rear axle. The regular e-tron, for comparison, has just two motors.
Combined output of the S’s motors is said to be 429bhp and 808Nm of torque during normal driving, and 496bhp and 973Nm of torque when at full boost during eight-second periods when the driver pushes the accelerator past a certain point.
All this aids a claimed 0-60mph time of 4.3 seconds in both standard and Sportback form. Top speed is electronically limited to 130mph.
The e-tron S models, in order to give drivers a sportier driving experience, also get retuned steering, a stiffer suspension setup with firmer bushings and wider tyres on all four wheels.
As well as this, brake-based torque vectoring technology and larger six-pot brake callipers make an appearance too.
Although Audi hasn’t released official figures on range, it’s likely the added weight of the additional motor will have a slight effect on how far the S versions can go on a single charge. The regular e-tron has a range of between 209 and 280 miles (depending on the variant).
