After creating intense interest at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009, Audi has confirmed that the E-tron electric sports car will go into production and will reach consumers in two to three years.

The car is a pure electric with the kind of power lovers of fast cars crave. It can do zero to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds and represents a significant threat to Tesla and Fisker, American companies tackling the same luxury, speed genre with significant loans from the federal government.

With no back-up gasoline engine but four electric motors, the E-tron has a range of 154 miles between charges. The car runs on lithium-ion batteries, generating 230 kw, the rough equivalent of 313 hp. Charging time in a 230-watt outlet varies from six to eight hour and the car also gains some power back during operation courtesy of a regenerative braking system.

Audi described the E-tron in its press release as high caliber vehicle with a wide, powerful stance on the road. The car body seems almost monolithic, the closed rear end appears powerful and muscular. The trapeze of the single-frame grille dominates the front end and is flanked by two large air intakes. The top of the grille merges into the flat strips of the adaptive matrix beam headlamp modules with their clear glass covers. High efficiency LED technology is used for all lighting units a matter of honor for Audi as the worldwide pioneer in this field."

No price has been disclosed for the Etron, but the Tesla Roadster all electric sports car has an opening price of approximately $109,000.