Audi’s latest e-tron concept has got a gala showcase at the Shanghai Auto Show, alongside the automaker’s new Q3. A modified version of the TT RS’ turbocharged 5 cylinder that produces 400 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque has been incorporated to the original A3 sedan in the e-tron concept.

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Audi has announced its new plans with regard to the United States market place. The auto maker giant plans to launch diesel models of A6, A8, and Q5. As you already know, TDI engine variants of A3 and Q7 are now available. The new move will add on to this line up. However, the company has no plans to offer a diesel version of A4. But the redesigned model of the same is released in the year 2014 or 2015.

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Audi is treading carefully with its e-Tron development and it believes that the brand needs to gain a lot of experience to develop admirable electric cars. Currently, it is only the Audi R8 which has been given a nod ahead for production while an R4 e-Tron concept debuted at the 2010 North American International Auto Show.

Further details of the e-Tron range have been revealed and the R8 e-Tron production will begin in 2012 with 100 units to be produced initially. The production will later be kicked up to 1000 units annually and Audi will keep its doors open to assess customer experience so that Audi could get familiar with the customer demands hinting that the future e-Trons will be based on the feedback. Audi also revealed that the e-Tron will be the most expensive model in the Audi lineup, quoting a price of at least $156,300 USD for the R8 5.2 quattro R tronic.

If you had to choose between Audi’s R8 sports car or pay more to buy the electric e-tron which would you choose?

Sure, it would depend on a couple of things, but the one that really concerns me is the range. Will the be able to make an electric car with the R8′s performance levels that can literally go the distance. I mean what good is a sports car if you can only go quick for a 100km or so?

We’ll have to wait till about 2012 for the answer to that question when Audi is going to build a 1000 units of the e-tron. Audi reckons it can sell a 1000 of these babys through its worldwide dealer network of about 5000 dealers, but they would make more if the merket wanted it and would make less if nobody waned it…so the 1000 units is only a guesstimate.

Pricing? It’ll be priced above the R8.