Audi A3 e-tron concept debuts in Shanghai

The original A3 sedan concept that bowed in Geneva came packing a modified version of the TT RS 'turbocharged five-cylinder, outputting over 400 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. This e-tron variant – based on the RS3 hatch – ditches the five-pot in favour of a turbo'd and direct-injected 1.4-liter four-cylinder that brings 211 horsepower to the party, and combined with another 27 ponies pulled from the 20kW electric motor, can propel the A3 e-tron to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds before topping out at 230 km/h

A seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic transmission is the only drivetrain component carried over from the concept's RS3 roots, but combined with lithium-ion battery pack stored in the trunk, Audi claims the e-tron can putt along for up to 34 miles on electric power alone thanks to the plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

The suspension carries over, with a MacPherson design up front and a four-link independent rear end, along with 20-inch wheels wrapped in 245/30 R20 rubber at all four corners. The square setup would indicate that the e-tron is all-wheel-drive, but Audi doesn't give any specifics on how power finds its way to the ground.

The exterior is a dead-ringer for the original A3 concept, albeit e-tronified with a new grille and bumper framed by a carbon fiber-reinforced frame, aluminum hood, trunk and doors. However, the weight savings is largely nullified by the battery weight in the boot, increasing the curb weight to 3,792 – nearly 400 pounds more than the original.

Inside, it's typical concept car flare partnered with Audi's next-generation MMI system complete with a UMTS module to provide wireless internet, WLAN hotspot functionality and Google mapping and POI search.

A toned-down version of the A3 sedan is due to hit the market late next year, and if Audi intends to stick to its electrified roadmap, we could see an e-tron variant arrive by 2013 at the earliest.