Audi has always been admired by THINK SILLY editorial team, its futuristic aesthetic is unique and unlike any other. We have written about R8 and tested A1 in Berlin ─ whether as a beginner level or super sports car, its uniqueness remains intact. We were invited to attend the brand new Kowloon showroom opening, a proof of Audi’s attention to the Hong Kong market. The three-storey showroom is 20,000 square feet in size, modelled on Germany headquarter, and complete with VIP lounge area and ‘Audi Exclusive’ ─ a space for custom made cars, with choices of colour, rim and style available; drafts can be seen on the screen instantly. Audi Gallery, opening late 2011, is set on the second floor. It is a space for art exhibition and cultural events, complete with Audi Café. It is certainly the first time for a car showroom to take shape as a concept space.
Audi has specially arranged for e-tron, the Audi electric concept super sports car with an edition of two worldwide, to be shown in the Audi Kowloon showroom. With R8 standard double seating, e-tron is much more powerful than the other electric concept cars (often emphasise on energy-efficiency and functionality). Its drive system is powered by the four sets of electric motor placed at the front and rear axles, with the company’s quattro® system, with 313 hp and maximum 4500Nm of torque. Taking only 4.8 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100km/h, its maximum speed is 200km/hr.
Releasing zero refusal gas, e-tron is definitely a super sports car. Audi has brought a break-through to eco-automobile, laying a forward-thinking step.
Audi has invited e-tron engineer Heiko Seegatz to Hong Kong, for him to give an introduction in person. Although electric automobile is yet to be popular in Hong Kong, Heiko Seegatz believes it is the next major shift. For example, the Norway government encourages it by sponsoring the fee for putting an electric system in place. Some questions the amount of electricity consumed by electric cars, Heiko Seegatz explained that it takes a 400V electricity source two and a half hours to charge up an e-tron. With a domestic 220V charger, it will take six to eight hours. A full battery will facilitate 248 kilometres worth of journey, enough for driving between Hong Kong International Airport (Chek Lap Kok) to Central five times (48 kilometres each way). E-tron will be on display until 10th February 2011.
Text: BEBOP | Translation: dilettante
Photo: Kimio Ng
Update: 20 Jan 2011
AUDI KOWLOON SHOWROOM
G/F, China Minmetals Tower, 79 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
+852 2380 2233
