Audi plans range of eco-friendly vehicles, report says

The British magazine Car reports that Audi's top executives have approved plans for an entire range of environmentally friendly vehicles to be launched over the next six years.

The eco-friendly lineup includes five vehicles, dubbed E1 through E5, according to the report.

The range includes a small city car, dubbed the E1, that will use the platform shown with Volkswagen's Up concept but with an entirely new body design. There's also an E2, which would be Audi's version of the VW SportBlue roadster that debuted at the Detroit auto show.

The magazine says Audi's plan also includes a revival of the A2 small car, and an eco-friendly version of the Roadjet wagon concept shown at the Detroit auto show in 2006.

The plans call for a variety of small gasoline and diesel engines, as well as hybrid and electric drivetrains. And Audi will use its expertise with aluminum to keep the curb weights low.

By Dale Jewett