Audi e-tron Spyder concept car

You may have to do without a roof, but the e-tron Spyder makes up for this omission with great looks, blistering pace and extraordinary economy.

The e-tron Spyder follows on from the e-tron coupes (Mark I and Mark II) and the A1 e-tron rotary hybrid.

Unlike the previous coupe e-trons, the e-tron Spyder isn't a pure electric vehicle. Instead, it's a plug-in hybrid featuring a turbo-diesel V6 behind the driver and passenger, and two electric motors up front.

The turbo-diesel V6 can send 221kW of power and 650Nm of torque to the rear wheels, while the electric motors deliver a combined 64kW and 352Nm to the front wheels.

Running on electric power alone the e-tron Spyder can manage up to 50km at speeds not in excess of 60km/h.

With all three engines at its disposal, the e-tron can sprint to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds and hit an electronically enforced top speed of 250km/h.

Driven a bit more sedately in hybrid mode, Audi claims a range of 1000km and fuel economy of 2.2L/100km.

The front Audi badge slides away to reveal a recharging socket, as well as a display where you can view nearby points-of-interest and charging status information.

The stats and info shown under the badge can also be viewed remotely via an iPhone app.

The central instrument cluster is replaced by an LCD screen that can display road and engine speed, as well as drivetrain info. Via an MMI controller in the centre tunnel it can also control the car's music and navigation systems.

A small touchscreen to the right of the main speed, music and nav display allows the driver to control the climate control air-conditioning system.

It's not entirely apparent from these photos, but the e-tron Spyder is about the same length as Mazda's MX-5 — it is some 10cm wider and 10cm lower though.

The e-tron Spyder's body and panels are aluminium, with the bonnet and various other elements made from carbon fibre. All up, the car weighs 1450kg.

All of the car's exterior lighting uses LED lights, which not only emit plenty of light for little power draw, but can also be fashioned into many interesting shapes.

The 20-inch wheels are made from 66 pieces and are said to resemble turbine blades.