California is the epicenter of excess, environmentalism and the green car movement; so what better vehicle for the Governator to be taking a closer look at than Audi's new battery powered zero emission super car. It could be that Mr. Schwarzenegger is considering trading in his trademark Hummer->ke35 for something a little more conservative because he was spotted both inside and out of the LA Auto Show getting a closer look at the Audi E-tron concept.

A longtime auto enthusiast, Governor Schwarzenegger received a detailed explanation of the E-tron's inner workings which consist of four electronic motors and a lithium ion battery pack from none other than Audi AG board member in charge of global sales and marketing, Peter Schwarzenbauer, perhaps with the aim of outfitting the California Highway Patrol with a few new gas free high speed pursuit vehicles. No matter whether they close a deal or not, it is worth mentioning that Governor Schwarzenegger joins the very short list of people from around the world who have actually sat inside of the E-tron concept. So if you want unprecidented access to all sorts of cool new cars, all you have to do is become a world famous movie star and then the Governor of one of the largest states in the U.S. and then automakers will be bending over backwards for you to test drive their cars.

Press release the jump.

Press release

Today at the LA Auto Show, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger paid a special visit to the Audi booth to review firsthand the Audi e-tron fully electric concept study model firsthand. Earlier this week at the LA Auto Show, Schwarzenegger had expressed his support for automakers raising the bar on environmental responsibility and acted upon that enthusiasm today by visiting the Audi booth to learn more about e-tron.

A longtime auto enthusiast, Governor Schwarzenegger received a detailed explanation of the e-tron, which runs on four electronic motors and a lithium ion battery pack, from Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi AG board member in charge of global sales and marketing. Governor Schwarzenegger joins the ranks of a very select few individuals globally who have sat inside the e-tron to date.

“It was a great pleasure meeting with Governor Schwarzenegger and I’m thrilled that he shares our excitement about the e-tron,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi AG board member in charge of global sales and marketing. “We believe the e-tron will become a lasting icon of electronic vehicle design so it’s great fun to share it with a green design supporter like Governor Schwarzenegger in these early stages.”

Beyond its powerful electronic engine system, the striking visual design of the e-tron affirms its spot among the major leagues of sports cars. Its performance alone renders its independence from gasoline a compelling afterthought.