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Anyone who believes electric cars are boring may need to think again, because the new Audi RS e-tron GT accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 3.3 seconds, and the e-tron GT quattro four-door coupé model isn’t far behind with 4.1 seconds. The cars have top speeds of 152mph and 155mph.
The e-tron GT quattro has an electric range of 295 miles, and thanks to 800-volt technology, 62 miles of range could be provided in just five minutes with the right charger. Both cars arrive in spring 2021.
There’s an 85 kWh battery and electric motors on the front and rear axles provide electric all-wheel drive, and deliver power of 350 kW (476 PS) or 440 kW (598 PS) depending on the model. The e-tron GT quattro has 630 Nm of torque, and the RS e-tron GT delivers 830 Nm.
The rear electric motor transfers its torque to a two-speed transmission. The short-ratio first gear delivers rapid acceleration and the long-ratio second gear improves efficiency.
The Audi e-tron GT quattro will be priced from £79,900, and the RS e-tron GT from £110,950.
The e-tron GT quattro and the RS e-tron GT usually drive with electric all-wheel drive, only the efficiency mode of the Audi drive select prioritises front-wheel drive. In the event of a slippery road surface, high power requirements, or fast cornering, the electric motor for rear-wheel drive is also activated, and around five times faster than with a mechanical quattro drivetrain. The electric all-wheel drive regulates the drive torque distribution between the axles – continuously, fully variably, and within a few thousandths of a second.
All-wheel steering is optional for both models, and there’s an optional e-tron sport sound for additional exterior and interior sound.
The e-tron GT can charge with 11 kW AC as standard, which allows it to recharge an empty battery overnight. An optional charger for 22 kW will follow shortly after launch.
Thanks to 800-volt technology, both cars can be recharged very quickly. At a sufficiently powerful DC terminal, the e-tron GT achieves a peak charging capacity of up to 270 kW. This allows it to gain energy for up to 62 miles in just over five minutes. Charging from 5 to 80 percent SoC (state of charge) can take less than 23 minutes.
Customers in Europe can use the Audi brand’s own e-tron Charging Service, which currently comprises around 200,000 public charging points. They can access these charging points with one card and Audi customers pay a uniform tariff in 26 countries.
The e-tron GT is 5 metres long and has a drag coefficient of just 0.24. There’s a rear luggage compartment with a volume of 405 litres and a front luggage compartment with 85 litres of space.
Thanks to a recess in the battery pack the passengers in the rear can put their feet in what is known as a ‘foot garage’, which allows them to sit in a lower position and enjoy improved headroom.
We look forward to reviewing the Audi e-tron GT quattro and the RS e-tron GT…
