Audi RS e-Tron GT looks like it’s setting the pace
Yes, Audi’s new RS e-Tron GT will smash its way to 100km/h in 3.3 seconds, and yes its power figures of 440kW and 830Nm are super-car specs.
But what it might also do is end any debate over what the most attractive electric vehicle on Earth is.
Sure, there are people who like Tesla’s Model X, but they have eyes on the sides of their heads, and some people love the Model S and Model 3, but Tesla had already been bested in the sporting style stakes by Porsche’s Taycan, which is the non-identical twin sister of this Audi – its first EV to wear an RS badge, but definitely not the last.
But this new E-Tron GT really is a muscularly attractive machine.
The GT will finally launch in the middle of next year in the northern hemisphere before finding its way down under later in 2021. Pricing and spec have not yet been revealed.
While the official Audi line is that it will smash that 100km/h mark – as it puts all that power to the ground through Audi’s famous quattro all-wheel-drive system (it also gets four-wheel steering) – is under 3.5 seconds, Audi spokespeople have been talking up its ability to get closer to 3.3 when you apply launch control.
Top speed is limited to 250km/h, but surely someone will find a way to get around that in Germany.
The all-important range figure is around 400km, although you can bet that might get shorter if you tend to drive it in the way its makers obviously intended. The GT gets an 83.7kkWh battery pack and weighs a whopping 2.3 tonnes, despite its carbon-fibre weight-saving roof, and carbon-ceramic brakes.
With all that battery down low, and the light roof, it should have a low centre of gravity and excellent handling. The RS e-Tron will also ride on air suspension with adaptive dampers, adding even more sporting ability.
While the Taycan and the RS e-Tron GT share the same platform and the two vehicles were developed together, they do differ in motors, steering, chassis and suspension tuning.
One thing they will share is the ability to offer fast charging, with the RS e-Tron supporting 800-Volt DC fast charging up to 270kW.
Also like the Porsche, the Audi will have a two-speed gearbox attached to its rear motor, allowing for higher top speeds.
Obviously, the pictures you see here represent a colour scheme we might never actually see on the road, plus some weird camo-paint, but just look what lies beneath. This is one hell of a desirable EV super car.
Bring it on.
