Audi has finally unveiled the e-tron GT in an online world-premiere event. It is positioned as the flagship and spearhead of electrification technology for Audi and Audi Sport.
The Audi e-Tron GT is the third dedicated electric vehicle (EV) from the automaker. Audi first launched the e-tron SUV in 2018, followed by a Sportback (sloping roof) version a year later.
Almost everything in the design of the 2018 e-tron GT concept has been maintained into this production vehicle. The illuminated ‘e-tron’ wording seen within the Singleframe grille of the concept car did not, however.
The Audi e-Tron GT will be offered in two power output levels; the more powerful RS e-tron GT has a base output of 598 hp and 830 Nm of torque, which can be temporarily boosted up to 646 hp. 0 to 100 km/h is done in just 3.3 seconds with launch control activated and the top speed is limited to 250 km/h.
The regular quattro model conversely features a system output of 476 hp and 630 Nm and can be boosted to 530 hp and 10 Nm more. The century sprint is done in 4.1 seconds and proceeds to a limited top speed of 245 km/h. The front motor in both variants has an output of 238 hp, with the RS model having a more powerful 456 hp (+21 hp) rear motor.
Similar to the Porsche Taycan models, the rear motor is equipped with a two-speed transmission to provide strong acceleration and high-speed cruising comfort. An optional rear-wheel steering is also available, turning the rear wheels up to 2.8 degrees in either direction for better manoeuvrability and stability.
Speaking of the Porsche Taycan, the Audi RS e-tron GT and quattro models have similar performance to the Porsche Taycan 4S and Turbo models, while the 761-horsepower Turbo S is still the king of the road.
Both Audi e-tron GT models share the same 85 kWh (net energy) lithium-ion battery pack and a voltage level of 800 volts. The driving range, according to WLTP procedure, for the RS e-tron GT and quattro is 472 and 487 kilometres respectively.
Thanks to a charging capacity of 270 kW and DC terminal, 100 kilometres of range can be obtained from just five minutes of charging.
As mentioned earlier, almost all of the design of e-tron GT has been kept from the concept car to the production car. Even the full-width high-tech looking LED taillamp has been precisely replicated.
A multi-stage extendable rear spoiler is hidden in the trunk lid and a full-width rear diffuser occupies space where the exhaust muffler is usually placed.
The Audi e-tron GT still use conventional side mirrors, unlike the virtual ones found on the larger e-tron crossover. Being a grand tourer or GT, the four doors have frameless windows.
Suspension and brake setups are different in the RS and quattro variants. The RS is fitted with adaptive air suspension and tungsten carbide coated disc brakes, while the quattro has standard steel springs and brake discs.
Carbon ceramic braking system with 10-piston front calipers are available as an option. Wheel sizes range from 19 to 21 inches, and larger sizes come with aerodynamic-efficient aeroblades.
Moving to the interior, the low dashboard and continuous flow to the door panels give a wraparound feeling for the front occupants. The driver is met with the Audi virtual cockpit plus measuring 12.3 inches and a central MMI touch display that measures 10.1 inches.
The brains and brawn behind the control screens is the third-generation modular infotainment platform 3 (MIB 3).
Being an electric vehicle that is naturally quiet, Audi has offered the ‘e-tron sport sound’ in the RS model. Carefully mixed and engineered sound is channelled into the cabin through the vehicle’s on-board speakers which provide the driver with a better impression of the drive system.
The sport sound system can be controlled via the Audi drive select, where the ‘dynamic’ profile makes a sporty and voluminous sound and completely turned off in the ‘efficiency’ profile.
Apart from the usual connections for navigation and traffic, there is also a Car-to-X service that output warnings regarding hazards and find vacant parking spots or even communicate with traffic lights to create a green wave.
Audi says the interior is leather-free, with upholstery made with a high percentage of recycled materials.
The Audi e-tron GT is being assembled at the Audi Sport facility in Boellinger Hoefe, Germany, the same production facility that manufactures the Audi R8 supercar.
“Integration of the fully electric, four-door coupe transformed our small-series production facility at Audi Boellinger Hoefe into a highly flexible, high-tech production facility that nevertheless retains its craft-scale character,” says Production Head Wolfgang Schanz.
Audi is also proud to announce that the entire production process at the Boellinger Hoefe site is net carbon-neutral, with 100% eco-electricity. Emissions that cannot yet be avoided are compensated with carbon credits from certified climate protection projects.
In the US, Audi is pricing the e-tron GT from USD99,900 and the RS model from USD139,900.
GALLERY
