Looking back a few weeks on the MHH International blog, readers will find an article revealing the new Audi A6 family of cars (see it here). In that post there’s a passing reference to the range-topping Audi RS e-tron GT Performance (to give the car its full title), the German brand’s first fully electric RS performance model. Well, here it is in all it’s sleek glory and it really is a bit special for those drivers who enjoy electric motoring with a large portion of power thrown into the mix.
Readers interested in the A6 series or electric e-tron vehicles from Audi may like to know that MHH International export a wide range of Audi models from the UK to far-flung destinations like Kenya, Ireland and New Zealand. Check our website for further details about this comprehensive service and also the VAT-free options where available.
The Flagship
We all know by now that the Audi marque is synonymous with premium built quality and a prestige reputation. This four-door coupé demonstrates all that technical expertise and Audi’s attention to detail. Powerful, sporty, and confident in design, the RS e-tron GT reflects the brand’s high standards for developing and building cars and, as mentioned, the RS e-tron GT performance is now the dynamic flagship for electric mobility at Audi.
Inside & Out
The design elements of the Audi RS e-tron GT performance are highly distinctive. The optional matte darkened carbon roof can be combined with other optional carbon camouflage elements, which Audi is using for the first time and are available exclusively for this model. Carbon camouflage is used in the inlays in the bumper (fender), the rocker panel, parts of the diffuser, and side mirrors. A new exterior finish called ‘Bedford Green’ is also available specifically for the RS e-tron GT performance.
Typically, as an absolute design statement, every detail of the car has been perfectly coordinated, from the carbon roof to the seat belts, from the exterior to the interior. It is an RS e-tron GT all the way from top to bottom. The GT is indeed beautiful to behold, like a sculpture that can be approached from all sides without detriment to the looks. It appears agile, yet discreet and restrained. It’s the perfect balance between sportiness and elegance.
The inside is gorgeous (see our pics) and as an interior highlight, the performance model features a new and exclusive design package with ‘Serpentine Green’ stitching to match the Bedford Green exterior and no less than 18-way adjustable seats. The decorative inlays are also available in matte carbon camouflage to match the exterior. A tribute to the famous 1994 Audi Avant RS 2, where the analog dials also came in white, the RS e-tron GT features a white Power Meter and speedometer as a special digital feature.
The Drive
In addition to a state-of-the-art ‘permanent-magnet synchronous motor’ (PSM for short) on the front axle with a reinforced driveshaft and an equivalent output of 337bhp (252 kW / 342 PS), the electric Gran Turismo features a newly developed PSM on the rear axle with an equivalent output of 556bhp (415 kW / 564 PS).
Overall, Audi has reduced the weight of the electric motor on the rear axle by ten kilos over anything previously from this manufacturer. What’s more, if that wasn’t enough power, both electric motors have power reserves for dynamic driving situations. Launch Control can briefly use resources from the battery and the electric motors for an output of up to 912bhp (680 kW / 925 PS) with, of course, zero emissions on the road. Audi has increased braking recuperation to 400 kW. Thanks to ‘coasting’ recuperation
Audi has widened the spread between the dynamic one-pedal feel and efficient coasting in that when the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the car achieves a distinctly noticeable deceleration, which makes for sporty driving.
On The Road
A newly developed air suspension system with 2-chamber/2-valve technology comes as standard. This, we learn, affords distinct advantages in terms of driving dynamics without compromising on comfort; an important point for a long-legged car like this. Further, for the first time, an innovative, wheel-selective active suspension system is available as an option.
In line with the Audi philosophy, the exceptional driving luxury of ‘comfort mode’ underscores the Gran Turismo concept on the one hand. On the other hand, the ability to actively control the movements of the car’s body makes for optimal driving dynamics, which the driver can experience thanks to the steering system, which has been further optimized. In this way, Audi have made the ride comfortable and the driving dynamic, controllable through the high-precision steering.
The Audi ‘drive select dynamic handling’ system lets the driver control the vehicle’s character as is usual. There are three profiles for this: efficiency, comfort, and dynamic. In addition, two individually configurable, ‘RS-specific’ modes, RS1 and RS2, allow the driver to select drive, suspension, ride height, and sound. The driver can set these modes directly on the right-hand control satellite of the two red control satellites on the steering wheel, which is flattened at the top and bottom.
As an exclusive feature, the RS e-tron GT performance has ‘RS performance’ mode, which is designed for an optimal setup on, for example, challenging circuits and winding mountain passes. The vertical wheel forces were designed for optimal dynamics in this mode. The special characteristics allow the drive torque to be optimally controlled at the handling limits. Performance mode also changes the characteristics for anti-slip control, torque vectoring, suspension tuning, aerodynamics, and cooling strategy. In performance mode, the car uses the same switching strategy as in dynamic mode. This means that the RS e-tron GT performance stays in the first gear of its two-speed gear as long as possible to make acceleration more dynamic. In other words, put the pedal to the metal and hang on. Automotive technology at its best.
The Audi RS e-tron GT performance comes as standard with 20 inch wheels and tyres optimized for rolling resistance on the new multi-spoke wheels to ensure a long range. The optional 21 inch versions offer five wheel designs and two especially developed tyres with different characteristics.
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