Since 2021, the Audi e-tron GT quattro has been the sporting EV flagship from the German prestige brand. The four-door Gran Turismo combines a very evocative design with a powerful drive system and dynamic handling. The new versions reported here significantly improve the sporty vehicle's range, performance, charging, and handling. With the range-topping RS e-tron GT Performance, Audi is debuting its first fully electric RS performance model. The new models in the Audi e-tron GT family are available to order from August 2024.
With this latest car, Audi are, they say, setting new standards in EV performance. There’s increased charging power and electric all-wheel drive to ensure improved long-distance capability and considerably more performance. A newly developed chassis offers an unprecedented choice between driving comfort, ride comfort, and driving dynamics.
The Designer Looks
The three new variants of the e‑tron GT series combine an ultra-modern design with innovative technology, each version having a distinctive look. For example, the S e‑tron GT stands for elegant sportiness. A black mask encircles the fully closed, inverted ‘Singleframe’ grille, which reflects the specific design language of the e‑tron models. Embossed structures give the grille a precise, three-dimensional appearance. The air curtains, which ensure optimized airflow around the front wheel in the front apron, are more strongly shaped. An elegantly designed aerodynamic diffuser with vertical fins dominates the rear end. A black inlay above the rear diffuser adds even more visual texture and acts as a link between the diffuser and rear bumper. 20 inch alloys feature on this version.
The new RS variant is now sportier as well adding 21 inch wheels. Its front end alone features a much more radical look. The inverted ‘Singleframe’ comes in the typical RS 3D honeycomb structure. The apron framing the black mask visually opens the RS e-tron downwards. The vehicle appears lower, seeming to hug the street in combination with the functional L-shaped blades. The rear end of the RS e-tron GT borrows elements from motor sports. The streamlined diffuser echoes the theme of three-dimensional efficiency elements in the front, such as the L-shaped blades, in the rear of the vehicle. The blades come as standard in black or carbon fibre. Another detail from racing is a vertical, red reflector sitting between the aero channels.
Further, the RS e-tron GT performance is the first fully electric RS performance model and features unique design elements with a matte, darkened carbon roof in combination with optional carbon camouflage elements. This is on Carbon Black or Carbon ‘Vorsprung’ trims only. The carbon camouflage is used in the embossed bumper structures, the door trim, parts of the diffuser, and the side mirrors.
The Premium Interior
The luxury interior offers redesigned seats, steering wheel, entry sills, and digital content. New wooden inlays in natural linear anthracite birch are optionally available and for the RS e-tron GT Performance, they are also available in matte carbon camouflage to match the exterior. New interior features include applications in Vanadium, a finish that appears differently depending on the lighting.
The new e-tron GT versions have a steering wheel flattened at the top and bottom. For the RS models, the steering wheel comes with two red control satellites and, optionally, a 12 o’clock marking. The seats have also been upgraded. The new funnel aperture design is more dynamic and now features an integrated inlay with an illuminated logo. The S e-tron GT now comes as standard with the sports seats plus with 14-way adjustment. In combination with the leather-free design package, the sports seats come with contrasting orange stitching. For the RS models in ‘Vorsprung’ trim, the seats can be ordered with an optional massage function. The performance model has an exclusive new design package with Serpentine Green stitching to complement the exterior Bedford Green finish and seats with 18-way adjustment.
The sustainable microfibre material ‘Dinamica’ and the fabric ‘Cascade’ are used in the interior. The former, which looks and feels like suede, is comprised of almost half recycled polyester, some of which Audi sources from fabric scraps. The seats, steering wheel, hood above the virtual cockpit and the centre console are thirty-seven to forty-five percent Dinamica. ‘Cascade’ is used in the seats. The carpeting and floor mats are made of ‘Econyl’, a material that consists of one hundred percent recycled nylon fibres from production waste, fabric and carpet scraps, or even old fishing nets.
The GT family is digital and connected thanks to numerous Audi Connect services, on-demand functions, and an app store. The Audi virtual cockpit provides new information on the battery temperature and shows the maximum possible charging power in real time. The RS e-tron GT features displays with RS-specific content. For example, customers who purchase an RS e-tron GT Performance can select a white power display and speedometer via the multi-media interface (MMI).
As an optional additional upgrade, a technically advanced panoramic glass roof is available. Unlike previous materials, the panoramic roof’s smart glass minimises direct sunlight and turns opaque at the touch of a button. This is accomplished through so-called polymer-dispersed liquid crystal technology, which can change from transparent to opaque. It can be individually controlled like a “digital curtain” via the MMI display, where customers can choose from four presets. The graphics of the matte surfaces are reminiscent of the sporty honeycomb design Audi has made iconic.
On The Road
Permanent-magnet synchronous motors (PSM) are used on the front axle of the S e-tron GT and the RS e-tron GT and have an output of 176 kW (239 PS) each. As an additional feature, the RS e-tron GT performance has modified power electronics on the front axle with a revised pulse inverter for even higher discharge currents. All three derivatives are more efficient while also boasting significant increases in power and improved acceleration.
The newly developed electric motor on the rear axle is also PSM. It is the same size as the PSM in the RS e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT Performance. The electric motors have an output of 415 kW (564 PS) each. Both electric motors have power reserves for extreme driving situations. The maximum total output of the drive system in the S e-tron GT is 500 kW (680 PS). The RS e-tron GT reaches a maximum electric output of 630 kW (856 PS) while the RS e-tron GT Performance delivers an output of 680 kW (925 PS). This makes it the most powerful production car that Audi has ever built.
In all three model variants, the fully electric Gran Turismo from Audi offers impressive driving performance. The S e-tron GT accelerates from 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds, and the RS e-tron GT in 2.8 seconds. The RS e-tron GT Performance covers the same 0-62mph sprint in only 2.5 seconds. The S e-tron GT reaches a top speed of 152mph. The RS models have a top speed of 155mph.
A newly developed and enlarged brake system with standard steel discs and black calipers is standard in the S e-tron GT. The RS e-tron GT comes standard with tungsten carbide-coated brake discs. The brake calipers can be finished in a choice of black or red. Audi offers carbon ceramic discs as standard on the RS e-tron GT Performance. Here, the ten-piston calipers come as standard in anthracite and are available in red on request.
Despite the significant increase in power, Audi was able to reduce the weight of the electric motor on the rear axle by around 10kg by redesigning components such as the lighter rotor and stator and optimizing the cooling system. Audi strengthened the driveshaft in the power-train to ensure smooth power distribution and further reworked the electronics responsible for all-wheel drive distribution, optimizing them for all Audi drive select modes.
A new standard boost function allows the RS e-tron GT and the RS e-tron GT performance to provide a noticeable 70 kW (95PS) increase in power while driving. The driver can activate the boost function with the left control satellite on the steering wheel. The boost activates for ten seconds, as indicated by a countdown in the cockpit.
With active suspension, a lighter battery and faster charging, this model Audi has really moved electric driving forward, for those lifestyles the technology suits. There’s a host of options and of course the safety aspect is fully covered as would expected from this premium manufacturer.
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