Say hello to Audi’s take on the Porsche Taycan.
After leaks, teasers, and a drip-feed of information, the Audi E-Tron GT and RS E-Tron GT have been officially unveiled.
Audi has confirmed the cars will touch down in Australia during the third quarter of 2021, with pricing and specs to be revealed closer to their arrival.
Here are the key numbers for the E-Tron GT and RS E-Tron GT:
- The E-Tron GT has 350kW of power and 630Nm of torque from its dual-motor all-wheel drive system
- The RS E-Tron GT has 440kW of power and 830Nm of torque from its dual-motor all-wheel drive system
- Both cars have overboost, upping power to 390kW in the GT and 475kW in the RS when launch control is active
- The 100km/h sprint takes 4.1 seconds in the GT and just 3.3 seconds in the RS
- Both cars use a 93kWh (85kWh usable) lithium-ion battery pack capable of 270kW DC fast charging. Like the Taycan, the E-Tron GT has an 800V electrical architecture
- Claimed range for the E-Tron GT is 488km on the tougher WLTP test cycle
Now the numbers are out of the way, what is the E-Tron GT? Think of it as Audi’s new electric flagship, a lightning quick Grand Tourer built on the same chassis as the Porsche Taycan.
It’ll be built alongside the internal-combustion Audi R8 V10 supercar at the Böllinger Höfe factory in Neckarsulm, Germany.
Audi’s head of design, Marc Lichte, told media changes from the 2018 concept car are limited to the wheels, door handles, and detailing in the grille.
Audi touts the aerodynamics work that has gone into the GT’s creation, with a flat underbody, active rear spoiler, and features such as the air curtains helping deliver a drag coefficient of just 0.24 in its smoothest guise.
Wheels ranging from 19- to 21 inches in diameter will be offered with a range of aero-optimised designs.
Measuring up at 4.99m long, 1.96m wide and 1.41m tall with a 405L boot, the Audi E-Tron GT is 6mm longer, 30mm wider, and 32mm taller than the related Porsche Taycan.
Under the skin, the E-Tron GT rides on a passive suspension setup as standard, although a three-chamber air suspension is available as an option, and is standard on the RS.
Rear-wheel steer is optional on both models, to tighten the turning circle in the city and deliver a longer-wheelbase feeling at higher speeds.
Inside, the E-Tron GT wraps Audi’s latest MMI infotainment system in a low-slung, sexy package.
The driver is faced with a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster, and there’s an 10.1-inch touchscreen sitting atop the dashboard.
Unlike in Audi’s latest family cars, there’s no standalone screen for the climate control, and a head-up display will be optional in Europe.
Audi is keen to tout the car’s credentials as a proper grand tourer, claiming the rear bench is “also suitable for adults” thanks to a scalloped battery pack that frees up foot room beneath the front seats.
As you’d expect, the interior is available with a choice of leather or vegan trim finishes.
