Emotionally charged design and lightning-fast response, with 0-62mph acceleration in as little as 3.3 seconds – the new Audi e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT are about to conduct electricity in an exciting new direction for the Vorsprung durch Technik brand. Launching simultaneously this spring, the new GT sports cars combine breathtaking and instantly accessible accelerative force and zero emissions with compellingly incisive handling, exceptional trans-continental cruising comfort and ultra-sophisticated infotainment and driver assistance technology.
Audi has signalled its intent to play a pivotal role in the evolution of sustainable mobility in the premium sector, and after opening their account with the e-tron SUV, which is notable as the best-selling German premium Electric Vehicle (EV) globally, Audi is stepping up the pace again to further that aim. With a predicted driving range in excess of 295 miles (e-tron GT quattro) and 280 miles (RS e-tron GT) according to the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), the e-tron GT will sit comfortably among the rest of the grand tourers.
Dynamic sculpture exterior with perfect proportions
Standing just 1.41-metres high, and with a width of 1.96 metres and a length of 4.99 metres stretched over a 2.90-metre wheelbase, the Audi e-tron GT has the dimensions of a classic grand tourer. At its front, the inverted colour scheme of the Singleframe bearing the Audi rings provides a clue to the unorthodox powertrain at its heart. The radiator grille, which reinterprets the classic honeycomb pattern, is optionally available in body colour for the first time in an Audi model. In RS versions the grille and lateral air inlets are framed by a black mask.
As is customary for Audi in the UK, this captivating new take on the classic grand tourer theme will also be available in conjunction with a particularly lavish Vorsprung specification option in the case of the e-tron GT quattro, and in the RS e-tron GT can be enhanced by Carbon Black and Carbon Vorsprung equipment lines.
In the e-tron GT quattro imposing 20 inch wheels with low rolling resistance tyres accentuate the four-door coupé’s powerful stance, while 21-inch designs in either platinum grey or gloss black (depending on version) give the various RS e-tron GT models even greater presence. A new production process used for the aluminium from which these wheels are made reduces net CO2 emissions considerably.
The driver and front passenger sit low in the cockpit separated by a wide centre console which houses the gear selector switch, its compact design emphasising the sense of space and providing a highly precise haptic control experience. In the e-tron GT quattro they are gripped by sport seats with integrated head restraints and electric eight-way adjustment upholstered in a combination of leather and synthetic leather. Travellers in the e-tron GT Vorsprung and RS e-tron GT models enjoy an upgrade to Front Sport Seats Pro with 18-way adjustment, ventilation and massage capability and full perforated fine Nappa leather upholstery.
Sustainability is the new premium
The concept of premium sustainable mobility as defined by Audi naturally extends beyond the powertrain to features such as the optional leather-free design package for the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT. It includes upholstery in a combination of artificial leather and the new material Cascade, which is produced using a proportion of recycled materials such as polyester fibres made from old plastic bottles, textiles, or residual fibres from selvages. The microfibre material Dinamica, which has similar properties to Alcantara and comprises recycled fibres, is also incorporated in elements such as the centre console, the upper sections of the door inserts and the upper part of the instrument cluster.
The e-tron GT can charge with up to 11 kW AC as standard, meaning an empty battery can be replenished overnight. An optional onboard charger which increases charging capability to up to 22 kW will be available shortly after launch. At a sufficiently powerful DC terminal, the electric coupé can achieve a peak charging capacity of up to 270 kW, allowing it to take on board enough charge for a journey of up to 62 miles in just over five minutes. Charging from 5 to 80 percent SoC (state of charge) takes less than 23 minutes in ideal conditions.
e-tron GT quattro from £79,900 OTR, RS e-tron GT from £110,950 OTR
The fully electric gran turismo promises exhilaration regardless of version: The e-tron GT accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 4.1 seconds, while the RS model needs 3.3 seconds (in boost mode in each case). Top speeds are governed at 152mph and 155mph respectively.
The front electric motor in the e-tron GT delivers 175 kW (238 PS), to which the rear motor is able to contribute a further 320 kW (435 PS), however both keep reserves available for extreme driving situations, meaning that the sum of their individual outputs exceeds the drive system’s total output of 350 kW (476 PS) by some margin. Up to 390 kW (530 PS) can be made available for 2.5 seconds in boost mode via launch control. The total torque is 630 Nm (464.7 lb-ft). In the RS e-tron GT, the electric motor on the front axle shares the e-tron GT’s 175 kW (238 PS) output, while the motor in the rear provides 335 kW (456 PS). The total output is 440 kW (598 PS), and the total torque is 830 Nm (612.2 lb-ft). In boost mode, the output briefly increases to 475 kW (646 PS).