Audi updates e-tron GT

MANILA: Audi has updated the e-Tron GT line — now with improved range, performance, range, and handling.

In a statement, the Ingolstadt-headquartered marque said that the new offering also served as the debut for its first fully-electric RS performance model.

“With the e-tron GT models, we are setting new standards in performance. The increased charging power and electric all-wheel drive ensure improved long-distance capability and considerably more performance. The newly developed chassis offers an unprecedented range between driving comfort, ride comfort, and driving dynamics," Audi AG Chairman of the Board of Management Gernot Döllner said.

Exterior

Per Audi, the e-tron GT’s new variants combine progressive design with innovative technology — with each one having a distinct look.

Homogenous yet expressive, the new Audi S e-tron GT’s front comes with a black mask that encircled the closed inverted Singleframe that has a strip of body‑color paint. It also has a body‑color inlay above that links the rear diffuser with vertical fins to the rear bumper.

Meanwhile, the new Audi RS e-tron GT front end features an inverted Singleframe with RS‑typical 3D honeycomb structure and seems to have a lower stance complementing the L-shaped blades. Its rear end is also equipped with L-shaped blades. Such appointments come as standard in body color.

The brand’s first-ever fully-electric RS performance model, the Audi RS e-tron GT Performance wears an optional matte, darkened carbon roof to match the optional carbon camouflage elements. Audi noted that the elements are a first from Audi and are intended exclusively for the RS performance. The carbon camouflage texture is also used in the embossed bumper structures, the door trim, parts of the diffuser, and the side mirrors.

Further, the vehicles are also outfitted with varying wheels. 20-inch multi-spoke wheels are available in the S e-tron GT and RS models and two new six-twin-spoke wheels for the RS options. On the other hand, the RS e-tron GT Performance variant sits on the 21-inch forged and milled, matte and darkened wheels.

Interior

The new offerings were also tailored with redesigned seats, steering wheel, entry sills, and digital content.

The new Audi e-tron GT versions sport steering wheel flattened at the top and bottom. The RS model’s steering wheel has two red control satellites and optionally with a 12 o’clock marking.

The seats have also been upgraded with the new funnel aperture design being more dynamic and features an integrated inlay with an illuminated logo.

Its interior is mostly covered with Dinamica and Cascade while the carpeting and floor mats are made of Econyl.

The GT family boasts an upgraded virtual cockpit, its Audi Connect services, and optional panoramic glass roof that has the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) technology.

Powertrain

Propelling the Audi Audi e-tron GT line are permanent-magnet synchronous motors at the front and rear axles.

The Audi S e-tron GT has a maximum output of nearly 670 horsepower (hp), the RS e-tron GT at 884 hp, and RS e-tron GT Performance, a whopping 912 horses (most powerful production car Audi has ever built).

From standstill, the Audi S e-tron GT reaches 100 kilometer per hour (kph) in 3.4 seconds, the RS e-tron GT in 2.8 seconds, and the RS e-tron GT Performance in only 2.5 seconds.

In terms of top speed, the base trim can do 245 kph, while the mid- and top-tier can do 250 kph.

Moreover, Audi has reduced the weight of the high-voltage (HV) battery while simultaneously increasing its energy density. Lighter by nine kilograms, the battery can store up to 105 kilowatt-hours. Additionally, the energy available to the new e-tron GT family via regenerative braking has also increased to 400 kilowatts (kW).

Audi also mentioned that the charging power has been increased to 320 kW. Under ideal conditions, the battery can be juiced up from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes using a high-power charging station.

Absorbing the bumps on the road and furthering stability is the newly-developed air suspension system with two-chamber/two-valve technology.

The Audi drive select dynamic handling system available in the vehicles features three profiles: efficiency, comfort, and dynamic.

Pricing

The Audi e-Tron GT’s pricing are as follows:

• - S e-tron GT: 126,000 euros (around P7.939 million)
• - RS e-tron GT: 147,500 euros (around P9.294 million)
• - RS e-tron GT Performance: 160,500 euros (around P10.113 million)

Photos from Audi

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