Audi pulled the wraps off its fully-electric gran turismo yesterday. Here are five important points that you need to know about the e-tron GT.
Audi has added another e-tron model to its growing line-up of Electric Vehicles (EVs). Sporting some bold styling cues that give it an assertive stance, the e-tron GT quattro as it is known, is visually aligned with the sportier Audi models such as the RS 7 grand tourer and R8 super sports car.
1. it comes in two versions.
The range begins with the Audi e-tron GT quattro. It features a total output of 350 kW (476 hp) and 830 Nm of torque. It features a range of up to 487km.
A faster, more powerful version can be found in the RS e-tron GT that makes 390 kW (530 hp). For short bursts, up to 475 kW (646 hp) is available via an overboost function.
A top speed of 245 km/h is claimed for the e-tron GT quattro while a 250 km/h maximum is possible for the RS model.
2. it’s got a Taycan twin.
Another car that the Audi e-tron GT bears more than a passing resemblance to is another EV, the Porsche Taycan.
It’s no secret that the Audi e-tron GT has deep engineering connections with the Porsche Taycan. This makes sense, as both brands belong to the Volkswagen Group. Other brands within the group include Bugatti, Lamborghini, Ducati, SEAT, Skoda and Volkswagen obviously.
The tell-tale signs that both cars share a common architecture is when they are viewed from the side. The roof and window lines are unmistakable as are the panels on the flanks that conceal the charging sockets.
3. it has an 800-volt architecture.
Sharing the J1 EV platform as it is known internally, is no bad thing. Firstly, the Porsche Taycan is, thus far, the best EV we’ve driven. Search around and you’ll also find plenty of reviews to confirm this.
This also means that the e-tron GT features an 800-volt architecture. Simply put, this is the most advanced power delivery system available in a series production Electric Vehicle.
It enables the driver to access the maximum performance from the car regardless of the battery’s State Of Charge (SOC). Typically, conventional EVs tend to suffer from diminished performance as their battery SOC runs down. Also, the electrical cooling systems are overwhelmed by heat, something that can be an issue in Singapore tropical climate.
The 800v system however has much more efficient cooling system that also enables faster charging. The Audi e-tron will accept charging speeds of up to 270kW. Presently, there are a handful of 100kW stations in Singapore. However, the 50kW charges by SPGroup are the most widely available points with both AC and DC charging options.
4. it sounds unique.
One of the areas where Audi has paid a lot of attention to is to make the e-tron GT like no other EV before it. Besides adding a healthy dose of excitement to the driving experience, there is a legal requirement in the EU for EVs to emit a low volume sound to warn unsuspecting pedestrians and other road users than an approaching EV may be in their way.
The e-tron GT’s distinctive e-sound as it is called, was created from an unlikely combination of tools and instruments. An electric guitar, a drill, remote controlled helicopter and didgeridoo were just some of the items used to give this car it’s distinctive sound.
5. it’ll be in Singapore by Q3 2021.
According to local sources, both versions of the Audi e-tron will be launched sometime in the third quarter of 2021. Local pricing has not been revealed but if European prices are anything to go by, expect the e-tron to sell for around $50,000 to $100,000 less than a Porsche Taycan which goes for between $340,558 to $774,058 without COE.
Now that you’ve learnt a little more about the Audi e-tron GT, find out more about its design here.
