Audi reveals 637bhp RS e-tron GT 11 | 02 | 2021
AUDI HAS LAUNCHED a new pure-electric grand tourer, the RS e-tron GT. Set to go head-to-head with the likes of the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S, the RS e-tron GT — which has already been driven by a Hollywood superhero — will sit alongside its existing e-tron SUV stablemate. Prices start at £110,950, and will be available to order in May. (Related: Audi SQ2 hot SUV gets facelift)
Before we get to performance — which is mightily impressive — let’s deal with range. Like the ‘standard’ e-tron GT quattro, which starts at £79,900, the RS has an 85kWh battery pack. But, because it has more powerful electric motors, which we’ll cover next, the maximum range drops from the 295 miles of the ‘standard’ e-tron, to 280 miles. (Related: Audi Q5 55 TFSI e gets all-electric range)
The RS e-tron GT — like the GT, it’s four-wheel drive — boasts three electric motors; there’s one for the front axle, plus one for each of the rear wheels. Combined, they deliver 590bhp and 830Nm of torque. But utilise the EV’s launch control system, and that increases the system’s output to 637bhp for short periods. (Related: Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron concept)
Right: performance. It’ll cover 0-62mph in just 3.3 seconds, and carry on to a restricted top speed of 155mph.
As for charging, the RS shares the same charging architecture as the e-tron GT, meaning buyers can fully recharge the system overnight when using an 11kW home wallbox. (Related: Audi Q2 gets sporty facelift)
However, if you can gain access to a DC fast-charging supply and access a 270kW charger, the RS e-tron GT’s battery can go from flat to 80% capacity in just 23 minutes. Break that down, and you get a impressive 62miles for every five minutes’ charging. Ok, not equivalent to filling up a tank of petrol in three minutes and getting more than 400-miles, but you get the gist.
Not surprisingly, given the more powerful drivetrain compared to the standard e-tron GT, the RS gets a range of chassis improvements. Tungsten-carbide coated brake discs, four-wheel steering, a more sophisticated rear differential, adaptive air suspension and 10-piston fixed calipers are all standard. Options include carbon ceramic brake discs. (Related: Audi Q4 e-tron concept)
Aesthetically, the RS has its own, more aggressive look, thanks to more aggressive bumpers, broader side skirts and a reshaped bonnet — all aimed at making the car as aerodynamically efficient as possible — plus unique alloys.
In true Space Age fashion — remember, the RS concept made its first appearance when it was driven by ‘Iron Man’ Tony Stark in The Avengers Endgame — the car’s dampers also automatically lower the car by as much as 22mm to further reduce air resistance and improve the car’s stability.
Inside the cabin of the RS e-tron GT, there’s 18-way electrically adjustable sports seats with heating, ventilation and massaging functions, plus a Bang & Olufsen stereo system, air conditioning and a sports steering wheel. There’s also the same 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 10.1-inch central infotainment system as appears in the base model.
As you would expect of Audi, there s a range of RS e-tron variants, each upping the spec and trim level. The RS e-tron GT Carbon Black, which costs from £124,540, swaps the car’s roof, door mirror caps and exterior trim for carbon fibre replacements.
The range-topping RS e-tron GT Carbon Vorsprung, which will set you back £133,340, build on the cosmetic tweaks of the Carbon Black with additional tech, including adaptive cruise control, a head-up display and parking assist.
Related: Audi A3 Saloon gets mild-hybrid tech
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Jim McGill