The Audi E-tron GT is a new, all-electric performance GT car that dramatically announces the German firm’s entry into the premium EV sector.
What’s more, Audi is also launching an even more potent RS E-tron GT that offers as much as 646hp. Expect 0-62mph in as little as 3.3 seconds.
The firm is also promising an electric driving range of up to 295 miles from the new premium four-door range of EVs.
Both cars use the same battery, with a useable capacity of 86kWh.
In the UK, Audi E-tron GT range prices start from £79,990, with the rapid RS E-tron GT priced from £110,950.
Twinned with the hugely acclaimed Porsche Taycan, the E-tron GT is a long, wide and low-slung four-door GT that measures 1.41 metres in height – appreciably lower than a Ford Fiesta. Yet it’s also nearly two metres wide and five metres long, giving a dramatic appearance on the road.
In the switch to electric, Audi has reinvented its ‘singleframe’ grille – optionally available in body colour for the first time. In RS versions, it’s surrounded in black.
Stylish 20-inch alloy wheels are standard on the E-tron GT, with 21-inch wheels on the RS version. Audi claims a new production process used to make the wheels ‘reduces net CO2 emissions considerably’.
The regular Audi E-tron has electronic adaptive damping; Vorsprung and RS E-tron GT models have adaptive air suspension.
Inside, Audi says passengers sit low, with a chunky centre console separating them. Rear passengers have a ‘foot garage’ within the battery pack that’s mounted beneath the car.
Audi offers regular materials and also a leather-free package which uses an Alcantara-style fabric called Dinamica, plus an all-new recycled material called Cascade.
Audi E-tron GT performance
The E-tron GT has two electric motors. The front one produces 238hp, the rear one can produce up to 435hp. Combined, they are quoted at 476hp – or 530hp for 2.5 seconds in boost mode.
The zero to 62mph dash takes 4.1 seconds and top speed is limited to 152mph.
In the RS E-tron GT, the rear motor is boosted to 465hp, for a system total of 598hp… or 646hp during boost mode.
It’s this car that can manage 0-62mph in 3.3 seconds – aided by both models running in Quattro all-wheel-drive mode.
Despite being a ‘silent’ electric car, the Audi E-tron GT has its own ‘soundscape’, which is standard on RS versions and optional on regular models. It uses control units and amplifiers in the boot to split exterior and interior sound, and transmit noise through the car’s speakers.
Audi says it varies according to driving style and the firm’s engineers are proud of how it’s been able to give the car a distinct character.
Audi E-tron GT prices
Audi E-tron GT Quattro: £79,900
Audi E-tron GT Quattro Vorsprung: £106,000
Audi RS E-tron GT: £110,950
Audi RS E-tron GT Carbon Black: £124,540
Audi RS E-tron GT Carbon Vorsprung: £133,340
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