e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT break cover
Audi has unveiled its brand-shaping fully electric sports cars: the e-tron GT quattro and the RS e-tron GT.
With 0-62mph acceleration in as little as 3.3 seconds, the new models combine breathtaking and instantly accessible accelerative force and zero local emissions with compellingly incisive handling, exceptional trans-continental cruising comfort and ultra-sophisticated infotainment and driver assistance technology.
Exterior design: dynamic sculpture with perfect proportions
The exterior of the e-tron GT is a dynamic work of art.
The long wheelbase, wide track, large wheels and low-lying silhouette provide the foundations for beautifully balanced proportions and highly effective aerodynamics. This equates to a low drag coefficient of 0.24 which favours efficiency and therefore driving range.
- Height: 1.41-metres
- Width: 1.96 metres
- Length: 4.99 metres
- Wheelbase: 2.90 metres
The inverted colour scheme of the Singleframe radiator grille reinterprets the classic honeycomb pattern and 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.
While the main purpose of the Singleframe in models with a combustion engine is to cool the engine, in the e-tron GT it conceals the majority of the sensors, with only the sections in the lower of the six corners remaining open for air supply. Behind these sections, and the large ribs under the headlights, are controllable cooling air inlets which provide active aerodynamics.
In the interest of optimal air flow, these inlets remain closed as often as possible, opening only during more sporting driving, when Y-shaped channels direct air to the coolers and into the front wheel arches to cool the brakes. The air inlets in the frontal lower section also play an important role. The upright air curtains on their outer edges ingest cooling air in such a way that it flows close to the wheels and then laterally.
Vorsprung
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.
Lighting
Where the important and brand-defining aspect of lighting is concerned, UK versions of the e-tron GT will be equipped with LED headlamps with striking 3D-look signature daytime running lights and dynamic front and rear indicators as standard. Even more sophisticated Matrix LED headlights with segmented clusters that enable ultra-precise targeting of their continuous high beams will also be available for this model as part of an optional Comfort and Sound pack. Vorsprung versions, and all RS e-tron GT models, upgrade to Matrix LED units with Audi laser light, incorporating an additional laser spot active at speeds of 43mph and above to double the beam’s range.
Side view: a flow of lines
The e-tron GT’s elongated bonnet and flat windscreen merge elegantly into a rapidly sloping roof line, and the glass house extends tautly over the powerful body, drawing in particularly sharply towards the rear, where the gently inclined C-pillars blend beautifully with the body’s muscular shoulders.
At the rear, a visually offset diffuser creates a look which is unmistakable in the Audi product portfolio, while a sculptural full-width light strip with graduated light segments makes the e-tron GT appear even more powerful. A spoiler with integrated spoiler lip runs parallel to this and extends electrically into two different positions depending on the driving situation as another active contribution to aerodynamics. It works closely with the smooth underbody in the wide diffuser, allowing the air to flow cleanly off the rear end, and compensating to a significant extent for the lift that occurs at the rear axle at high speeds.
The windscreen is made of noise-insulating glass as standard, as are the side and rear windows in e-tron quattro Vorsprung and RS e-tron Carbon Vorsprung models. Components made of hot-shaped and therefore ultra-high strength steel form the strong backbone of the passenger cell, helping to maximise rigidity and noise suppression in combination with targeted insulation measures throughout the entire body.
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.
To complement the stylish wheel designs, nine available paint finishes are available, including the new colour tactical green, and in the RS e-tron GT these are combined with a black styling package. In addition to this, the RS e-tron GT Carbon Black and Carbon Vorsprung models not only add a gloss carbon styling package, but also a full carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) roof and CFRP exterior mirror housings.
Interior design and interior
In the cabin, the upper section of the light, lean instrument panel with its pronounced three-dimensional look forms an elegant arc, and the display of the standard Audi virtual cockpit plus stands freely within it, while the MMI touch monitor surrounded by a black piano finish bezel appears to float in the central space. In e-tron GT Vorsprung versions and above a lasered and backlit ‘e-tron’ badge in the right-hand section augments the high-tech atmosphere as part of the ambient lighting package.
The driver and front passenger sit low in the cockpit separated by a wide centre console that 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.
The rear seats offer sufficient space even for adults, who are able to sit lower and position their feet in what is known as a ‘foot garage’ thanks to a recess incorporated in the design of the battery pack running beneath the passenger compartment which effectively compensates for the tapering roof line. Their luggage can be stowed in the rear load area, providing a volume of up to 405 litres (14.3 cu ft) depending on version, and in a second luggage compartment beneath the bonnet offering a further 81 litres (2.9 cu ft) of space.
Sustainability is the new premium: materials, colours, and equipment
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.
A leather package in various colours is also available as an alternative. It combines similar enhancements to upper and lower elements in either Fine Nappa leather or Dinamica microfibre. Regardless of the model chosen the floor carpet and floor mats are made from Econyl, a material consisting of 100-percent recycled nylon fibres from production waste, fabric and carpet remnants, or old fishing nets.
Controls and displays
All information appears on two large displays. The driver operates the Audi virtual cockpit plus (12.3 inches) via the multifunction steering wheel and controls the central MMI touch display (10.1 inches) via touch. Behind the control and display functions in the e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT is the state-of-the-art third generation modular infotainment platform (MIB 3).
The freestanding high resolution Audi virtual cockpit plus behind the flat-bottomed steering wheel allows the driver to switch between three screens: classic, sport, and e-tron. In the e-tron view, the focus is on the large powermeter that displays the status of the drive train and all important information on electric driving. The driver can access the infotainment, navigation and comfort functions, and input text, via the MMI touch display, which provides acoustic feedback. A natural voice control function, which understands many expressions from everyday language and can draw on both onboard information and knowledge from the cloud, can also be used.
Infotainment and Audi connect
Eleven antennas, all of them invisibly integrated into the car, connect the e-tron GT with the outside world, and the information they receive can be accessed by the driver via the MMI navigation plus media centre which features as standard in all models and also via the free myAudi smartphone app.
MMI navigation plus supports the fast LTE Advanced transmission standard and uses real-time data from the prevailing traffic situation as well as destination suggestions based on previously driven routes to guide the driver. Audi connect online services are also included and are split into two packages: Audi connect emergency call & service with Audi connect remote & control enables the remote control of the locking system, charging, and climate control, while the Audi connect navigation & infotainment package includes services such as traffic information online, navigation with Google Earth, and Car-to-X communication. It also grants access to the e-tron route planner, which uses traffic data and the driver’s driving profile to calculate the fastest route to a destination with the shortest possible charging stops at powerful DC charging stations.
Naturally, the infotainment portfolio also includes features such as the Audi smartphone interface, which transfers smartphone content directly to the MMI monitor via USB or wirelessly if a compatible handset is on board, and the Audi phone box, which links smartphones to the vehicle’s antenna and charges them inductively, as well as audio systems of exceptional quality.
In the e-tron GT Vorsprung and RS e-tron GT models a Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System delivers an output of 710 watts from 16 loudspeakers.
Drive and recuperation
The e-tron GT accelerates from rest 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).
The PSM motors (permanently excited synchronous motors) in the e-tron GT work with great efficiency. The electric motor, its power electronics, and the transmission form a compact block on both axles. The rear electric motor transfers its torque to a two-speed transmission. The short-ratio first gear enables stunning acceleration when the launch control function is deployed. When it isn’t, the e-tron GT starts off in second gear. Generally speaking, the long-ratio second gear improves efficiency and also provides large amounts of reserve power.
e-tron sport sound
To further enrich the driving experience, a unique ‘soundscape’ is also available for all e-tron GT models. The e-tron sport sound, which is standard equipment for RS e-tron models and optionally available for the e-tron GT quattro variants, comprises two control units and amplifiers in the luggage compartment. These generate separate exterior and interior sounds and transmit them via two loudspeakers each outside and inside the vehicle. Data about the rotational speed of the electric motors, the load, the vehicle speed, and other parameters serves as the basis for the synthesised digital sound, the nuances of which vary depending on the work performed by the drive system.
Drivers can also modulate the sound via Audi drive select. In the “efficiency” profile, only the AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System) is active, which already generates a broader sound than is legally required. In “comfort” mode the exterior sound is fuller, and it becomes even more powerful in the “dynamic” profile, when the interior sound is also added.
quattro reloaded: electric all-wheel drive
The e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT usually travel with electric all-wheel drive engaged, except when “efficiency” mode is activated via the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, in which case front-wheel-drive is prioritised. On slippery road surfaces, or when high power requirements or fast cornering demand it, the electric motor for the rear-wheel drive is also activated in this mode around five times faster than with a mechanical quattro drivetrain. The electric all-wheel drive regulates the drive torque distribution between the axles continuously, fully variably, and within a few thousandths of a second. The quattro principle with which Audi revolutionised road car dynamics more than 40 years ago has fully evolved in order to make the leap into the new era of electrification.
When the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the drive system usually switches to sailing mode, allowing the grand tourer to glide relaxedly and with impeccable refinement. The only exception occurs when ‘dynamic’ is the defined setting in Audi drive select, in which case the car recuperates in overrun mode. In both situations, the driver can use the paddles on the steering wheel to adjust two manual recuperation levels or select an automatic level in the MMI system. In this case, the predictive efficiency assist regulates sailing and recuperation on the basis of data from the navigation route and the on-board sensors.
While braking, the electric motors perform decelerations alone up to around 0.3 g, i.e. the vast majority of all brake applications in everyday driving. This allows them to recuperate up to 265 kW. The hydraulic wheel brakes are activated only when the driver brakes very heavily, with recuperation remaining active almost until the vehicle comes to a standstill.
Battery and thermal management
The lithium-ion battery system at the heart of the Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT is located between the axles, at the car’s lowest point. This provides a low centre of gravity appropriate for a sports car and a weight distribution between the front and rear axles that is very close to the ideal value of 50:50.
The high-voltage battery can store 86 kWh of energy net (93 kWh gross) in both models. It integrates 33 cell modules, each comprising twelve pouch cells with flexible outer skin. 30 modules form the lower level that features a wide recess in the rear section which creates space for the rear passengers’ feet. The upper “floor” of the battery contains three further modules situated below the rear seats. The connections, fuses, and the main control unit are located under the centre console. The system voltage of 800 volts enables a high continuous output and shortens the charging duration; in addition, it reduces the weight of, and space required by, the wiring.
The inner structure of the battery containing the modules, the frame surrounding it, and the cover plates are made of lightweight aluminium. The battery system contributes significantly to the rigidity and crash safety of the body to which it is attached via 28 screws. Beneath its cell space there is a compound structure of flat extruded sections through which coolant flows that circulates in its own low-temperature circuit.
High-tech thermal management: four separate coolant circuits
Four separate coolant circuits regulate the temperature in the high-voltage components and the interior, each at its own temperature level. They can be interconnected flexibly when required. If the driver demands a high output several times in a row, valves couple the coolant circuit of the battery with the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning system – the intensive cooling helps to maintain performance at a consistently high level. The refrigerant circuit also helps with cooling during fast DC charging, which can heat the battery up to 50 degrees Celsius.
A heat pump that heats the interior with the waste heat of the high-voltage components is a standard feature of the e-tron GT. It can reduce the loss of range caused by climate control significantly, especially in winter when it replaces the thermoelectric heating element. Customers can manage pre-entry climate control of the interior and charging via their smartphones using the myAudi app. The e-tron GT is optionally equipped with a deluxe thermal conditioning system that also includes the exterior mirrors and the rear window.
From 11 to 270 kW: AC and DC charging
Charging ports can be found behind both front wheels in the e-tron GT models. Both sides feature connections for alternating current (AC) and there is also a connection for direct current (DC) on the right-hand side. Two charging cables are included as standard: one Type 2, Mode 3 for use at AC charging points including a home wallbox, and the compact e-tron charging system, consisting of a control unit and Type 2, Mode 2 cable with a domestic and industrial plug. The intelligent charging system “connect” will also be available as an option, and enables both charging control via the myAudi app and function updates. In conjunction with a suitable home energy management system, it can also facilitate cost-optimised charging, activating the system when electricity is less expensive under a variable electricity rate.
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.
Accessing and paying for electricity while on the road can be easily taken care of using the e-tron Charging Service, which provides UK subscribers with one RFID payment card that is accepted at a vast number of charge points operated by 18 suppliers across the UK and Europe, and offers a choice of two attractive fixed price charging tariffs.
In the NEDC cycle, the Audi e-tron GT quattro consumes 19.6–18.8 kWh of energy per 62 miles travelled on average; the RS model consumes 20.2–19.3 kWh. This results in anticipated average ranges of in excess of 295 miles and 280 miles respectively (predicted WLTP data for UK specification models).
Suspension
The standard suspension, which is forged or cast largely from aluminium, is reserved for the lead-in e-tron GT quattro model, and features a double wishbone configuration and electronic adaptive damping. The e-tron GT Vorsprung and all variants of the RS e-tron GT build on these sophisticated foundations with adaptive air suspension, which is also optionally available for the e-tron GT as part of a package. Its three-chamber system can lower the body from its standard setting by up to 22 millimetres and raise it by up to 20 millimetres.
In “efficiency” mode, the body is positioned at the low level in the interest of air flow and the top speed is limited to 87mph. In “dynamic” mode, the suspension is primed for optimal composure, taking full advantage of the fact that the chambers in each spring can be activated and deactivated individually to suit the driving situation, and the electric all-wheel drive system operates with a rear bias. The air springs are closely networked with the controlled dampers, and both systems are managed by a central control unit, the electronic chassis platform (ECP).
For dynamic handling: rear-axle differential lock, high performance braking
The Audi e-tron GT is equipped as standard with a self-locking centre differential which further optimises traction and stability, reduces load change reactions and enhances precision by way of minor brake and steering interventions on the wheels. RS e-tron GT models also feature a regulated rear-axle differential lock based on a multi-plate clutch which can be actuated fully variably and has a locking range that extends from zero to 100 percent. Its scope is particularly perceptible on slippery road surfaces and during maximum full-stop braking, when the lock opens up completely to allow the Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) to brake each wheel with great precision.
The operating characteristics of the rear-axle differential lock can be defined by the driver using the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system, which can also influence the performance of the air springs and adaptive dampers, the electric motors and the two-speed transmission. The driver can switch between the modes “comfort,” “efficiency,” “dynamic,” and “individual” via a switch.
As a further aid to low-speed manoeuvrability and maximum stability during higher speed work all-wheel steering is fitted as standard to the e-tron GT Vorsprung and to all RS e-tron GT models. At speeds of up to 31mph a spindle drive turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to travel by a maximum of 2.8 degrees, and above this turns them slightly in the same direction.
There are also differences between brakes in the two models. Steel discs regulate speed in the e-tron GT and e-tron GT Vorsprung, while the RS models are fitted with cast iron discs with a tungsten carbide coating that increase braking performance and reduce wear and therefore brake dust. Ten-piston fixed calipers grip the carbide disks at the front axle. Carbon fibre ceramic brake discs which are especially lightweight, powerful, and durable, will be available as an option for RS models..
Driver assist systems
Numerous driver assistance systems are either standard or optionally available for the Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT. The Audi pre sense front and Audi pre sense basic safety systems are standard, as is the lane departure warning system, while other key technologies, including adaptive cruise assist, intersection assist and surround view cameras, are bundled into “Tour,” “City Assist,” and “Parking Assistance” packages. The assist package plus comprises all three and is standard for the e-tron GT Vorsprung and RS e-tron GT Carbon Vorsprung, which also add a night vision assistant and a head-up display.
A new driver assistance highlight is the remote park assist plus feature that forms part of the parking assistance package. It enables the driver to manoeuvre the Audi e-tron GT into and out of a parallel or bay parking space by simply pushing a button, and without needing to be seated in the vehicle. From outside, the process can be activated and supervised via the myAudi app on a smartphone. By keeping the corresponding button pressed, the car will roll into the space, making multiple manoeuvres if necessary, and once in position will switch off the drive system, activate the parking lock and lock the doors. Naturally the driver retains ultimate control of, and remains responsible for, the manoeuvre at all times.
