This Is The New Audi e-tron GT - Audi Gets Even More Serious About An Electric Future!

Audi is at it again. Shortly after bringing us the e-tron SUV BEV, followed by its Sportback sibling, the German luxury brand has now unveiled its all-new high-performance e-tron GT. A four-door coupe that they have teased the world for quite a bit now. While the two SUVs were built upon the group’s existing MLB architecture, the new e-tron GT, which is styled as a four-door coupe, sits on an all-new J1 platform, shared with its Porsche Taycan cousin. There will be two variants available, the e-tron GT quattro, and the super high performance RS e-tron GT quattro. Both cars will have one motor per axle, with the standard car delivering 476hp (530hp with overboost), while the RS-badged car delivers 598hp (646hp with overboost). Performance-wise, the GT quattro clocks 100km/h in 4.1 seconds, while the RS in 3.3 seconds. Both cars are electrically limited to a top speed of 250km/h. The e-tron GT is designed with a long wheelbase, wide track, large wheels and a slim cabin, fitting of a Grand Tourer for the modern EV age; and according to Audi, forms the starting point for the design of upcoming EVs from the German brand… meaning we can expect a carryover of the GT’s stylish design elements in future Audi EVs.

OneShift Editorial Team

10 Feb 2021

Beyond its styling, the e-tron GT boasts a low drag coefficient of only 0.24, and features a flat bottom, air curtains with wheel house ventilation, and intelligent control of cooling air inlets, allowing for improved wind-cutting efficiency. Buyers can expect bucket-style seats for both front and rear passengers, while the infotainment which is fronted by a 10.1” MMI screen would benefit from a version of the brand’s new MIB3 operating system. The cockpit features a 12.3” digital display, and you can expect some customisable dial designs to go with it.

Fast charging times are another feature, with the Audi RS e-tron GT able to travel 100km, with just 5 minutes of charge. And only takes 22.5 minutes to charge from 5% to 80% of its 85.8kWh battery. As standard, buyers can expect an 11kW AC charger, but can opt for quicker 22kW charging, with an optional on-board AC charger.

Since there is no engine, Audi has also created the sound for their car in-house. One reason for inclusion of synthetic sound to their EV is due to safety regulations, since pedestrians and cyclists may not hear an approaching EV. What would have been required by law would be simply two different ‘beep’ tones to warn of an approaching vehicle, but Stephan Gsell, one of two in-charge of creating an audible identity to the e-tron GT, believes that the sound has to be fitting to the vehicle. For the first time, in an Audi EV, you are able to use the drive select system to change the characteristics of the sound. There is also an additional e-tron ‘Sports Sound’ package available, where an additional speaker is fitted to the rear of the vehicle for what Audi calls a more rounded experience. A didgeridoo, seems to have almost made it into the sound mix… we kid you not!

Those who like green cars, will be pleased to know that the e-tron GT is produced in a net-zero carbon footprint facility at the Audi Böllinger Höfe in Neckarsulm, Germany.

The e-tron is as symbolically important, as it is practical. “With the Audi e-tron GT we are putting the DNA of Audi on the road. The gran turismo superbly reflects our innovative strength and our pioneering spirit. For us it is already part of a line of icons of the brand, alongside the Audi TT and the Audi R8.” - Henrik Wenders, Senior Vice President, Audi Brand, AUDI AG.

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