Audi e-tron GT mendapat kemas kini, sama seperti yang diperoleh Porsche Taycan baru-baru ini kerana mereka berkongsi platform yang sama. Walaupun perubahan pada bahagian luar kelihatan kecil – mereka juga menunjukkan prototaip tanpa penyamaran – peningkatan besar dijangka di bawah badannya.
Prototaip Audi e-tron GT menunjukkan beberapa perubahan kecil di luar, seperti vent hadapan yang berbeza, penutup gril diubah sedikit, diffuser belakang baharu dan tayar khas yang menjadikan kereta itu lebih aerodinamik. Tetapi perkara yang paling menarik mungkin ada di dalam.
Seperti Porsche Taycan yang mendapat peningkatan baru-baru ini, kami menjangkakan e-tron GT mempunyai motor elektrik yang lebih kuat dan pengecasan lebih pantas, mungkin sehingga 320 kWj berbanding 270 kWj semasa. Sesetengah versi mungkin mempunyai bateri 105 kWj yang lebih besar untuk julat yang lebih banyak.
Mungkin terdapat model RS Performance baharu, dengan lebih kuasa daripada RS e-tron GT lama tetapi tidak sebanyak Porsche Taycan Turbo S.
Selain itu, mereka mungkin menambah sistem suspension baharu yang menggunakan bahagian hidraulik, seperti Porsche Active Ride. Ini sepatutnya menjadikan kereta lebih selesa dan lebih baik untuk dipandu, dengan lebih banyak pilihan untuk melaraskan perasaannya.
Audi tidak menyatakan dengan tepat bila e-tron GT baharu akan dilancarkan, tetapi kami menjangkakan ia akan berlaku dalam beberapa minggu atau bulan akan datang. Ia akan membawa prestasi yang lebih baik, lebih berteknologi dan perjalanan yang lebih lancar ke pasaran kereta elektrik.
Unless you work with Audi – and with the R&D department – you would not be able to drive those camouflaged prototypes that are seen in spy photos or even officially shown by the carmaker. They are usually super secret vehicles and only driven outside the factory premises when necessary for real-world testing.
Now Audi of America offers 75 customers a chance to feel like they are driving one of those prototypes with the RS e-tron GT ‘project_513/2’. This is a limited run model which closely resembles the prototype car. It has the original design used for global prototype testing with “e-tron” camouflage script on both the exterior and interior.
Audi is the latest brand in Malaysia to electrify, with 2 fully electric models (in multiple variants) to go on sale from mid-2023. The range will consist of the Q8 e-tron in SUV and Sportback versions, and e-tron GT quattro/RS e-tron GT. Malaysia will be among the first markets in the region to introduce the Q8 e-tron.
As the shipments have not arrived yet, PHSAM (PHS Automotive Malaysia), the Audi distributor, can only offer estimated prices for the models. Pricing for the Q8 e-tron is estimated to range from RM369,000 – RM476,000, while the e-tron GT quattro will have a price range estimated to be RM550,000 – RM643,000 for the two versions to be offered. The RS e-tron GT is estimated to have a price range from RM749,000 – RM769,000.
The performance game is starting again; from the time the car was born, rivalry between carmakers saw performance levels rising as internal combustion powerplants grew more powerful with new technologies. Now, in the 21st century, there is again the same competition in the industry – but with a zero emissions electric powertrain. It’s not just the traditional performance measures that are the challenge but also how far an electric car can go.
Audi’s latest representative in this race is the new e-tron GT, which mark its entry into a different segment of the electric range. With the e-tron GT, Audi is demonstrating that electric mobility can still offer exhilarating motoring in complete contrast to the perception 30 years ago that electrically-powered cars would be dull machines.
Third and fourth all-electric models
The e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT join the e-tron SUV and e-tron Sportback that debuted in 2018 and 2019, respectively. They are part of the electrified model offensive Audi has planned up till 2025 which will see more than 30 electric and hybrid models being introduced into markets around the world.
Porsche Taycan
Relative of Porsche Taycan
The exterior of the e-tron GT is a dynamic work of art. A relative of the Porsche Taycan, Audi’s new 4-door coupe offers a new, very progressive interpretation of the classic Gran Turismo. It has the proportions like a sportscar, with the usability of a 4-seater. Each surface and each line is harmonious, from the headlights, which are available with Audi laser light, to the large diffuser at the rear.
Following the Audi Prologue design study, which offered a preview of the design language of the subsequent full-size class models as a showcar in 2014, the e-tron GT constitutes the next evolutionary stage of the Audi design language. In combination, the details create a sculpture that looks like it was shaped by the wind. The body line is extremely aerodynamic, and the drag coefficient is just 0.24 Cd.
2014 Audi Prologue Concept
Classic gran turismo interior
The interior also corresponds to that of a classic gran turismo. The strong focus of the interior on the driver, inspired by the monoposto idea, is a characteristic of sporty Audi models and the e-tron GT in particular. The driver and front passenger seats are installed in a sporty low position and separated by a wide centre console, and the rear seats provide sufficient space even for adults.
The central dashboard is tilted slightly to the left, and the pronounced three-dimensional instrument panel looks light and lean. Its upper section is drawn away from the driver in a large, elegant arc. The display of the Audi virtual cockpit plus stands freely in this space, while the MMI touch monitor is surrounded by a black piano finish bezel that seems to float above the instrument panel.
Like all Audi models, the e-tron GT is connected extensively. The infotainment, the online services from Audi connect, and the assist systems are state-of-the-art. And since the dynamic work of art must also sound good, Audi has composed a unique sound – powerful and progressive – for the e-tron GT.
Range of up to 487 kms
Depending on the version, the electric motors can generate 350 kW (476 ps) or 440 kW (598 ps). The stated range of up to 487 kms which is made possible by the battery and its net capacity of 85 kWh, is equally important. Its 800V technology enables fast DC charging with an output of up to 270 kW.
The suspension is also based in the balance of dynamism and comfort, thanks to technologies such as Audi drive select, all-wheel steering, controlled damping, three-chamber air suspension, electric all-wheel drive, and the rear-axle differential lock. The brake discs – which are available in carbonfibre ceramic as an option – have a diameter of up to 420 mm.
Presales of the two models start this month with the e-Tron GT priced in Germany from €99,800 (about RM490,000), rising to €138,200 (about RM677,235) for the RS e-tron GT.
