Latest Audi performance king is electric
BY PETER BARNWELL | 23rd Sep 2024
AUDI’S new apex predator is the RS E-Tron GT Performance BEV that surfaced in Europe rocking 680kW and 1027Nm (similar to a Porsche Taycan Turbo S) complete with an artificial sound generator.
Dual electric motors propel the 2320kg four-door coupe-style missile creating Quattro all-wheel drive to accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed 2.5 seconds.
Key to this level of output is four-circuit thermal management for the powertrain and battery management that is optimised for this variant of Ingolstadt’s flagship.
The range-topping electric model also ships with a specially developed RS sports mode, exclusive to the new Performance variant for easy driver access to the car’s maximum attack set-up.
Keeping dynamics in check are specially developed high-performance Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres designed to offer more grip under high lateral acceleration while providing improved sustainability and minimised rolling resistance.
Audi says the fast four-door “demonstrates bundled technical expertise and Audi’s passion for details”.
“Powerful, sporty, and confident, it reflects the brand’s high standards for developing and building cars and is the dynamic flagship for electric mobility at Audi.”
Taking a closer look at the powertrain, a permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PSM) lives on the front axle with a reinforced driveshaft and an output of 252kW PS) while a newly developed PSM on the rear axle contributes a mighty 415kW.
Refined motor electronics with increased copper density to the special hairpin windings inside the stator are said to maximise current conduction, generating both higher performance and greater efficiency.
Audi says the rear electric motor’s rotor is compact and light despite its prodigious output.
Both electric motors have power reserves for dynamic driving situations as well as launch control that can briefly deploy all systems for an output of up to 680kW.
Claimed combined energy consumption is 20.8-18.7kWh/100km, while new battery cell chemistry is partly responsible for increased outputs over the regular RS E-Tron GT due to an adjusted ratio of nickel, cobalt, and manganese. Gross storage capacity is 105kWh (97kWh net).
This results in higher energy capacity and higher currents while charging and driving. Maximum charging current of 400 amps is possible, while up to 1100 amps can flow out of the battery when launch control is activated.
Modified power electronics on the front axle include a revised pulse inverter that enables higher discharge currents of up to 600 amps – double that of lesser Audi S and RS E-Tron GT variants.
Braking recuperation for the model is 400kW, which also provides strong deceleration for so-called one pedal driving.
In addition to the new tyres, the model has individually configurable RS modes via a newly developed air suspension with two-chamber/two-valve technology that further enhances dynamics.
The driver can control the vehicle’s character via three profiles: Efficiency, Comfort and Dynamic.
Another two individually configurable, RS-specific modes, RS1 and RS2, enable the driver to separately adjust drive, suspension, ride height, and sound.
Carbon-fibre components and a new Bedford Green colour make an appearance on the options list.
The RS E-Tron GT performance is made at Audi Sport Gmb, Neckarsulm in Germany using “tailored” components and technologies from Böllinger Höfe production facility that specialises in small series production.
In Europe, the new model starts from €160,500 ($A263,000). The RS E-Tron GT (not this significantly enhanced “Performance” version) sells here for a snip under $300K drive-away.
