Audi teases production-spec E-Tron GT

AUDI has revealed limited details of its production-spec E-Tron GT, the German brand’s first dedicated electric sportscar model, ahead of a proper reveal in coming weeks.

The E-Tron GT will be the brand’s first fully electric car to be built in Germany, with production set to kick off before the end of the year.

Audi revealed the E-Tron GT is the first vehicle from the brand to be designed without any physical prototypes, and will be constructed using a number of high-tech automated processes.

10 robots are used to attach the inner and outer side panels, reducing the complexity of the manufacturing process.

Machines can also ensure that any bodywork inaccuracies can easily be identified and amended, with the machines able to sense any inaccuracies as small as 0.2mm. 85 per cent of the E-Tron GT’s production process is automated.

The E-Tron GT will be built at Audi Sport’s Bollinger Hofe site, the same facility that produces the R8 supercar despite the two models sharing no similarities in parts or production processes.

Preparing the site for building the E-Tron began last year, when two new construction halls were built to create 10,000 square metres of additional space on site.

Reports suggest the E-Tron GT will be the first all-electric Audi model to score a high-performance RS variant, which should provide similar levels of performance to its VW Group stablemate, the Porsche Taycan.

No concrete details have been revealed for the E-Tron GT’s powertrain, however the concept version revealed in late 2018 may give some pointers as to its performance.

The E-Tron GT concept came armed with a 90kWh battery and pair of electric motors capable of pumping out a combined 434kW, allowing for a sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds.

For reference, the Taycan Turbo produces 500kW/850Nm from its 93.4kWh battery/twin motor set-up, while the Turbo S steps up its outputs to a fearsome 560kW/1050Nm.

A slightly more sedate 4S grade is also offered with two different outputs available – 390kW/640Nm and 420kW/650Nm – which could potentially provide an entry level to the E-Tron GT range.

Teaser images give away little in terms of exterior styling, only showing what looks to be a low-slung four-door Sportback silhouette, large alloy wheels and full LED lighting front and rear.

The E-Tron GT will also feature a new, unique acoustic sound signature to alert other road users of its presence, with the GT’s sound able to be adjusted and remixed based on factors such as vehicle speed or accelerator position.

Details of the E-Tron GT will be laid bare when the car is revealed in coming weeks.