Facelift for the Audi e-tron GT

The range, performance and charging technology have been revised. The boosted 925 hp can now also be handled by the newly developed chassis.

Audi, e-tron GT
Photo: Audi

The e-tron GT was Audi’s entry into the battery-electric top-of-the-range luxury model class three years ago. According to the KBA, a total of 5,844 vehicles have been newly registered in Germany since 2021. This means that the four-door Grand Turismo unfortunately leads a rather niche existence in the Ingolstadt-based company’s model portfolio. In order to be able to keep up with its rivals, the Tesla Model S or Porsche Taycan, the vehicle was given a facelift. Three variants are available: Audi S e-tron GT, Audi RS e-tron GT and Audi RS e-tron GT performance.

The look was more of a fine-tuning and the body was only subtly revised. The completely closed single frame as a “grill” is surrounded by a black mask. Structures ensure a three-dimensional texture. The RS model uses the typical chevron structure. A framing paint strip in the body color above the single frame gives the Gran Turismo an even sportier touch and thus appears visually deeper. The so-called air curtains, which ensure improved airflow around the front wheel in the front apron, are now more prominently modeled. The rear is dominated by a diffuser with vertical fins. On the RS model, a vertical red reflector sits between the aero channels as a detail from motorsport. The RS performance variant also comes with a carbon roof and carbon camouflage elements on the bumper, door strips, parts of the diffuser and on the exterior mirrors. A total of nine different paint colors and exclusive paint finishes are available for the RS and RS performance. The optics package in black is also available on request. The wheel range has also been revised with new 20-inch multi-spoke wheels for the S e-tron GT and RS models, as well as two new wheels in a six-twin-spoke design.

Audi, e-tron GT
Photo: Audi

In the interior, the seats, steering wheel, door sills and digital content have been adapted. New decorative inlays are also available in “birch” and “carbon camouflage”. The Virtual Cockpit offers new information on the battery temperature and shows the possible charging power in real time. Thanks to PDLC technology (polymer-dispersed liquid crystal), the panoramic glass roof can now be switched from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button.

Audi, e-tron GT
Photo: Audi

Insane acceleration

Unlike the appearance, the engineers’ full focus was on the drive technology. For example, larger permanent magnet synchronous machines and optimized power electronics are used. The maximum power of the Audi has therefore increased enormously: Even in the entry-level version, the S e-tron GT has 679 hp. The RS has 863 hp and the top model RS performance in boost mode has an incredible 925 hp. This means it goes from zero to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h. Also new is the larger 97 kWh battery, which is also 10 kilograms lighter. The maximum charging power has also increased from 270 to 320 kW. This means that a charge from 10 to 80 percent should be possible in just 18 minutes. Audi states the possible range as up to 609 kilometers.

Audi, e-tron GT
Photo: Audi

There have also been revisions to the driving dynamics. The basis is an air suspension with two chambers, which replaces the previous steel suspension. An active suspension can also be ordered on request. This should almost completely compensate for pitching and rolling movements.

Anyone who wants to choose one of the three new e-tron GT models can do so now, as the Audis can already be configured and ordered. The entry-level S e-tron GT starts at 147,500 euros.

© Motorsport Magazine

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