Background
RS stands for Rennsport, and Audi uses those acronyms to classify and typify the most extreme of its line. Being electric, does the e-tron GT deserve that typification?
Let’s find out!
At Autocosmos we had the opportunity to meet him in Europe a few months ago too we were able to experience its power on the trackbut our test drive was being postponed for one reason or another, until we were able to finalize it in the final stretch of this 2022.
Audi RS e-tron GT 2022: Design
It is well known that the German industry has always been the innovator in extravagant but purely functional designs, although the Teutons were never -until a few years ago- highly recognized for creating beautiful cars, since they have always given importance to the premise: FORM follows FUNCTION.
Audi was one of the first to dare to break that rule, and for decades now it has been delivering really beautiful designs such as the first generation TT or the R8.
Design RS e-tron GT collects a bit of the best of the design of each of the Audi more fluids that were combined in an impressive, large vehicle with many features.
MEASUREMENTS (in mm)
- Length: 4,989mm
- Width: 1,964
- High: 1,396
- Wheelbase: 2,900
- Weight: 2,347kg
- Trunk: 350 liters
Audi RS e-tron GT 2022: Specifications
Mobility comes from two electric motors mounted on each axle. As each axle has motor capacity, there is traction force in each one of them, that is, the traction is integral.
The interesting and highly proactive thing about the RS is that it has a two-speed transmission on the rear axle – just like the Porsche Taycan – with whom it shares many mechanical elements.
Let’s talk about the battery, it is lithium ion, it is 85 kWh, consisting of 393 cells divided into 33 modules. A relevant fact to note is that the electrical system is 800 volts -just like in the Porsche Taycan-
Autonomy can be up to 487 km on a single charge but keep in mind that it can vary depending on driving habits and has a braking energy recovery system of up to 265 kW.
The Extras…
Optionally, components such as the three-chamber adaptive air suspension or the four-wheel steering system can be added, obviously at an extra charge.
Powertrain
- Motor: Two synchronous magnet motors (one on each axis)
- Power: 590 hp (Applying Launch control we have 636 hp available for 2.5 seconds.)
- Torque: 612 lb-ft
- Transmission: Two-speed
Audi RS e-tron GT 2022: Interior
In a vehicle with this price level we always find new details and options, for example, and not in the case of our test vehicle -which had leather upholstery- you can request an interior option called: Leather Free for those who are not adept at using products that contain anything of animal origin.
The invoice quality in the materials, finishes and the harmony in the different first-rate textures -let’s not forget the price that must be paid for an RS e-tron GT-
Audi RS e-tron GT 2022: Infotainment
The seal of the house with the four rings in terms of information and entertainment is displayed in the well-known “Virtual Cockpit”, let’s remember that Audi was a pioneer in this type of virtual “clusters”, here we find a 12.3-inch one that complements with the MMI Touch (Multi Media Interface) that is displayed on a 10.1-inch screen and is touch-operated, The system has basic functions such as wireless linkage with smartphones and also with specific information extras for the RS e-tron GT, as well as WiFI Hotsport service as standard. Within the long list of optional equipment -at extra cost, of course- the Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system stands out.
Audi RS e-tron GT 2022: Safety
Obviously nothing is missing and in addition to mandatory elements such as airbags, ABS, ESP and 360 ° camera we find:
- lane keep assist
- adaptive cruise control
- Forward Collision Alert with Emergency Braking
- Tire pressure monitor
Audi RS e-tron GT 2022: Handling
As usually happens in practically all electric propulsion vehicles, when we press the power button we only have a slight sound and the animations on the pair of screens that indicate that we are ready to hit the road, so if no noise and go that a metallic sound emanating from a combustion engine is strange in a vehicle of these characteristics.
We no longer find a selector lever to activate the “Drive” in the center console there is a large sliding key with the letters R, N and D where we choose the desired option, when we stop we have to press the P key, which is a little more up.
When accelerating there is NO sound and the advance is smooth, if we gently apply the accelerator pedal, if one is not very gentle and presses it with great enthusiasm the RS shoots out and the power of its two engines makes us feel each and every one of the more than 600 lb right in the chest, and if we are not prepared for it and have not recharged the neck in the head, the sensation of dizziness, vertigo and disorientation is immediate.
A couple of hard facts:
0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds (in less than 3 if launch control is applied)
250 km/h top speed (Governed)
At city speeds it behaves predictably, comfortable, luxurious and extremely quiet, you only hear the sound of rolling on the pavement, at highway and highway speeds it can be as fast as we want it to be, it is extremely agile and fun, although in areas With many curves, at times we remember the enormous mass that the RS e-tron GT represents, as we do not forget that it weighs more than 2.3 tons.
Touching on autonomy and recharging issues, let’s remember that nominally it offers us approximately 480 km of autonomyand it can be charged in 22kW outlets or in 270 kW superchargers and charging times vary between 6/8 hours to 45 minutes, depending on which one.
Let’s go back to the question at the beginning: Is it a true RS? It is, with enormous faculties and external beauty! Like? Well… prepare a check for a little more than 3.2 million Mexican pesos to acquire it.
