The future of Audi performance has arrived in Australia – and it doesn’t have an engine.
The all-new RS e-tron GT electric sports sedan will effectively replace the V10-powered R8 supercar as the four-ring brand’s performance hero model.
While it swaps an engine for a pair of electric motors, the RS e-tron GT doesn’t lack for power, offering up 440kW along with 830Nm of torque, by comparison the R8 Performance makes 449kW and 560Nm from its 5.2.-litre V10. The company claims the RS e-tron GT can sprint 0-100km/h in just 3.1 seconds and thanks to its two-speed transmission and thermal management of the batteries, that figure is repeatable; something not possible in all EVs.
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Audi has discontinued the R8 from its local range, so when the RS e-tron GT arrives in September it will become the flagship model for Audi Sport in Australia.
“This is an Audi unlike any that have gone before it,” said Paul Sansom, director of Audi Australia.
“The e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT look stunning, offer incredible dynamic performance, but most significantly, they do this while emitting zero emissions.
“The e-tron GT is what the performance car of the future looks like.”
Based on the same underpinnings as the Porsche Taycan, Audi has given the RS e-tron GT and its slightly less-powerful sibling, the e-tron GT, several unique features. Starting with the design, which the German brand’s chief designer, Marc Lichte, hails as “by far” his best creation thanks to its low and wide stance, despite having to package the batteries underneath the floor.
The e-tron GT duo share the same 800-volt electrical system as the Taycan, which means it boasts a driving range of up to 488km and can be recharged with an ultra-rapid charger that adds 100km of range in five minutes.
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Audi Australia has revealed pricing and specification for the two models despite them not arriving until September.
The e-tron GT will start at $181,700 (plus on-road costs) and gets a 350kW/630Nm version of the dual-motor powertrain. It also comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive air suspension, Matrix LED headlights with laserlight, a panoramic glass roof and a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system.
Pricing for the RS e-tron GT begins at $249,700 (plus on-road costs) and not only comes with more performance but gets 21-inch alloys, black exterior styling, all-wheel steering, Performance brakes with a tungsten carbide coating (which Audi claims provides better stopping power and less brake dust) and a Nappa leather interior.
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