The much-anticipated Audi E-tron GT has been revealed in two versions – regular and a sporty RS performance-oriented one.
- E-tron GT’s dual motor setup will produce is 475hp and 630Nm of torque.
- RS E-tron GT powertrain will churn out 598hp and 830Nm of torque.
- Audi will launch the E-tron GT in India in late-2021.
2021 Audi E-tron GT: design
In terms of design, the Audi E-tron GT closely resembles the first E-tron GT concept from 2018. Hence, the four-door electric flagship has a near-identical stance and proportions, with a heavily sloping roofline, wide track, broad shoulder line and low bonnet.
There is also a new interpretation of Audi’s single-frame grille on the E-tron GT where the honeycomb-pattern grille is painted in the body colour with a black surround. Rather than cooling, the grille’s main purpose is to hide a number of sensors used by the car’s assist systems.
Other design details include LED headlights and tail-lights with animations for the ‘coming and leaving home’ function. Wheel sizes range from 19-inch to 21-inch.
2021 Audi E-tron GT: drivetrain and performance
The standard E-tron GT quattro features a 238hp electric motor powering the front axle and a 435hp motor at the rear axle providing an all-wheel-drive layout. Both motors produce a total system output of 475hp and 630Nm. However, a boost mode takes peak power to 530hp for 2.5sec when using launch control. The top speed is 245kph, with 0-100kph achievable in 4.1sec.
It uses a 2-speed transmission for the rear motor, with a short-ratio first gear for acceleration and a long-ratio second gear for greater efficiency and high-speed performance.
The battery is an 85kWh (93kWh total) unit mounted low in the car, allowing for a close to 50:50 weight distribution. The official WLTP range has yet to be set, but Audi’s predicted figure is 488km for the base GT.
2021 Audi E-tron GT: interior and technology
The E-tron GT’s dashboard is a driver-focused version of the one seen in current Audi sedans. The central stack is tilted towards the driver, while the central tunnel houses a space-saving gear selector switch. Audi has also elected to return to a more traditional, single 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system layout with physical button for the climate control. Other features include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, connected car technology and a wide variety of driver assistance and safety systems.
Audi also offers a leather-free design package that uses sustainable materials like Econyl, man-made ‘leather’ and wool-like Kaskade upholstery to name a few. Customers can also opt for a 16-speaker, 710W Bang & Olufsen sound system.
2021 Audi RS E-tron GT
On the outside, barring the RS-specific badging, the design does not differ drastically from the standard model. Audi also offers the Matrix LED headlights with “more dynamic” light animations and larger wheel options of 20-inch and 21-inch.
The main focus has been on upgrading performance. Total system output rises to 598hp and 830Nm of torque, thanks to a more powerful rear electric motor. In boost mode, power rises to 646hp, and the RS E-tron GT is capable of 0-100kph in 3.3sec, with a top speed of 250kph. The estimated range reduces slightly over the standard car, to 472km.
Air suspension is standard on the RS, as are the cast-iron discs with a tungsten carbide coating, mated to 10-piston fixed front calipers.
2021 Audi E-tron GT: India launch
The Audi E-tron GT is slated to be launched in India towards late-2021, in regular, S and RS trims. Audi is expected to price the E-tron GT on the higher side, with prices likely to start around the Rs 1.6 crore (ex-showroom) mark for the regular model. Once launched, the E-tron GT will compete with the Porsche Taycan. The German carmaker will also launch the E-tron SUV as its first EV in India.
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