Audi e-tron GT Unveils Electrifying Upgrades in Performance and Design
Since its debut in 2021, the Audi e-tron GT quattro has proudly led as the electric and sporty flagship model in Audi's product range. This four-door Gran Turismo melds a striking design with a robust drive system and lively handling. The latest updates have significantly enhanced the car's range, performance, charging capabilities, and manoeuvrability. Audi proudly introduces its pioneering all-electric RS performance model, the RS e-tron GT. Starting in August, you can order the new models in the Audi e-tron GT family.
"With the e-tron GT models, we are redefining performance standards," states Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management at AUDI AG. "The enhanced charging power and electric all-wheel drive delivers superior long-distance performance and notable enhancements in performance. Our newly developed chassis strikes an unmatched balance between driving comfort and dynamics."
The latest variants of the e-tron GT series boast a progressive design coupled with cutting-edge technology, each sporting a distinctive appearance. For instance, the new Audi S e-tron GT epitomises elegant sportiness. Its front end appears homogeneous yet expressive. A black mask surrounds the fully enclosed, inverted Singleframe, showcasing the unique design language of the e-tron models. The grille features embossed structures that lend a precise, three-dimensional look. A strip of body-colour paint above the Singleframe adds a sportier, visually deeper appearance to the Gran Turismo. The front apron’s more pronounced air curtains optimise airflow around the front wheels.
The rear is dominated by a stylishly designed aerodynamic diffuser with vertical fins. A black inlay above the diffuser enhances its visual depth and serves as a bridge between it and the rear bumper.
The new Audi RS e-tron GT now sports an even more aggressive front. The inverted Singleframe features the characteristic RS 3D honeycomb structure. The apron framing the black mask visually lowers the RS e-tron, making it appear to hug the street, especially with the functional L-shaped blades. The rear of the RS e-tron GT incorporates elements from motorsport. Its streamlined diffuser complements the front’s three-dimensional efficiency elements, like the L-shaped blades, echoing them at the rear. These blades come standard in black or carbon fibre. Another nod to racing is the vertical, red reflector between the aero channels.
The Audi RS e-tron GT performance is the first all-electric RS performance model featuring unique design elements. Distinguished from the RS e-tron GT, it offers a matte, darkened carbon roof and optional carbon camouflage elements exclusive to the RS performance. This option is available only in Carbon Black or Carbon Vorsprung trims. The carbon camouflage appears in the embossed bumper structures, door trim, parts of the diffuser, and side mirrors.
Audi's new corporate identity (CI) also enhances the exterior of the e-tron GT family. The four rings now feature a premium-quality, two-dimensional design between the radiator grille and the front apron. The colour palette includes nine exterior finishes. These range from solid Arkona White to metallic or pearl effect shades such as Ascari Blue, Daytona Grey, Florett Silver, Kemora Grey, Mythos Black, and Progressive Red. Nimbus Grey is exclusive to the RS e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT performance, while the new Bedford Green is available for the RS e-tron GT performance. The standard Black Optics package includes Audi rings in the front and rear, air intakes, wing mirror housings, and the diffuser element (S e-tron GT). The dark Audi rings, the L-shaped blades, and the two inlays on the aero channels are standard on the RS models. The Black Optics package features L-shaped blades on the bumper and black aero channels in the diffuser.
Audi has also updated the wheel range. New 20-inch multi-spoke wheels are now available for the S e-tron GT. Additionally, two new six-twin-spoke wheels have been added for the RS models. The forged and milled 21-inch wheels are reminiscent of the iconic “AVUS wheel” that Audi introduced in 1991 with the Audi Avus quattro study. With its clear and uncompromising lines, this iconic wheel is part of the DNA of the Audi brand. The entire RS e-tron GT performance wheel surface is matte and darkened to underline the vehicle’s sporty ambitions.
Audi’s new CI influences the redesign, featuring updated seats, steering wheel, entry sills, and digital content. When the driver’s door opens, the light projection displays a red diamond with a red shadow; the S version shows a white diamond with a red shadow. New wooden inlays in natural linear anthracite birch are available for the RS e-tron GT family, with matte carbon camouflage options to match the exterior for the RS e-tron GT performance. New interior features include applications in Vanadium, an anthracite-coloured effect finish that varies depending on the lighting.
The steering wheel in the new e-tron GT versions is flattened at the top and bottom. For the RS models, the steering wheel features two red control satellites and a 12 o’clock marking optionally. The seats have been enhanced with a new funnel aperture design, which is more dynamic and now features an integrated inlay with an illuminated logo. The S e-tron GT now comes standard with the sports seats and 14-way adjustment. Combined with the leather-free design package, the sports seats feature contrasting orange stitching. The seats are available with an optional massage function for the RS models in Vorsprung trim. The performance model offers an exclusive new design package with Serpentine Green stitching to complement the exterior Bedford Green finish and seats with 18-way adjustment.
The sustainable microfibre material Dinamica, which resembles suede, is used extensively in the interior, comprising almost half recycled polyester, some sourced from fabric scraps. The RS models feature Dinamica in deep black. Resembling natural fibres, the fabric Cascade is used in the seats and is made with 15 per cent selvedge and 35 per cent recycled polyester. In the spirit of environmental protection, it is not dyed. Cascade is also used in carpeting and floor mats, made from Econyl, a material consisting entirely of recycled nylon fibres from production waste, fabric and carpet scraps, or old fishing nets.
The e-tron GT family is fully digital and connected, featuring numerous Audi Connect services, on-demand functions, and an app store. The Audi virtual cockpit provides new information on the battery temperature and displays the maximum possible charging power in real time. The RS e-tron GT features displays with RS-specific content. For instance, customers who purchase an RS e-tron GT performance can select a white power display and speedometer via the MMI—a homage to the 1994 Audi RS 2 Avant, where the analogue dials were initially white.
A technically advanced panoramic glass roof is available as an optional extra. Unlike previous materials, the smart glass of the panoramic roof minimises direct sunlight and turns opaque at the touch of a button. This is achieved through polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) technology, which can switch from transparent to opaque.
Electrically controllable glass elements contain two PDLC film elements sandwiching the liquid crystals that give the technology its name. When no voltage is applied, the crystals form a non-transparent layer, making the glass roof opaque. When voltage is applied, the crystals realign, and the roof becomes transparent. It can be individually controlled like a “digital curtain” via the MMI display, where customers can choose from four presets. The graphics of the matte surfaces echo the sporty honeycomb pattern that Audi has made iconic.
Permanent-magnet synchronous motors (PSM) are used on the front axle of the S e-tron GT and the RS e-tron GT and have an output of 176 kW (239 PS) each. As an additional feature, the RS e-tron GT performance has modified power electronics on the front axle with a revised pulse inverter for even higher discharge currents. All three derivatives are more efficient while boasting significant power increases and improved acceleration.
The newly developed electric motor on the rear axle is also a permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PSM). It is the same size as the PSM in the RS e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT performance, with an axial length of 192mm and a diameter of 230mm. Parts like the motor come from the Premium Platform Electric (PPE). The electric motors have an output of 415 kW (564 PS) each. Both electric motors have power reserves for extreme driving situations. The maximum total output of the drive system in the S e-tron GT is 500 kW (680 PS). The RS e-tron GT reaches a maximum electric output of 630 kW (856 PS). The RS e-tron GT performance delivers an output of 680 kW (925 PS). This makes it the most powerful production car that Audi has ever built.
The fully electric Gran Turismo from Audi offers impressive driving performance in all three model variants. The S e-tron GT accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 3.4 seconds, and the RS e-tron GT in 2.8 seconds. The RS e-tron GT performance covers the same 0 to 62-mph sprint in only 2.5 seconds. The S e-tron GT reaches a top speed of 152mph, while the RS models have a top speed of 155mph.
The S e-tron GT has a newly developed and enlarged brake system with steel discs and black callipers. The RS e-tron GT has tungsten carbide-coated brake discs, which can be finished in black or red. Audi offers carbon ceramic discs as a standard for the RS e-tron GT's performance. Here, the ten-piston callipers are standard in anthracite and available in red on request.
Despite the significant increase in power, Audi reduced the weight of the electric motor on the rear axle by around 10kg by redesigning components such as the lighter rotor and stator and optimising the cooling system. Audi strengthened the driveshaft in the powertrain to ensure smooth power distribution and further reworked the electronics responsible for all-wheel drive distribution, optimising them for all Audi drive select modes.
A new standard boost function allows the RS e-tron GT and the RS e-tron GT performance to provide a noticeable 70 kW (95PS) increase in power while driving. The driver can activate the boost function with the left control satellite on the steering wheel. The boost activates for ten seconds, as indicated by a countdown in the cockpit.
Audi has lowered the weight of the high-voltage (HV) battery while simultaneously increasing its energy density. Despite the higher energy content, the weight of the HV battery has been reduced by nine kilogrammes to a total of 625kg. The HV battery boasts a gross storage capacity of 105 kWh (net: 97 kWh). Among other measures, optimising the two-layer cooling plate results in a 12 per cent increase in capacity for the 33 cell modules, each holding twelve pouch cells with a flexible outer skin. Audi has also modified the cooling system of the cells themselves.
This measure, combined with changes in materials and separators and adapted cell chemistry, results in a higher cell energy density. The energy available to the new e-tron GT family via recuperation (regenerative braking) has also increased from 290 to 400 kW. The driver can select manual or automatic recuperation via the MMI and control it using the shift paddles at three levels.
Audi has increased the maximum charge and discharge currents to 400 amps through an increased current flow inside the individual cells. The changed cell chemistry and the further optimised, intelligent, predictive thermal management system with improved pump and valve switching and refined preconditioning allow more power to flow during charging. The newly designed charging system of the combined booster converter also contributes to enhanced charging performance by reducing the weight by 2.3kg and providing the voltage conversion stages from the battery to the final load.
Audi has increased the maximum charging power to 320 kW. Under ideal conditions, the e-tron GT family's HV battery can charge 10 to 80 per cent in only 18 minutes at a high-power (HPC) station. In as fast as 10 minutes, the battery recharges to a range of up to 174 miles. Outfitted with Plug&Charge, the vehicle automatically authorises and activates compatible charging stations when the charging cable is plugged in. The new HV battery also features a significantly wider quick-charging window. Even in low temperatures, the car reaches very high charging performance faster. This enables very high charging performance at temperatures as low as 15 °C, further reducing the energy requirements of the thermal management system and making it even easier for customers to take advantage of the ideal quick-charging window.
For the first time, the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus now provides customers with comprehensive information about the current operating state of the HV battery, including battery temperature, a quick-charging forecast, and the preconditioning status. Specifically, this new feature uses Audi-specific graphs and icons to display the currently reachable charging power and the current temperature of the HV battery. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus also indicates the preconditioning status when navigation to an HPC charging station is active. This allows the driver to see what charging performance to expect.
The thermal management system, which consists of four optimised cooling circuits, keeps the battery and the drive system components at their ideal temperatures. The battery can be cooled or warmed for quick charging depending on the outside temperature. The standard heat pump increases the range, especially in the winter, through energy-efficient AC in the interior.
The standard suspension is a newly developed air suspension with 2-chamber/2-valve technology, which offers significant advantages in driving dynamics without compromising on comfort. The new and highly innovative active suspension is standard on Vorsprung trims. This system provides an unprecedented spread between comfort and driving dynamics.
The Audi drive select dynamic handling system lets the driver control the vehicle’s character. It features three profiles: efficiency, comfort, and dynamic. The S e-tron GT also enables the driver to configure an individual mode, and the RS models offer two individually configurable, RS-specific modes: RS1 and RS2. As an exclusive feature, the RS e-tron GT performance has a performance mode designed for an optimal setup on challenging circuits.
The suspension keeps the car’s body nearly horizontal during dynamic braking, steering, and acceleration. This results in an exact steering response, increasing the driver’s control of the vehicle during dynamic driving. In these driving situations, the active suspension ensures near-perfect road grip with its balanced distribution of wheel loads.
During smooth driving, the active suspension almost entirely neutralises the vibrations of the car body, especially when driving over bumps. When the driver activates the curve tilting, starting, and comfort braking functions via Audi Drive Select, the suspension compensates for pitching and rolling, which reduces the acceleration experienced by vehicle occupants. The active suspension also has a comfort entry feature when the car stands still. Depending on the car’s initial height, it can rise by 55 to 77mm in seconds.
Audi offers all-wheel steering combined with a more direct front-axle steering ratio than the predecessor in the e-tron GT quattro. This reduces steering effort at lower speeds. The system works by using a spindle drive to rotate the rear wheels by a maximum of 2.8 degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels up to a speed of about 31mph, which increases agility and manoeuvrability, or in the same direction as the front wheels at a speed of about 50mph, which improves stability. Between 31mph and 50mph, the system fades between an opposite and matching steering angle, depending on the driving situation. All-wheel steering reduces the car’s turning radius by about 0.6 metres when manoeuvring.
