Audi‘s new e-tron GT Concept looks like it could
take not just LA, but also the world by storm. It measures about the same as an
A7 Sportback, while looking a lot more aggressive. The concept measures 4.96 m (16.2 ft) in length and 1.96 m in width, which are A7 Sportback numbers, something we
don’t mind at all.
The e-tron GT Concept was born out of a direct
collaboration between Audi Sport and Porsche, beginning with the platform (same
one used on the Taycan), and including the battery pack. While an exact range
hasn’t been specified, the fully electric e-tron GT is expected to travel for
over 400 km on a single charge, and can be charged to 80% of its
capacity in around 20 minutes thanks to its 800-volt system, for a range of
about 320 km.
When it comes to straight line performance, the
e-tron GT should give Audi RS models a proper run for their money, thanks to a
total power output figure of 434 kW, which translates to 590 PS. Audi
expects the production version of the dual-motor e-tron GT to accelerate from 0
to 100 km/h in around 3.5 seconds, before reaching 200 km/h in just over 12 seconds. Top speed will be limited to 240 km/h for EV
range purposes.
The front end design is extremely aggressive, with a
strong hexagonal grille, Matrix LED headlights with lightning bolt-like
graphics and a sporty-looking bumper design. Moving along the sides of the car
we spot large 22-inch alloy wheels with 285/30 tires, as well as side skirts
and absent door handles, although if the Porsche Taycan is anything to go by regular door handles could appear on the production car. Also,
the reason why it has those large air intakes is to ensure proper cooling of
the battery pack.
As for the rear end, it’s more coupe-like than the
A7 Sportback’s, while light stretches the entire length of the fascia. To say
that this is by far the most dynamic-looking four-door Audi ever built, would
not be an understatement.
A look inside the e-tron GT reveals a very
minimalist cabin, where most surfaces feature some type of touchscreen
functionality, except of course for the gauge cluster, which is probably just
fully digital. The screens are however oriented towards the driver, who can
also operate the car via an intelligent voice assistant. Other features include the
Alcantara steering wheel, new materials, a drive mode selector that helps
change the car’s behavior, and a four-seat layout, although a fifth person
could squeeze in the middle if they had to.When it comes out, expect this car
to boast Level 3 autonomous functionality, as well as high levels of connectivity
for mobile devices, app usage and so on.
While the e-tron GT will go into production by the
end of 2020, initial deliveries won’t be made until early 2021.
