The Taycan impressed me. This has my attention as well. (And it looks stunning.)
The press release from Audi talks a lot about design and styling, but we’ll cut to the numbers I’m sure you really want to hear: The high-performance RS e-tron GT is rated for 637 horsepower and 612 lb.-ft. of torque, with the more pedestrian e-tron GT good for 522 horsepower and 472 lb.-ft. of torque when using overboost. (For reference, a “base model” Porsche Taycan has 402 horsepower on tap, with the range-topping Turbo S model capable of 750 horsepower.) Both Audi models are also equipped with a unique two-speed transmission “providing the e-tron GT with rapid acceleration when it is needed and a taller second gear for sustained highway stretches.”
More specifically, the e-tron GT is powered by two sets of motors, a 235-horsepower unit powering the front axle and a 429-horsepower unit powering the rear for a grand total of 469 horsepower.
“But didn’t you say 522?” We did, but that’s only available for 2.5 seconds, and only when you use launch control. For the RS model, the e-tron GT gets a beefier rear motor good for 450 horsepower, for a total of 590 horsepower when not using overboost.
The press release also points out that the RS e-tron’s 3.1 second Zero-to-60 time puts it on par with the R8, “all while generating zero direct emissions.”
Also of note? The e-tron models get “three-chamber air suspension” and a 93.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged in less than 23 minutes if using a fast charger. Currently, range is estimated to be 238 and 232 miles for the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT, respectively.
Both e-tron models are expected to go on sale in 2022, with the RS e-tron GT starting at $139,900 and the e-tron GT starting at $99,900.
For more information about the Audi’s upcoming e-tron models, visit audiusa.com.
The Taycan impressed me. This has my attention as well. (And it looks stunning.)
That is VERY pretty.
In reply to Tom_Spangler (Forum Supporter) :
The creases at the top of the fenders are the *chef's kiss.*
Those 2.5 seconds are just them taking the soft take off feature out and allowing the peak current to happen. After that it's back to sustained current levels. Not a bad way to market a "feature" of an electric motor.
I want a Taycan so badly. But damn if this isn't one of the most beautiful cars Audi has made. Guess I'll take both.
It doesn't have to even be faster than a Taycan. I would choose it over the Taycan just on looks alone.
We're at the point with fast EVs where any increase in performance is basically just academic anyhow. I mean, a 3.1s 0-60 might be the same as an R8, but it's also the same as a Model 3 Performance that costs half as much. Basically, it can be summed up with "all you really need".
What's more interesting is "able to charge 93.4 kWh in 23 minutes using a fast charger", but without details that's just handwaving. What kind of charger, and are there any in the wild? Electrify America will be the "home" network for these, as it's a VAG product. It's also interesting that Audi and Porsche are cool with range numbers in the mid-200s. The market is still suffering from range anxiety ("but what if I have to do the Cannonball Run to save my family from terrorists?"), but I suspect that if you pull data on what people are actually doing with modern EVs that's a pretty good number to aim for.
Also interesting - how to make aerodynamic wheels that look good. Definitely a better looking car overall than the Taycan or any other EV currently for sale.
Keith Tanner said:What's more interesting is "able to charge 93.4 kWh in 23 minutes using a fast charger", but without details that's just handwaving. What kind of charger, and are there any in the wild? Electrify America will be the "home" network for these, as it's a VAG product. It's also interesting that Audi and Porsche are cool with range numbers in the mid-200s. The market is still suffering from range anxiety ("but what if I have to do the Cannonball Run to save my family from terrorists?"), but I suspect that if you pull data on what people are actually doing with modern EVs that's a pretty good number to. aim for.
Also interesting - how to make aerodynamic wheels that look good. Definitely a better looking car overall than the Taycan or any other EV currently for sale.
This Audi and the Taycan are both capable of charging at a rate up to 270kw with EA's latest and greatest fast chargers.
In general, the Taycan on EA's fastest outcharges the Model S on Tesla's fastest chargers
As for range, the Taycan seems to be very competitive to the Model S in the real world, even though the Model S has the much better rating on paper.
Looks like Tesla may be making this a competition. This is from Tesla I believe, so no confirmation that I know of. Under 2s 0-60, 9 sec 1/4 mile, seems like there would be some traction issues, even with 4WD. Maybe they come with sticky tires?
Either way, performance wise, the M3 has a very clear price / performance edge on the Audi. I am sure the Audi has a much nicer interior though... +$80,000 though?
I find it interesting that Tesla started out building high-ish end electric cars with the S and have only recently moved to the lower end. Seems that Porsche and Audi are following this trend.
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