BMW i Hydrogen NEXT road testing
BMW i Hydrogen NEXT road testing
Following the Audi prologue design study, which in 2014 was a show car that gave an outlook on the design language of the subsequent luxury-class models, the e-tron GT represents the next evolutionary stage in the design language of Audi. As Gran Turismo, it fascinates with its sculptural design. As with the current luxury class models, the same applies here: The basis for good design is the proportions. In other words: long wheelbase, wide track, large wheels and a flat silhouette. The e-tron GT has exactly these ideal proportions. Its design language forms the starting point for the design of upcoming electric models from Audi - in the future they will have a much more flowing exterior design than they do today. As always with Audi, the design is not an end in itself, but the combination of form and function: The design of the e-tron GT enables sophisticated aerodynamics to match electromobility - aesthetics therefore also arise from efficiency. The e-tron GT consciously adopts established design elements from the e-tron, Audi's first electric car, and develops them further in a targeted manner. One of them is the heavily modeled insert above the door sills. He emphasizes the battery pack in the middle of the vehicle as the power center of the car
The Audi e-tron GT is defined by its duality: A high-performance gran turismo that can be just as easily driven spiritedly as it can be in leisure. The Audi RS e-tron GT, the first EV from Audi Sport sold in the U.S., expands this dual personality. Key to this characteristic are its electric propulsion system, three-chamber air suspension, all-wheel steering, and two-speed transmission. An element of performance the Audi e-tron GT shares with the world’s most thrilling roller coasters also contributes to its exhilarating performance: permanently excited magnets. Found in both the front and rear axles of the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT, permanently excited synchronous motors (PSM) are ideal for the e-tron GT thanks to the motors’ ample, instant torque from a standstill. The e-tron GT produces 235 horsepower at its front motor and 429 horsepower at its rear motor. The motors’ net combined output is 469 horsepower, or up to 522 horsepower with overboost for 2.5 seconds with launch control, and 464 lb-ft of torque (472 lb-ft with overboost). This allows the e-tron GT to repeatedly accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds on the way to a top track speed of 152 mph. The RS e-tron GT shares its front motor with the entry e-tron GT but has a more powerful rear motor, capable of producing 450 horsepower. Together, the front and rear motors in the RS e-tron GT produce a net 590 horsepower and up to 637 horsepower with overboost. Total system torque is 612 lb-ft. As a result, the RS e-tron GT can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds and has a 155 mph top track speed. That places the acceleration of RS e-tron GT on par with the V10-powered Audi R8 supercar – all while generating zero direct emissions.
The naturally aspirated flat-six engine, familiar from the 911 GT3 Cup racing car and the 911 GT3 series production model, forms the centrepiece of a sports car that has been designed for maximum driving pleasure. The engine revs as high as 9,000 rpm. Compared to the 718 Cayman GT4, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS has an extra 80 PS, resulting in a weight-to-power ratio of 2.83 kg/PS. Maximum torque has been increased from 430 to 450 Nm. Among the striking features of the new, top-of-the-range 718 are the process air intakes behind the driver and passenger windows. The 718 Cayman normally has small side windows here. The new air intakes improve both the intake airflow and, at the same time, create a thrilling intake noise right next to the occupants' ears. The characteristic air intakes in front of the rear wheels have been retained and are used for engine cooling.
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