Audi Introduces e-tron GT Sedan

Audi unveils its third electric production model, the e-tron GT.

The 4-door grand tourer, previewed in lightly veiled concept car guise at the 2019 Los Angeles auto show, is set to see North American deliveries during the second half of 2021.

There will be an initial choice of two drivelines, the most powerful of which delivers 590 hp in a dual-electric-motor, all-wheel-drive RS-badged performance flagship boasting claimed 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration in 3.3 seconds and a range of 293 miles (472 km) on the European WLTP test cycle.

Holding true to the shape and appearance of the earlier e-tron GT concept, the new Audi receives a traditional three-box silhouette with a long hood, curved roofline, tapered glasshouse and short trunk deck – cues giving it a close resemblance to the German automaker’s existing A7 in terms of shape.

Other elements central to its exterior design include a newly interpreted version of Audi’s signature single-frame grille, angular head lamps with optional LED laser lenses, large wheelhouses accommodating wheels up to 21 ins. in diameter, wide rear haunches and a full-width light band connecting its taillamps – each carrying distinctive arrow-themed LED graphics.

Very few details have been altered in the production process of the new car, including the aerodynamic measures previewed on the earlier concept. A so-called air curtain is used up front to smooth air flow while a rear spoiler deploys from the trunk lid to provide added downforce.

A multichannel diffuser draws air out from underneath the e-tron GT to give the EV a claimed drag coefficient of 0.24, making it Audi’s most aerodynamically efficient production car to date.

The third electric-powered Audi model after the e-tron quattro CUV and e-tron Sportback CUV receives its own unique interior design within a cabin offering two-plus-two seating as well as a rear trunk offering 14.3 cu.-ft. (405 L)  of luggage space and a front truck with 3.0 cu.-ft. (85 L)

The e-tron GT is based heavily on the Porsche Taycan in what Audi describes as the initial step in a broad-based cooperative engineering effort calling for the two Volkswagen Group-owned companies to jointly develop a range of new EVs using largely common architectures.

Audi e-tron GT interior

The two sedan models share the same platform (known internally as J1), electric drivelines, chassis components and electrical system, although the new Audi model has been tuned independently of its Porsche sibling in a move Dennis Schmitz, technical project manager for the e-tron GT, says provides it distinct driving characteristics.

“We share components, but we do all the application to make it look and feel like an Audi,” he tells Wards.

Engineering for the Taycan sister model has been led by Audi Sport, the Audi division responsible for all current RS-badged Audi models.

Power for the initial two e-tron GT models to be sold in the U.S. comes from a dual-motor drivetrain developed by Audi and Porsche.

It uses a synchronous electric motor on the front and rear axles in combination with a two-speed gearbox, a setup that provides the new Audi model with permanent all-wheel drive as well as torque vectoring qualities between the rear wheels.

In the e-tron GT, the dual-motor drivetrain develops 469 hp and 464 lb.-ft. (629 Nm) of torque. The more powerful RS e-tron GT gains 121 hp and 147 lb.-ft. (199 Nm) at 590 hp and 612 lb.-ft. (830 Nm).

Along with the RS e-tron GT’s 0-62 mph time of 3.3 seconds, which is achieved with a launch control function, comes a claimed top speed limited to 155 mph (250 km/h). The less powerful e-tron GT boasts respective 0-62 mph and top speed performance figures of 4.1 seconds and 149 mph (240 km/h).

Energy for the motors is provided by an 800V liquid-cooled 85-kWh lithium-ion battery, whose 396 individual pouch cells are supplied by Korean battery specialist LG Chem. The same unit as used by the Porsche Taycan, it supports 11-kW AC and 270-kW DC charging as standard – the latter claimed to provide 62 miles (100 km) of range on a 5-minute charge.

Audi claims average energy consumption of between 18.8 and 19.6 kWh/62miles for the e-tron GT and between 19.3 and 20.2 kW for the RS e-tron GT for respective WLTP-certified ranges of 303 and 293 miles (488 km and 472 km).

Underpinning Audi’s first electric sedan is a suspension that uses double wishbones up front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. It comes as standard with variable damping control on the e-tron GT and air-sprung set-up on the RS e-tron GT. Both come with four-wheel steering and carbon-ceramic brake discs as optional.

The e-tron GT is produced at Audi Sport’s Böllinger Höf factory in Neckarsulm, Germany, the same site that builds the Audi performance-car division’s existing mid-engine R8 supercar.

Although not officially confirmed, a price-leading single-motor, rear-wheel-drive e-tron GT also is planned, though it is unlikely to see production for the North American market until 2022.

Audi e-tron GT rear 3-4