Audi RS e-tron GT Performance - a 912 hp electric rocket debuts

17 September 2024

Audi has unveiled its most powerful production car yet with the RS e-tron GT Performance. It took Audi a while, but it seems good things really do come to those who wait.

The first fully electric model in the coveted RS lineup features a pair of powerful electric motors, one on each axle. The rear motor, a newly developed unit, boasts an impressive 415 kW (556 horsepower) output, while the front motor contributes 252 kW (338 horsepower). Combined, they deliver a staggering 680 kW (925 PS or 912 horsepower) in Launch Control mode, officially propelling the RS e-tron GT performance from 0 to 62 mph in 2.9 seconds. The first tests have already proved that the performance version easily beats the official time, with 2.4 seconds recorded after just a few runs.

The rear motor has been redesigned to be lighter and more compact as well, saving 10 kilograms compared to previous developments.

Powering the e-tron GT RS Performance is a 105 kWh battery pack, offering a range of up to 331 miles. When it's time to recharge, the RS e-tron GT Performance supports up to 320 kW DC input, enabling a 10% to 80% charge in just 18 minutes.

The RS e-tron GT Performance also boasts a state-of-the-art thermal management system that ensures optimal performance even under demanding conditions. This system intelligently manages the temperature of the battery, motors, and interior, allowing for sustained high-performance driving without overheating.

The RS e-tron GT Performance promises to handle with the precision and agility expected of an RS model, thanks to its advanced suspension system. The standard air suspension with 2-chamber/2-valve technology provides a perfect balance of comfort and sportiness, while the optional active suspension system takes handling to the next level with wheel-selective control.

Inside, the RS e-tron GT Performance offers 18-way adjustable seats with matte carbon inlays and Serpentine Green stitching.

With a starting price of $178,100, the first electric RS is a statement of intent from Audi. It's a sign that the electric era of performance has truly arrived. Sure, it's not cheap by any standards, and ticking the extra options on the order sheet will take the price all the way to $244,000 in no time at all. But this is the very first all-electric RS, and Audi fans won't even blink.

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