Superhero

A comprehensive demonstration of how fascinating and exciting electric mobility can be, the new Audi e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT herald a new era for Audi and showcase the Gran Turismo of the future.

The e-tron GT balances its sleek coupe appearance with spacious practicality, achieving up to 440kW (or 475kW in boost mode), a range of over 450km, and boasting the superior levels of technology and luxury expected of a car in its position as Audi’s top model.

Due to begin arriving in New Zealand as we go to print, both the e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT are powerful, fast, and boast zero local emissions, reinterpreting the entire concept of the Gran Turismo.

The e-tron GT quattro generates 350kW of power and 650Nm of torque, while the RS e-tron GT achieves maximum power of 440kW and maximum torque of 830Nm. Launch control adds a boost function, which can increase the power figures to 390kW and 475kW respectively.

The range of up to 487km (WLTP) is made possible by the battery’s net capacity of 85kWh, and the 800-volt technology enables fast DC charging with an output of up to 270kW.

The Audi e-tron GT’s exterior is a dynamic work of art. Each surface and line are harmonious, from the headlights, which are available with laser light as an option, to the large diffuser at the rear. In combination, the details create a sculpture that looks like it was shaped by the wind: handy then that the extremely aerodynamic body has a drag coefficient of just 0.24, which is to say, extremely slippery.

The interior matches the classic Gran Turismo ethos; the driver and front passenger seats are configured in a sporty low position and separated by a wide centre console, while the rear seats provide sufficient space for adults. However, this remains a pure driver’s car. Like all Audi models, the e-tron GT is also fully connected. The infotainment, online services from Audi Connect, and the assist systems are state-of-the-art.

The suspension has been engineered to balance dynamism and comfort, again in the spirit of a Gran Turismo, and features advanced technologies such as Audi Drive Select, all-wheel steering, controlled damping, three-chamber air suspension, electric all-wheel drive, and the rear-axle differential lock.

Make no mistake: take the zero-emission powertrain out of the equation and this remains an out-and-out Audi performance weapon.

While the ‘Tactical Green’ coloured RS e-tron GT on these pages might be on European plates and with the steering wheel on the left, those are good old Kiwi landscapes you see in the background. This early left-hook example made a whistle stop visit to our shores as an evaluation unit, and we managed to secure a precious hour or so with it.

In saying that, every e-tron GT allocated to New Zealand for this year has already been snapped up by eager Audi fans. If you’re wanting to sample one for yourself and you weren’t among the quick-off-the-mark first 50, you’ll need to wait until next year.

That’s okay though: time flies as quickly as this masterful GT EV. And there will be plenty more opportunities to embrace this new era for the premium German manufacturer too. By 2025, Audi plans to offer more than 20 all-electric vehicles across the e-tron range – and the installation of high-speed charging infrastructure across the Audi network in New Zealand will help ensure drivers can take full advantage of the future of mobility.