Unless you haven’t had a smartphone, a TV, or even an Internet connection in recent years, chances are you’ve seen social media videos of sports cars or supercars being driven in an erratic way. crazy.
Whether it’s a flat-six, a V6 or a V10, almost nothing can beat the sheer sonic pleasure of hearing the engine roar to death. However, those days are numbered and the same goes for such content, as electric vehicles are slowly taking over the market. Whether it’s a passenger car, SUV or even a supercar, there’s now something of the ‘EV category’ for everyone.
import Audi e-tron GTthe World Performance Car of 2022. Driven by two electric motors – one for the front and one for the rear – the all-wheel drive e-tron GT is available in two different outputs. As for how it works, we were in Germany not too long ago to see what Tony Stark’s chosen supercar could do.
What made it World Performance Car of the Year?
The standard e-tron GT quattro produces 476 PS and 630 Nm of torque but with Launch Control, the car produces up to 530 PS and 640 Nm in a short time of 2.5 seconds. Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km / h is 4.1 seconds, the maximum speed is 245 km / h.
The more powerful RS e-tron GT makes 598 PS and 830 Nm, and in Boost Mode power rises momentarily to 646 PS. As a result, the 0-100 km/h acceleration time is reduced to 3.3 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h, but what does that mean in the real world?
Absolute dazzling speed. Whichever model you choose, rest assured, acceleration is an assault on the senses. In fact, it doesn’t even accelerate; it just rushes forward and the speed keeps increasing until you feel the need to lift up (out of fear). It would be nice to own an RS model, but really, that’s just bragging, because there’s more than enough performance any way you look at the standard e-tron GT.
The e-tron GT may not have a roaring V10 or a roaring V8, but there’s one thing ICE supercar owners won’t encounter in their fuel-hungry cars – instant throttle response. ie. There is simply nothing that can match an electric car in terms of acceleration and the e-tron GT is no exception.
A performance car you can use every day
Something fast and brutal when you want it but civil and suitable for everyday traffic – not every modern sports/performance car offers that kind of duality, but the e-tron GT (they do) dare I say) is one of the very few you can actually use every day.
Whether driving in downtown Munich or the suburbs, each of our right toe flexes was immediately (but gentle) responsive. It’s like driving by intuition. The e-tron GT’s ‘polite’ is also reflected in the way it glides through bends and uneven road surfaces.
It looks mean and angry on the outside, but whether you’re the driver or the rear passenger, the e-tron GT is as hospitable as an everyday luxury sedan. Having a large trunk space of 405 liters and 81 liters also adds to the practicality of the e-tron GT as a long-distance cruiser.
There’s plenty of space for two in the front, but not at the expense of rear legroom. That said, if your rear passenger is taller than 6 feet, you may find them tilting their head slightly while seated.
The cabin is lined with striking trims in carbon fiber or oak, complementing suede, leather or fabric upholstery. It’s a typical Audi interior – subtle but not overly dramatic. The e-tron GT’s cabin charm also stems from its sense of insulation. This was especially evident when we were traveling on the motorway between Munich and Ingolstadt, the brand’s home town.
Is it a supercar or a gran tourer? Or both?
Compared to direct competitors, Porsche Taycan, the e-tron GT exhibits more ‘traveler-like’ qualities with a quiet and graceful ride – it just feels less stressful. On the other hand, the Taycan is a bit more appealing even if you want things to be a little easier.
That said, to call the e-tron GT ‘soft’ compared to the Taycan wouldn’t be fair. When summoned, the e-tron GT’s talent is limited to the driver’s ability – something we experienced at the Audi Driving Experience in Neuburg. When describing the e-tron GT’s performance in the 4.2 km test lap, we will use the words predictable, agile, effortless and full of confidence.
Guided by an instructor ahead, we gradually increased our speed with each lap and it was clear how easy it was to use the potential of the e-tron GT. More importantly, the car is very forgiving of any lack of talent (or focus) behind the wheel, even under tough driving. It would take a complete fool to drive it in the opposite direction on the road.
Loaded with technology
The e-tron GT’s prowess on the road and track is also thanks in part to the three-chamber air suspension. Not only is the system capable of providing different levels of comfort and rigidity, the system can also lower the vehicle’s ground clearance by up to 10 mm at 90 km/h and an additional 12 mm at 180 km/h.
Below 30 km/h, the lift mode can be activated to raise the bodywork by 20 mm. This was especially helpful when we were in Munich’s basement car park with its ramps. The all-wheel drive system for a smaller turning radius also makes maneuvering in the city’s tight basement car parks a lot less stressful.
What the e-tron GT lacks in terms of sound, it makes up for in technology and connectivity. Audi vehicles have always produced an interesting user interface, and the e-tron GT is no different; whether it’s the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster or the 10-inch infotainment touchscreen.
The infotainment system is quite user-friendly with a sharp screen and quick response to touch. The instrument cluster offers a variety of screens to match the mood while the navigation system, to be honest, makes us forget Waze even exists.
While experiencing the e-tron GT’s arsenal of driver-assistances, what made navigating back to Munich on the Autobahn so much easier was a small screen on the instrument cluster telling us exits/intersections. exact route to go and a bar showing how far we came. is to it. There is no doubt how useful this feature will be on our complex road network in Malaysia, but even more so when we are driving overseas.
A balance of style and substance
As for looks, there’s really nothing like it, right? It may have the same proportions as the Taycan, but it stands out with quite a bit of detail and aggressiveness. However, it doesn’t really scream excessively. It may be a power on the right track, but it won’t seem out of place in a hotel lobby. Audi hardly disappoints with its ‘light show’ and from the pictures you can hardly disagree.
Underneath that stylish look also hides aerodynamics. At each corner of the front bumper are slats that can be opened or closed depending on cooling needs or aerodynamic efficiency. Further to the rear is a rear spoiler that helps keep the e-tron GT’s two electronic extension positions. At 90 km/h it switches to the Eco position and at 170 km/h it switches to the Performance position.
Having traveled more than 800 km of German runways, it can be said with certainty that long-distance driving is very possible on the e-tron GT. Not only is it as easy to drive as the Audi A3 and as luxurious as the A5, but it also comes with an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery to provide an electric range of up to 501 km. As for charging, the e-tron GT can support DC charging up to 270 kW and with it a five-minute charge will cover 100 km. e-tron GT also supports AC charging up to 22 kW.
It is not always possible for us to drive such distances when participating in international media trips and experiencing a car to such an extent. In the case of the e-tron GT, the hours behind the wheel not only show what an electric car can do in terms of performance and long-distance drivability. but they can also be a lot of fun, albeit less fussy about it. However, we won’t say no to fake V8 noise.
Prices in Malaysia for the Audi e-tron GT . range has been announced, with the e-tron GT quattro expected to cost between RM559,000 and RM643,000, while that for the RS e-tron is between RM749,000 and RM769,000.
