Audi revealed that it was “significantly improved” RS Q e-tron E2 Off-road racing prototype, featuring reworked body panels for more aerodynamic performance.
It is an evolution of Previous Audi RS Q e-tron revealed in July 2021scored four stage victories at the Dakar 2022 rally in January.
The E2 naming convention used on this prototype was previously used on the second generation of Audi’s Quattro Group B race car in the 1980s.
“The Audi RS Q e-tron E2 does not use a single body part from its predecessor,” said lead designer Axel Löffler of the RS Q e-tron.
Highlights of the changes to the bodywork include changes to the front and rear bumpers, which now taper inward and resemble the shape of a boat.
The large wheel arches have also been revised to save weight and optimize airflow.
To match the specified interior dimensions, the cockpit of the Audi RS Q e-tron E2 is now wider than before.
Audi has lowered the prototype’s center of gravity and claims to have reduced overall aerodynamic drag by 15% by performing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of wind tunnel testing.
“The aerodynamic aspect of desert racing should not be underestimated,” said Mr. Löffler.
Although Audi did not mention the exact weight of the RS Q e-tron E2, the regulations stipulate a minimum weight of 2100kg.
The off-road prototype has a “simplified operation”, for example, allowing teams to more efficiently change tires in the event of a puncture.
There are now removable body panels instead of the previous bulky flaps on the sides of the prototype.
Audi also notes that the new 10-spoke Rotiform wheels are “much easier to handle”.
Although there have been some changes to the RS Q e-tron E2’s body, its electric range-extending powertrain is retained.
Audi RS Q e-tron E2 has electric motorcycle taken from the Audi Formula E car on both axles, powered by a third motor generator unit that acts as an inverter supplying renewable energy into 52kWh . lithium-ion battery pack.
52kWh battery pack support is 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine from Audi’s current DTM vehicle.
Instead of powering the wheels directly, it runs at between 4500 and 6000 rpm to power the battery.
The total output of the system in this latest prototype is about 288kW of electricity, but we already know that it is capable of 500kW.
Transmission is sent through a single-speed racing gearbox.
There’s also a software-based virtual center differential, as well as a physical limited-slip differential on each axis.
Audi claims the RS Q e-tron E2 can sprint from 0-100km/h on flat surfaces in less than 4.5 seconds and top speed is limited to 170km/h.
The Audi RS Q e-tron will make its rally debut at the Rally du Maroc in Morocco, which will take place from October 1 to 6, before competing at the 2023 Off-Road Race.
