Top Luxury EV’s in Canada: Audi e-tron GT
The Audi e-tron GT has been the electric and sporty top model in Audi’s product portfolio since its premiere in 2021. The four-door Gran Turismo combines evocative design with a powerful drive system and dynamic handling. The new versions significantly improve the sporty vehicle’s range, performance, charging, and handling. With the RS e-tron GT performance3, Audi is debuting its first fully electric RS performance model. The new Audi e-tron GT family models are available to order now.
‘With the e-tron GT models, we are setting new standards in performance. The increased charging power and electric all-wheel drive ensure improved long-distance capability and considerably more performance. The newly developed chassis offers an unprecedented range between driving comfort, ride comfort, and driving dynamics,’ says Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG.
The new variants of the e-tron GT series combine a progressive design with innovative technology, each having a distinctive look. For example, the new Audi S e-tron GT1 stands for elegant sportiness. Its front end is homogeneous and expressive at the same time.
A black mask encircles the fully closed, inverted Singleframe, which reflects the specific design language of the e-tron models. Embossed structures lend the grille a precise three‑dimensionality. A strip of body‑colour paint above the Singleframe gives the Gran Turismo an even sportier and visually deeper look. The air curtains, which ensure optimized airflow around the front wheel in the front apron, are more strongly shaped.
An elegantly designed aerodynamic diffuser with vertical fins dominates the rear end. A body-colour inlay above the rear diffuser adds even more visual texture and acts as a link between the diffuser and rear bumper.
GETTING SPORTY
The new Audi RS e-tron GT2 is now sportier as well. Its front end alone features a much more radical look. The inverted Singleframe comes in the RS‑typical 3D honeycomb structure. The apron framing the black mask visually opens the RS e-tron downwards. The vehicle appears lower, seeming to hug the street in combination with the functional L‑shaped blades.The rear end of the RS e-tron GT2 borrows elements from motorsports.
The streamlined diffuser echoes the theme of three-dimensional efficiency elements in the front, such as the L‑shaped blades, in the rear of the vehicle. The blades come as standard in body colour for a sporty look. Another detail from racing is a vertical, red reflector between the aero channels.
The Audi RS e-tron GT performance3 is a masterpiece of design and luxury. As the first fully electric RS performance model, it features unique design elements that set it apart from the RS e-tron GT2. The optional matte, darkened carbon roof, in combination with the optional carbon camouflage elements, adds a touch of exclusivity to the vehicle. These elements, a first from Audi, are intended exclusively for the RS performance. The carbon camouflage is used in the embossed bumper structures, the door trim, parts of the diffuser, and the side mirrors, adding a unique and luxurious touch to the vehicle’s design.
A RANGE OF COLOURS
The new corporate identity (CI) for the e-tron GT family not only enhances the exterior appearance but also contributes to the overall brand experience. The four rings now come in a premium-quality, two-dimensional design between the radiator grille and the front apron, adding a touch of sophistication.
The range of colours features nine exterior finishes, allowing customers to personalize their e-tron GT.
In addition to solid Arkona White, it includes the metallic or pearl effect colours Ascari Blue, Daytona Gray, Florett Silver, Kemora Gray, Mythos Black, and Progressive Red. Nimbus Gray is available as an exclusive finish for the RS e-tron GT2 and RS e-tron GT performance3, while the new colour Bedford Green is on offer for the RS e-tron GT performance3.
An optional Black Optics package is also available to order, further enhancing the vehicle’s sporty look. It includes dark Audi rings in the front and rear, air intakes, wing mirror housings, and a diffuser element (S e-tron GT1 ).
The RS-models come with dark Audi rings, which is standard. In the Black Optics Package, the L-shaped blades in the bumper and the aero channels in the diffuser are finished in high-gloss black. Matching exterior mirror housings are an option.
MULTI-SPOKE WHEELS
Audi has also reworked the wheel range, offering a variety of options to suit different preferences. New 20‑inch multi-spoke wheels are available for the S e-tron GT1 and RS models, providing a balance of style and performance. Two new six-twin-spoke wheels have been added for the RS models, offering a more aggressive look.
With its clear and uncompromising lines, this iconic wheel belongs to the DNA of the Audi brand. For the RS e-tron GT performance3, the entire wheel surface is matte and darkened, intensifying the vehicle’s sporty ambitions. These improvements in the wheel range not only enhance the visual appeal of the e-tron GT but also contribute to its performance and handling.
INTERIOR DESIGN DETAILS
Audi’s new CI also shapes the interior with redesigned seats, steering wheel, entry sills, and digital content. The light projection from the door has also been adapted. When the driver’s door opens, a red diamond with a red shadow appears; the S version features a white diamond with a red shadow. New wooden inlays in natural linear anthracite birch are available for the e-tron GT family; for the RS e-tron GT performance3, they are also available in matte carbon camouflage to match the exterior.
The new e-tron GT versions have a steering wheel flattened at the top and bottom. For the RS models, the steering wheel has two red control satellites and optionally with a 12 o’clock marking. The seats have also been upgraded. The new funnel aperture design is more dynamic and features an integrated inlay with an illuminated logo. In combination with the leather-free design package, the sports seats come with contrasting orange stitching. The seats can be ordered by request, and an optional massage function is available for the RS models.
LEANING INTO SUSTAINABILITY
The e-tron GT is not just about performance and luxury, but also about sustainability. The interior features the use of sustainable materials, such as the microfiber material Dinamica and the fabric Cascade. Dinamica, which looks and feels like suede, is comprised of almost half recycled polyester, some of which Audi sources from fabric scraps. The seats, steering wheel, hood above the virtual cockpit, door mirrors, center console, and greenhouse are 37 to 45 percent Dinamica.
The RS models feature Dinamica in deep black. Reminiscent of natural fibres, the fabric Cascade is made with 15 percent selvage and 35 percent recycled polyester. In the interest of protecting the environment, it is not dyed. Cascade is used in the seats and the door mirrors. The carpeting and floor mats are made of Econyl, a material that consists of 100 percent recycled nylon fibres from production waste, fabric and carpet scraps, or old fishing nets. These sustainable materials not only reduce the environmental impact of the e-tron GT but also enhance the interior comfort and luxury.
AUDI CONNECT SERVICES
The GT family is digital and connected thanks to numerous Audi Connect services, on-demand functions, and an app store. The Audi virtual cockpit provides new information on the battery temperature and shows the maximum possible charging power in real-time.
The RS e-tron GT2 features displays with RS-specific content. For example, customers who purchase an RS e-tron GT performance3 can select a white power display and speedometer via the MMI — a tribute to the 1994 Audi RS 2 Avant, where the analog dials initially came in white.
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
Permanent-magnet synchronous motors (PSM) are used as electric motors on the front axle of the S e-tron GT1 and the RS e-tron GT2 and have an output of 176 kW (239 PS) each. As an additional feature, the RS e-tron GT performance3 has modified power electronics on the front axle with a revised pulse inverter for even higher discharge currents. All three derivatives are more efficient while boasting significant power increases and improved acceleration.
HIGHER CHARGING POWER
Audi has increased the maximum charging power by 50 kW to 320 kW. Under ideal conditions, the e-tron GT family’s HV battery can charge from 10 to 80 percent in only 18 minutes at a high-power charging (HPC) station. In as fast as 10 minutes, the battery recharges to a range of up to 280 kilometres.
Outfitted with Plug&Charge, the vehicle automatically authorizes and activates compatible charging stations when the charging cable is plugged in. The new HV battery also features a significantly wider quick-charging window. Even in low temperatures, the car reaches very high charging performance faster.
This enables very high charging performance at temperatures as low as 15°C, further reducing the energy requirements of the thermal management system and making it even easier for customers to take advantage of the ideal quick-charging window. As an option, customers can also charge with up to 22 kW when charging with alternating current.
UPDATED COCKPIT
For the first time, the Audi virtual cockpit Plus now provides customers with comprehensive information about the current operating state of the HV battery, including battery temperature, a quick-charging forecast, and the preconditioning status. Specifically, this new feature uses Audi-specific graphs and icons to clearly display the currently reachable charging power and the current temperature of the HV battery. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus also indicates the preconditioning status when navigation to an HPC charging station is active. This allows the driver to see what charging performance to expect.
The thermal management system, which consists of four optimized cooling circuits, keeps the battery and the drive system components at their ideal temperatures. Depending on the outside temperature, the battery can be cooled or warmed for quick charging. The standard heat pump increases the range, especially in the winter, through energy-efficient AC in the interior.
THE SMOOTHEST RIDE
The suspension keeps the car’s body nearly horizontal during dynamic braking, steering, and acceleration. This results in a highly precise steering response, increasing the driver’s control of the car during dynamic driving. In these driving situations, the active suspension ensures near-perfect road grip with its balanced distribution of wheel loads. During smooth driving, the active suspension almost entirely neutralizes the vibrations of the car body, especially when driving over bumps.
On request, Audi offers all-wheel steering combined with a more direct front-axle steering ratio than the predecessor in the e-tron GT quattro. This reduces steering effort at lower speeds.
If you have questions about Audi’s incredible electric luxury vehicles, visit their showroom on West 2nd or check the company website for the five different EV models available!
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