The electric powered Audi e-tron GT concept four-door coupe was introduced at the LA Auto Show weeks ago. A volume-production version of the car is set to follow in approximately two years, with deliveries to customers planned for 2021. The concept also will make its film debut in Marvel Studios’ Avengers 4, set to be released in theaters summer 2019, according to the company.
The Audi e-tron GT concept provides 590 horsepower to ensure performance fit for a sports car. The torque is transferred to the wheels via the quattro permanent all-wheel drive with torque vectoring. The performance subsidiary Audi Sport GmbH is responsible for subsequently transforming the car into a volume-production model.
Design and Body
Flat, wide and with a long wheelbase are the proportions of a classic Gran Turismo-and the Audi e-‘tron GT concept reflects these attributes at 16.3 feet long, 6.4 feet wide and 4.5 feet high.
The lightweight body of the four-door coupe was manufactured using a multi-material construction. The roof is made using carbon and numerous aluminum components and supporting elements made from high-strength steel.
A low drag coefficient that reduces fuel consumption and the low uplift visually characterize the design, according to Audi. The sill area between the wheel arches has been drawn way outwards, creating a distinctive contrast with the cabin. The sill draws the eye to the underfloor area where the battery and thus the energy center of the Audi e-tron GT concept are located.
The arrow-shaped front section also emphasizes the matrix LED headlights with laser high beam. A light strip runs across the entire width of the rear. This strip dissipates at the outer edges, in the actual lighting units, into individual wedge-shaped LED segments.
Interior
Inside, the center console features a large touchscreen in the top section. The center console and the freestanding instrument cluster seem to float. Light colors in the top section of the cockpit and the gradually darker gradation through to the floor area create the impression of clear width. Sport seats inspired by motor racing in both rows of seats provide optimum lateral support even while cornering at speed.
Both the screen of the central instrument and the touchscreen above the center console come with a black-panel look finish.
Synthetic leather is used on the seats and other trim surfaces. Fabrics made from recycled fibers are used on the seat cushions as well as the armrests and on the center console. Microfiber material adorns the headlining and the trim of the window pillars. The deep-pile floor carpet is made from sustainable Econyl yarn, a recycled fiber made from used fishing nets.
With two luggage compartments, the Audi e-tron GT concept offers up to 450 liters 15.9 cubic feet of luggage capacity. Under the hood there is an extra 3.5 cubic feet of capacity.
Performance and Range
Separate electric motors are fitted to the front and rear axles, powering the Audi e-tron GT concept to 590 horsepower. These are permanently excited synchronous motors that put torque onto the road via all four driven wheels-there is no mechanical link between the front and rear axle. The electronic control system coordinates the drive between the axles, as well as between left and right wheels. That means optimum traction and just the desired amount of slip.
In future, the vehicle should accelerate from zero to 62.1 mph in around 3.5 seconds, and 124.3 mph in just over 12 seconds. The top speed is regulated at 149.1 mph.
The range of the concept car will be over 248.5 miles, according to Audi. The required drive energy comes from a lithium-ion battery with an energy content of more than 90 kWh, which takes up the entire underfloor area between the front and rear axle with its flat design.
The Audi e-tron GT concept recuperates energy solely via the electric motors, without using the conventional brake. As a result, energy is fed back to the battery in practically all normal braking maneuvers. The wheel brakes are involved only when the driver decelerates by more than 0.3 grams using the brake pedal.
The Audi e-tron GT concept features high-performance ceramic disks which also operate with multiple extreme decelerations without compromising braking performance