Yahoo Autos Audi e-tron GT Concept Brings Sportback Style to the Four-Ring EV Offensive
UPDATE 11/28/18: This story has been updated with additional details after the sedan's Los Angeles premiere.
Audi's new all-electric e-tron crossover makes a big statement, but not necessarily a style statement, since it looks remarkably similar to the rest of Audi's conventional SUV lineup. This new electric Audi concept, called the e-tron GT, remedies that problem with a slinky fastback shape reminiscent of the A7 and A5 Sportback models, and it will reach production as soon as 2020 as Audi builds out its electric lineup, all of which will wear various e-tron monikers.
The e-tron GT is not only a swoopier take on Audi's electric future, it is also distinctly sportier in its mission than the e-tron crossover, because the Audi Sport division is directly involved in the development of this four-door. Rumors suggest that the e-tron GT shares its platform and electric powertrain with the upcoming Porsche Taycan electric sedan, and the numbers seem to bear out that assumption: the Taycan promises around 600 horsepower and fast-charging capability, and the GT concept is officially rated at 590 horsepower and is capable of replenishing 80 percent of the 90.0-kWh battery capacity in just 20 minutes via its 800-volt charging system. Audi claims a range of 249 miles as determined by the current WLTP standard, which measure range differently than the EPA does for EVs in the U.S. market.
A pair of synchronous motors-one mounted to each axle-provide genuine Quattro performance that can apportion power to individual wheels as needed. This includes torque-vectoring capability as well as providing for slip when needed. Audi is projecting a zero-to-60-mph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 125 mph. Regenerative braking is either controlled manually using "shift" paddles or automatically through a predictive efficiency-assist system. The regenerative brakes slow the vehicle and recapture energy during mild braking up to 0.3 g, and a ceramic disc braking system comes into play when rapid deceleration is required.
Long, low, and nicely sculpted, the GT concept measures 195.6 inches long, 76.8 inches wide, and just 54.0 inches high, putting it within inches of the A7 Sportback in size, with a similar four-door silhouette and sloping roofline in the rear. The wheelbase is 114.0 inches, and 285/30 tires wrap around 22-inch wheels. Featuring a multi-material construction co-developed with Porsche, the body shell utilizes elements of carbon fiber, aluminum, and high-strength steel. Its hatchback setup and compact power units provide for 15.9 cubic feet of storage in the rear and an additional 3.5 cubic feet under the hood.
Falling in line with the current consumer climate, the cabin features what Audi calls a vegan interior. Using great care to entirely avoid the use of animal-based products, the GT concept’s interior features synthetic leather and recycled fibers including Econyl yarn, which comes from used fishing nets.
This latest installment in a series of e-tron concept cars is yet another harbinger of Audi's future lineup of fully electric models under the e-tron umbrella. And while the e-tron GT concept revealed today at the Los Angeles auto show is technically a concept, it’s no secret that this attractive electric four-door concept will soon be a reality.
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