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Audi makes room in its electric future for more than SUVs or crossovers.
After a series of teasers, the German manufacturer has finally unveiled the Audi e-tron GT concept, a 100% electric four-door coupe that contains Porsche DNA and is very similar to the A7. Audi presented the concept Wednesday at the press days of the L.A. Auto Show.
The GT concept follows the revelation in September of the car's first 100% electric vehicle, the Audi e-tron SUV, which is expected to go into mass production next year.
The e-tron GT is a concept for the moment. But not for long.
The e-tron GT concept will be developed into volume production models by the end of 2020. The first deliveries will be delivered to customers in early 2021. Audi stated that its Audi Sport performance subsidiary was responsible for transforming the car in a volume production model.
First, the notable specifications.
The Audi e-tron GT, which has a broad underlying flat architecture and a long wheelbase, has separate electric motors, mounted on the front and rear axles, that produce power equivalent to 590 horsepower. The e-tron GT will accelerate in about 3.5 seconds from 0 to about 60 miles per hour and will reach a top speed of 150 mph, according to Audi.
The interior is also vegan – perhaps a wink to Tesla – in synthetic leather and fabric from recycled fibers used on seat cushions, armrests and the center console. Audi does not say if a serial version will offer a vegan interior.
The vehicle also has some Porsche touches. The Audi GT e-tron will be built on the Taycan Porsche platform. The Taycan, formerly known as Mission E, is an electric sports car that Porsche plans to put into mass production in 2019.
Although Porsche has worked with Audi on the e-tron GT, this project should not be confused with another common power platform project between the two companies. Audi and Porsche have also teamed up to develop its "Premium Platform Electric" (EPP), which will form the basis for several families of fully electric Audi models.
The electric GT will have a range of approximately 248.5 miles, although this may change if the vehicle goes into mass production. The Audi e-tron GT also shares the same 800-volt system as the Taycan Porsche, a feature that will shorten the time required to recharge the battery. According to Audi, it will take about 20 minutes to charge the battery to 80% of its capacity. (It should be noted that the Audi e-tron SUV does not have this capability.)
The GT e-tron concept battery can be charged using a cable or wireless by placing the vehicle on a charging stand with an integrated coil installed on the ground. It is unclear whether the induction charging function will be part of the production version of the GT e-tron.
The GT e-tron is only the beginning of what promises to be a chain of electric vehicles revealed by Audi. The company has announced that it will sell 12 100% electric vehicles by 2025.
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