CES 2021: Audi presents (again) the E-tron GT

According to Lichte, the E-tron GT is likely "the most important" new addition to Audi's 2021 lineup. He is probably right, as the new electric car is expected to set new standards in terms of dynamics and power, being based on the Porsche Taycan, from which it inherits almost exactly the same dimensions. And di Grassi can now confirm that the values ​​specified by Pint provide a lot of driving fun and power in practice.

Despite this, it is noticeable that the CES does not have quite the same significance for Audi in 2021 as it did in 2020. Previously, the company often showcased new studies or outlandish ideas like the "empathetic car;" now, they are focusing on a series product, as production of the E-tron GT has already started at the former NSU plant in Neckarsulm, in "Böllinger Höfen - parallel to the R8". Under the hood, there is also plenty of power for each axle in the form of an electric motor, generating a combined system output of 598 horsepower (646 PS in overboost mode) and 830 Newton meters of torque. That's enough power to accelerate the all-wheel-drive vehicle to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, something di Grassi has already thoroughly tested. In Neuburg, he made the tires smoke in front of the audience.

Also present: Spaceship sound and catapult-like acceleration

Thanks to sophisticated thermal management, the battery and drivetrain should be spared from strain. And: such accelerations should also be possible repeatedly. During testing, the Taycan did not falter even after ten acceleration attempts. Four thermal circuits can be linked through valves, ensuring both the technology and interior remain perfectly tempered. This is even more critical during charging: thanks to Taycan's 800-volt technology, the Audi is expected to support up to 270 kW of charging power. The range is expected to be around 400 kilometers, thanks to a battery with a gross capacity of 93.4 kWh, of which 83.7 kWh are usable.

Audi has refined some details to be brand-specific: for example, the all-wheel steering and unique air suspension with controlled damping are designed to navigate the 2.3-ton car quickly yet comfortably through the curves. Practicality has also been slightly modified: unlike the Taycan, the E-tron GT features a large rear hatch, revealing a trunk volume of around 400 liters. The charging equipment also finds its place in a separate storage compartment under the hood, meaning the E-tron GT also has a mini-frunk.

The price is expected to start at just under 140,000 euros gross, which would position it slightly below the Taycan. In addition, more affordable and "weaker" base models are likely to be introduced for the E-tron. At the very end of the session, Pint added that the E-Tron GT will be manufactured as green and CO2-neutral as possible in Böllinger Höfen. What they absolutely didn't want: a compromise.

What does this mean?

No extra press release, no real novelty: Audi has subtly trimmed its CES program and moved it to the studio in Neuburg an der Donau. The message: The E-tron GT is produced green, makes no compromises in terms of power or fun—and is a real alternative to Tesla's Model S!