E-Legend: Audi Sport quattro goes electric
The district of Eichstätt, with its Catholic university, is rather far removed from the automotive industry, and Beilngries, originally part of the Upper Palatinate and on the outskirts of this district, is even further removed. However, it directly borders Ingolstadt and consequently is home to a number of "hidden champions," which could include the EL1 Coupé.
Behind the visually apparent homage to the Audi Sport quattro in this powerful electric vehicle is ELegend founder Marcus Holzinger, an automobile designer and a motorsport fan since his early childhood. According to Auto Motor und Sport, Holzinger feels a special connection to the rare Sport Quattro because his father once contributed to its design. Holzinger himself has already worked as a designer for VW, thus keeping it in the family and close to Audi's main plant. For the technology of the EL1, the managing director of the Bavarian small-series manufacturer Roding Automobile, Günther Riedl, is responsible. Riedl cryptically explains that the battery modules planned for the EL1 can also be found in a German manufacturer of high-performance sports cars – and since the EL1 also comes with an 800-volt electrical system, we are assuming Porsche. And since the Audi e-tron GT is a close relative of the Taycan (though it is assembled in Neckarsulm and not in Ingolstadt), this remains somewhat close to Audi as well.
Safe is safe: Batteries from mass production
According to Riedl, the battery modules are produced by a mass manufacturer, ensuring quality. The biggest challenge was not so much the aesthetics and packaging but the cooling during fast charging. Therefore, for the EL1, they decided on a sophisticated liquid cooling system. The battery with a gross capacity of 90 kilowatt-hours (kWh) is located in the central tunnel and the lower area behind the seats, thus structured somewhat differently than in the Taycan and e-tron GT.
The range also aligns with the Porsche electric vehicle: even with sporty driving, up to 400 kilometers should be possible. One battery charge, in DC with up to 150 kW charging capacity, should be enough for at least two "driven in heavy SportPlus mode" laps on the Nordschleife, according to Auto Motor und Sport, thanks to energy recovery through regenerative braking – also known from Porsche. The EL1 is powered by three electric motors – one at the front, two at the rear axle, providing a combined system power of 600 kW (816 hp). With all-wheel drive and demand-based "torque blending" between front and rear, the EL1 should be able to move sportily. It should reach 100 km/h within 2.8 seconds and pass the 200 km/h mark in under ten seconds. The top speed is limited to 255 km/h.
Lightweight: Only 1,680 kilograms curb weight
The lightweight carbon monocoque is supposed to limit the vehicle's curb weight to only 1,680 kilograms despite a 550-kilogram battery, which is comparatively little for such a powerhouse. The 19-inch wheels at the front and 20-inch ones at the back ensure grip. ELegend can also envision a rear-wheel-drive model for later versions. This would require less power and a smaller battery, resulting in less weight and possibly just as much fun.
The exterior design of the EL1 already looks quite final: the Urquattro is immediately and clearly recognizable, yet Holzinger reinterprets many details deftly, setting the EL1 far enough apart from the original. The interior is subtly oriented towards current Audi models – it is not yet clear whether the exterior mirror cameras will be part of the standard equipment or an extra cost, but power windows and air conditioning are confirmed.
EL2 and EL3 could be inspired by Lancia, Peugeot or Renault
The first prototype is expected to be completed at the beginning of 2022, and ELegend plans to build a total of 30 units of the series version. Subsequently, two more series of 30 vehicles each, the EL2 and EL3, will follow, drawing inspiration from Group B rally legends. During the presentation of the EL1, ELegend showcased not only an Audi Sport Quattro S1 but also a Lancia Stratos HF Stradale, which could serve as a model for the EL2. For the EL3, company founder Holzinger has Lancia Delta S4, Lancia Rally 037, Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 E2, and Renault 5 Maxi Turbo in mind for inspiration. All 90 cars will be handmade, with the base price of an EL1 at 890,000 euros net, which amounts to nearly 1.06 million euros gross. The first twelve EL1 units are expected to be delivered by the end of 2023, with the remaining 18 following in 2024.
For the launch of the "almost completely" planned ELegend AG, supporters are still being sought. Interested parties can join in with as little as 290.00 euros per share.
What does this mean?
Reviving rally legends – this could have been an opportunity for Lancia to have a flagship showcase within the Stellantis group. Instead, this is now being planned in Beilgries, where they aim to electrify the Audi Sport Quattro and its peers with proven high-quality technology and 800-volt architecture. With tangible realistic production numbers – it just might work!
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