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Earlier this year, Porsche updated the Taycan with an impressive mid-cycle refresh, increasing its power, range, and charging speed. Following suit, Audi is refreshing its E-Tron GT, which will be available in three variants: the Audi S E-Tron GT, the RS E-Tron GT, and the RS E-Tron GT Performance. Notably, the RS E-Tron GT Performance is Audi’s inaugural electric RS Performance model and holds the title of the most powerful production Audi ever made.
In terms of appearance, the new E-Tron GT family looks similar to its predecessor but features updates like a body-colored strip above the “grille” and a 3D honeycomb pattern in the RS models, echoing Audi’s traditional gas-powered RS vehicles. The front air intakes have a sportier look, while the signature aggressive headlights, arrow-like taillights, and powerful stance remain intact. I’m particularly fond of the new wheel design for the RS models, which resembles a hollow-spoke version of Audi’s classic “Avus” wheel design.
Inside, the layout remains largely unchanged with a similar dashboard, center console, and infotainment design across all models. The digital gauge cluster has been revised to align with Audi’s latest electric vehicles, and there is a new steering wheel design. The steering wheel is flat on the top and bottom for all models, but the RS variants come with a red stripe at the 12 o’clock position and two red thumb buttons labeled “Boost” and “RS.” The “Boost” button delivers a 10-second power surge of 94 horsepower, allowing access to the sedan’s maximum performance. The “RS” button cycles through two adjustable RS driving modes. Another exciting interior feature is an optional sunroof that transitions from opaque to transparent at the touch of a button.
Significant changes also lie beneath the stylish exterior. Like the Taycan, the new E-Tron GT models are equipped with a higher-density 105-kWh (97 kWh usable) battery that weighs nearly 20 pounds less than the previous model’s battery. This enhanced battery allows the high-range S E-Tron GT to achieve an impressive 378 miles of range on a full charge. Furthermore, all E-Tron GT models now support rapid charging up to 320 kW, enabling a charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes.
Not only has charging seen enhancements, but the top-tier RS E-Tron GT Performance also now generates a remarkable 912 horsepower, making it the most powerful Audi in history. This surpasses the previous record held by the outgoing RS E-Tron GT by a staggering 275 horsepower—equivalent to the output of a classic 1990s performance model.
While this power output falls just short of the Taycan Turbo S’s peak of 938 horsepower, it’s still sufficient to accelerate the RS E-Tron GT Performance from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 2.5 seconds. The standard S E-Tron GT offers 670 horsepower and achieves 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, while the RS E-Tron GT hits 0 to 60 in 2.8 seconds with its 844 horsepower.
In upgrading the new E-Tron GTs, Audi has also borrowed from Porsche’s suspension technology. For those opting not to have the standard two-chamber, two-valve suspension, an active suspension is available, allowing for independent lifting and lowering of each corner of the vehicle, similar to what’s offered in the new Porsche Panamera. This system enhances comfort during straight-line and regular driving while adjusting the car’s tilting during cornering for optimal body control. Additionally, an optional four-wheel steering system allows the rear wheels to steer up to 2.8 degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels at low speeds, effectively reducing the turning radius by nearly two feet.
Since its debut, the Audi E-Tron GT has often been overshadowed by its more expensive, powerful sibling, the Porsche Taycan. Although the Taycan still maintains a technical advantage in terms of speed, the performance gap is narrowing more than ever.
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