I don't love that "performance" is lowercase, but, other than that, 900+ horsepower sounds like a lot of fun.
Photography Courtesy Audi
The horsepower numbers produced by today's EVs continue to raise eyebrows, and that’s no different for the Audi RS e-tron GT performance. Audi rates it for 925 PS, or roughly 918 horsepower.
Furthermore, it retails overseas for 160,500 euros (approximately $178,000 USD). Yes, that’s a lot of money, but consider some of its competitors, like the Mustang GTD (~$300,000 for 815 horses) or 911 GT3 RS ($241,300 for 518 horses).
[Ford Mustang GTD: 815 horsepower–more per liter than a 911 GTS RS]
The RS performance mode comes exclusive to this top model. It’s geared specifically for circuit use and “winding mountain passes.” In this mode, engineers designed the vertical wheel forces for “optimal dynamics” and the mode optimally controls the drive torque at handling limits. The mode “also changes the characteristics for anti-slip control, torque vectoring, suspension tuning, aerodynamics, and cooling strategy.”
Interestingly enough, the RS e-tron GT performance has two speeds, and in RS performance mode it stays in the first gear as long as possible to “make acceleration more dynamic.”
Audi says the RS e-tron GT performance won’t only be available in Europe. More details to come on the U.S. version later this year to early next year.
I don't love that "performance" is lowercase, but, other than that, 900+ horsepower sounds like a lot of fun.
This competes with hardcore ICE powered coupes like the GTD or GT3 RS? High performance EV sedans like the Model S Plaid, Taycan Turbo, Lucid Air seem like more appropriate competition. And this thing is way more expensive than all but the raciest Taycan or Lucid Air. Heck, a Plaid has over 1000hp for literally half the price of this Audi. I'm not the biggest Tesla fan by a long shot, but the value proposition for this thing is pretty poor by comparison.
Audi has not learned its lesson yet on electrics. how poorly did the R8-E sell and you are still pushing super high dollar electrics.
Build a Q5/Q3 electric and keep the ICE powered ones as an option and you will have an electric that sells.
Regular guy using all 918hp on "winding mountain passes" and he may just discover the fastest way to become part of the landscape in the valley far below.
STM317 said:This competes with hardcore ICE powered coupes like the GTD or GT3 RS? High performance EV sedans like the Model S Plaid, Taycan Turbo, Lucid Air seem like more appropriate competition. And this thing is way more expensive than all but the raciest Taycan or Lucid Air. Heck, a Plaid has over 1000hp for literally half the price of this Audi. I'm not the biggest Tesla fan by a long shot, but the value proposition for this thing is pretty poor by comparison.
My goal was connecting it to yesterday's story on the GTD - admittedly, it may have missed than mark.
Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package - 1019 hp with Porsche Active Ride (similar to RS performance) - $230,000.
Lucid Air Sapphire - 1234 hp with RS performance similar options - $249,000.
Audi RS e-tron GT performance - ~$178,000.
Tesla Plaid - 1020 hp with RS performance similar options- $89,990.
The Plaid is a bargain when compared to the field.
I'm curious how the U.S. version of the e-tron will vary from its European counterpart.
Colin Wood said:I don't love that "performance" is lowercase, but, other than that, 900+ horsepower sounds like a lot of fun.
Audi has precedent. quattro is (supposed to be) lowercase, too. Unless you are referring to the specific B2 chassis model known only as the Quattro. (The ur-q)
If you've seen an e-tron in person- they are gorgeous. In my opinion, far nicer looking than the model s, plaid, or whatever. And even really the taycan.
This scares me. Has VAG reincarnated Lucas Industries?
Pete. (l33t FS) said:Colin Wood said:I don't love that "performance" is lowercase, but, other than that, 900+ horsepower sounds like a lot of fun.
Audi has precedent. quattro is (supposed to be) lowercase, too. Unless you are referring to the specific B2 chassis model known only as the Quattro. (The ur-q)
True, but I'll add that I'm not the biggest fan of quattro being lowercase, either.
I get it, though, and I'll continue to write quattro and performance in lowercase, but I'm going to complain the whole time. 
In reply to Colin Wood :
As long as they're consistent, I'm good with whatever they choose. Want to start a fight among a group of editors? Mix up how you capitalize something.
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