Audi pushes RS e-tron GT performance output to 925 ps

Until now, the ‘performance’ badge has thus far only been used for Audi RS models with combustion engines. With the new RS e-tron GT performance, Audi is debuting its first fully electric RS performance model which is also the brand’s most powerful production model with output of up to 680 kW (925 ps) when using Launch Control.

In addition to a permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PSM) on the front axle with a reinforced driveshaft and an output of 252 kW (342 ps), the newly developed 10-kg lighter PSM on the rear axle has an output of 415 kW (564 ps).

With its higher performance, the RS e-tron GT performance’s front axle has modified power electronics with a revised pulse inverter, enabling higher discharge currents of up to 600A, double that of the S e-tron GT3 and the Audi RS e-tron GT4. The rear axle also operates at 600A.

Audi engineers have also increased braking recuperation to 400 kW. The maximum deceleration value is 4.5 m/s; up to this value, the car relies solely on recuperation. During coasting, recuperation has been increased to 0.6 m/s and 1.3 m/s (previously 0.3 and 0.6), so more energy can be recovered.

In this way, Audi has widened the spread between the dynamic one-pedal feel and efficient coasting. “This allows us to increase efficiency while responding to what our customers want. When the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the car achieves a distinctly noticeable deceleration, which makes for sporty driving,” explained Jaan Mattes Reiling, Technical Project Manager for the Audi e-tron GT model family.

Adapted thermal management
One of the development goals for the performance model was high efficiency across all load ranges and repeat output availability. This makes for more reproducibility and superior performance. Adapted thermal management and intelligent interconnection of the four coolant circuits play a vital role – especially in RS performance mode, which is an exclusive feature of the top model.

When increased output is used, the thermal management system switches on the AC circuit to ensure the high-voltage battery is sufficiently cooled. The adapted cooling circuit conditions the interior while simultaneously and actively lowering the temperature in the coolant circuits of the HV battery and the two electric motors in the RS e-tron GT performance.

Cooling of the electric motors, interior air conditioning, and conditioning of the HV battery can now be controlled largely independently of each other. Significant changes have been made to pumps and valves to optimize the performance of the thermal management system.

New cell chemistry in battery
New cell chemistry in the battery is also partly responsible for the increased output of the RS e-tron GT performance. It has a gross storage capacity of 105 kWh (97 kWh net) with higher energy capacity and higher charging and driving currents compared to the predecessor model. The maximum charging currents have been increased to 400A and when Launch Control is activated, up to 1,100A of current can flow.

This is also the case when using the new push-to-pass function which provides a 70 kW increase in output at speeds above 30 km/h for up to 10 seconds. When the driver activates push-to-pass, the battery uses the same map as for Launch Control. At the same time, the drive components automatically switch to the Audi drive select mode dynamic.

The maximum charging power has been increased by 50 kW up to 320 kW. This reduces recharging time from 10% to 80% to only 18 minutes in optimum conditions.

Individually configurable RS modes
A newly developed air suspension with 2-chamber/2-valve technology comes as standard. For the first time, an innovative, wheel-selective active suspension system is available as an option. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system lets the driver control the vehicle’s character as usual. It features 3 profiles: efficiency, comfort, and dynamic. In addition, two individually configurable, RS-specific modes, RS1 and RS2, allow the driver to select drive, suspension, ride height, and sound.

As an exclusive feature, the RS e-tron GT performance has a RS performance mode, designed for an optimal setup on challenging circuits and winding mountain passes. The vertical wheel forces were designed for optimal dynamics in this mode. The special characteristics allow the drive torque to be optimally controlled at the handling limits.

 

Performance mode also changes the characteristics for anti-slip control, torque vectoring, suspension tuning, aerodynamics, and cooling strategy. In performance mode, the car uses the same switching strategy as in dynamic mode. This means that the transmission stays in the first gear of its two-speed gear as long as possible to make acceleration more dynamic.

Carbonfibre camouflage
Besides an exclusive new Bedford Green exterior finish, customers who order the optional matte darkened carbonfibre roof can combine with other optional carbonfibre camouflage elements. Audi is offering this for the first time and only exclusively for this new variant. Carbonfibre camouflage is used in the inlays in the bumper, the rocker panel, parts of the diffuser, and side mirrors.

Sporty re-enhanced sound experience
The driver can control the car’s sound – from the quiet of an electric drive to a progressive sound experience. As an audible expression of the progressive GT character, the sound in the cabin has been re-enhanced for this performance model.

The digital sound is based on data such as the speed of the electric motors, the position of the accelerator pedal, the speed of the vehicle, and other parameters. The result is a synthetic sound sampled from 32 individual sources – ranging from a variety of real recordings to edited synthesizer audio – that supports the operation of the drive system in an authentic and highly nuanced way.

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