Audi wants a piece of the action at the GTI Meet at Lake Worthersee, which starts next Wednesday. And they have booked front-seat tickets with the new e-Tron and Vision Gran Turismo.
Presented this spring in Geneva, the brand’s first all-electric model will take on the Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model X. It’s estimated to start at €80,000 ($95,850) in Germany and around $100,000 in the United States.
But before hitting production and marching into dealerships, the new Audi e-Tron will act as a towing vehicle for the e-Tron Vision Gran Turismo. Thus, the electric SUV “demonstrates its suitability for everyday use”, says the German automaker, and puts its optional trailer hitch to use, aimed at “sport and leisure activities”.
More importantly, the zero-emission SUV will be able to travel for more than 400 km (249 miles) in the WLTP driving cycle, so users shouldn’t be too concerned about running out of juice.
Sitting quietly on the trailer is the e-Tron Vision Gran Turismo. It was originally developed for the popular PlayStation 4 video game and Audi subsequently made a real-life concept, which debuted last month’s Formula E race in Rome, Italy.
The Audi e-Tron Vision Gran Turismo is as impressive to drive as it is to look at. The naught to 100km/h (62mph) acceleration takes 2.5 seconds thanks to the three electric motors that deliver 815 PS (804 HP / 600 kW) to both axles.
Described as a “one-off racing prototype“, it weighs 1,450 kg (3,197 lbs), has a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, and some very iconic design elements that are a throwback to the Audi 90 Quattro IMSA GTO racer.