A few days ago, the all-electric Audi RS3 from Schaeffler was able to easily out-accelerate a Lamborghini Huracan and Porsche 911 GT2 RS. As it turns out, that very same car is actually just as rapid in reverse as it is going forwards.
Powering the Schaeffler 4ePerformance Concept are four in-wheel electric motors using technology from Formula E. Powering these motors is a 63 kWh battery. All up, the bespoke RS3 delivers 1180 hp.
Fresh after taking on a Huracan and GT2 RS in a series of drag races, Formula E drier Daniel Abt discovered that the 4ePerformante Concept is no slouch in reverse.
In fact, the car is quicker off the line in reverse than any of its rivals are going forwards. Not only does the electric concept spin up all four tires when driven at full throttle in reverse but it was also able to comfortably set a new record for a vehicle traveling in reverse, clocking a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph). The previous reversing record stood at 162.7 km/h (101 mph).
The 4ePerformance will never make it the road and simply serves as a showcase for the technology found in Formula E. Nevertheless, it’s hard not to be bewildered by just how fast this thing is in reverse.