Audi RS E-Tron GT Confirmed With Dual-Motor Setup [Mega Gallery]

If a Porsche Taycan Turbo S is a little bit outside your price range, you can still get flagship EV performance specs, a premium German badge and futuristic looks by opting for Audi’s upcoming RS e-tron GT model.

Ingolstadt’s Tesla Model S rival is scheduled for a full unveiling later this year, before it goes on sale sometime next spring. Pricing however has yet to be announced officially.

Now, the performance is extremely impressive, even if it means that those recent reports about a possible tri-motor 700 HP setup were wrong. Instead, the RS e-tron GT uses the same dual-motor drivetrain as the Taycan Turbo S, with a reported output of 598 PS (589 HP) – although the overboost function will deploy 646 PS (637 HP) and 830 Nm (612 lb-ft) of torque, based on what Audi told us. Keep in mind, these numbers belong to the pre-production prototype exclusively.

This means the prototype has slightly less power and torque than a Taycan Turbo, even though it has the same battery as the Porsche, with a net capacity of 83.7 kWh.

Other specs being talked about include the RS e-tron GT’s kerb weight of 2.3 tonnes (5,000 lbs), and the configuration of the two-speed gearbox, which keeps you in 1st gear until 50 mph (80 km/h) before changing up. Otherwise, max speed is rated at 155 mph (250 km/h), and 0-62 mph (100 km/h) takes place in under 3.5 seconds.

Audi recently held a media event for the RS e-tron GT prototype in Greece, where aside from media members, the likes of Formula E driver Lucas di Grassi was also invited to sample the fully-electric product. Di Grassi drives for Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler and is a one-time Formula E champion (2016/17).

Here’s what he had to say after driving the RS e-tron GT:

“The car is fun! Obviously, such a Gran Turismo is totally different to a race car. Even so, there are plenty of parallels, especially the powerful acceleration which, just like in our case, is fully available for a long time.”

“With so much high tech, the e-tron GT in terms of cooling is even more innovative than my Formula E race car. Obviously, temperatures in Formula E are even more extreme. That’s why we actively cool the battery down below the outside temperature during the charging process using dry ice.”

“What I particularly like is the car’s handling. Well, you’re saying that, as a Gran Turismo, the car also has to deliver good ride comfort. For me as a race driver, that’s not such a key characteristic. But I must say that the car’s grip and precision in cornering are definitely very impressive.”

He also praised the RS e-tron GT’s braking, which he called “strong and precisely controllable.”

We’ll learn more about the car during its official unveiling later this year, including its official performance figures.