Audi RS Q e-tron (2022). The Dakar prototype presented
Audi lifts the veil on its prototype intended for the Dakar Rally 2022, called the RS e-tron. This electrified off-roader has a powertrain that draws its components from both DTM and Formula E, and displays a spectacular design in which the very imposing roof air intake greatly participates.
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A hybrid 4×4 with electric drive
The ventilation in question is used to force-feed the four-cylinder turbo petrol TFSI engine, which is located under the rear cover, with air. However, the latter does not drive the wheels. Combined with an electric motor with energy recovery (MGU), it is used to power a battery of approximately 50 kWh for 370 kg which redistributes its energy to the two electric motors which each drive an axle. This powertrain develops 500 kW or 680 hp. The maximum usable power has not yet been defined by the regulations. The axles are not mechanically connected; torque distribution is managed electronically. The heat engine operates continuously at an optimum speed of between 4,500 and 6,000 rpm, which optimizes its consumption.
The advantage of this mechanism is to offer more autonomy than a 100% electric motor, some stages of the rally-raid stretching over 800 km. » It’s a very long distance. What we are trying to do has never been done before. This is the ultimate challenge for an electric powertrain », Says Andreas Roos, the project manager. But Julius Seebach, CEO of Audi Sport, recalls: “ The quattro was a game-changer in the World Rally Championship. Audi was the first brand to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans with an electrified powertrain. «
Foot-to-floor sizes
The designers of the ring brand have managed to incorporate some recognizable styling cues such as thin LED grid lights on the front and a light strip on the back. Audi will be able to count on a team of champions to drive and co-drive the RS Q e-tron since we will find at the wheel Stéphane Peterhansel, Carlos Sainz and Mattias Ekström, supported by Édouard Boulanger, Lucas Cruz and Emil Bergkvist respectively. The next Dakar Rally will take place in Saudi Arabia from January 2 to 14, 2022.
