Elite Traveler Fall 2021

INSPIRE TOP CARS

NEED TO KNOW Among the lowest rooflines of any Audi, the e-tron GT’s standard carbon fiber roof decreases overall curb weight and lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity.

Audi RS e-tron GT It’s a curious concept, using a parent company as a kind of master pantry for resources and ideas. But that’s exactly what Audi continues to do with VWGroup. The RS e-tron GT, Audi’s first four-door sports car to enter the e-tron electric portfolio, shares principal engineering with Porsche’s Taycan and is built at the same factory where Audi assembles its race cars and R8 supercar. With any RS, the goal is high — repeatable performance that doesn’t overshadow the everyday drivability of the vehicle. The e-tron GT proves no different, pushing 637 hp, resulting in 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds. Audi estimates a range of 232 miles. To overcome the limitations and inevitable anxiety, the 93 kWh battery is 91.5% usable with a 270 kW charge rate that can reach 80% in less than 23 minutes. Straddling comfort with dynamic operation, the e-tron GT comprises a two-speed transmission with dual permanent magnet motors. Available e-torque vectoring+ and rear wheel steering allow for efficiency without sacrificing acceleration. It’s possible for ‘electrified’ to refer to not only a type of vehicle, but the emotion prompted when driving it. The e-tron GT plays an instrumental role in Audi’s global commitment to be net CO2 neutral by 2050 and have 30% of its US model lineup electrified by 2025. Audi RS e-tron GT from $139,900, audiusa.com