SuperStreet's Impressions After Driving E-Tron GT

Concept to Production

This concept is built on the Porsche J1 BEV (battery electric vehicle) platform. This includes the same components one would expect to see with the upcoming Porsche Taycan. Specifically, this concept embodies all-wheel drive, with front and rear motors pushing a total of 590 horsepower; which drives zero to 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 149 mph. The innovative 95-kW-hr battery pack yields about 250 miles of range. The 800-volt onboard charging system can bring the battery back to full charge in about 20 minutes. Aesthetically, the windshield and the high definition screens within the cabin are the noticeable similarities. Everything else about the concept is pure Audi design and engineering innovation.   

Coming Soon

The version of the E-tron GT that will hit the dealerships by 2020 is going to be slightly different than this concept. For example, this concept did not include door handles and the wheels were 22 inches in size. Those will be toned down to 21 inch and wrapped in low profile tires. One thing enthusiasts may or may not be thrilled about is that the glowing E-tron logos will be removed from the production models. The model driven for the SuperStreet article was said to be put together hastily. There was a noise from the rear axle and the suspension felt jarring. I wonder if the test drive taking place in the war zone of downtown LA had anything to do with that? Either way, these elements will be fully addressed and ironed out before the concept becomes a reality. 

>>Join the conversation about the E-Tron GT and E-Tron SUV right here in the AudiWorld forum!

A proper cabin

Most people won't guess what components are used in the interior of this upcoming vehicle. Audi has always had a reputation for having beautiful luxury interiors. Both the concept and production models won't disappoint with high-def screens for the virtual cockpit and infotainment systems which are comprised of VW Group hardware. However, its biggest statement is in its clean and innovative reuse of materials. The leather is synthetic, the seat fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles, and the floor coverings started life as old nylon fishing nets. Audi takes sustainability seriously! Pair this up with the BEV platform and you have a sophisticated eco-friendly and beautiful machine. 

>>Join the conversation about the E-Tron GT and E-Tron SUV right here in the AudiWorld forum!

Also coming in SUV flavor

Crossovers are all the craze nowadays for consumers with automakers obliging the market with offerings. So, what's even better than this 4 dour concept? A lifted, futuristic, functional and all-electric SUV. Just like the concept in this article and the upcoming Porsche Taycan, this creation will also boast the features of Virtual Cockpit and Audi drive mode. Like the Taycan, this vehicle will also be able to peruse various terrain while regenerating useable power whenever you need it. This is due in part to the innovative "electrohydraulic" braking system. Basically, the E-Tron braking system seamlessly combines motor regen and hydraulic braking. All braking is handled by the motors, which send the captured energy to the battery ready for reuse. The SUV will be debuted in Abu Dhabi and is expected to hit dealer floors in 2019. 

To get the rest of SuperStreet's thoughts after driving the E-Tron GT, just click here. 

>>Join the conversation about the E-Tron GT and E-Tron SUV right here in the AudiWorld forum!

For maintenance and repair guides, browse our technical How-to articles right here at Audiworld.com!

Only the best

This concept and the eventual model that makes it into production shows Audi's drive to corner the premium electric vehicle segment. The E-Tron SUV will debut in Abu Dhabi and has been quite the buzz for a while now. They'll certainly be bringing their A  game to this market and surely give Tesla and others a run for their money. The logic has always been sound: an efficient and eco-friendly way of getting from point A to point B in unmistakable style. Audi has taken that general concept and injected it with serious engineering while allowing premium luxury to be the icing on the cake. 

>>Join the conversation about the E-Tron GT and E-Tron SUV right here in the AudiWorld forum!