Lengthy-term EV Take a look at Introduction: 2002 Audi e-tron GT Quattro

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Audi automobiles can by no means be accused of doing issues slowly, and the identical goes for the corporate, notably in the case of electrification. It’s been lower than 4 years for the reason that e-tron, the automaker’s first battery electrical mass manufacturing automobile, got here to market and at this time the e-tron household counts seven members. Becoming a member of that preliminary providing is the e-tron Sportback, the e-tron S Sportback, the This autumn e-tron, the This autumn Sportback e-tron, the e-tron GT and the RS e-tron GT.

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Aside from considerably complicated naming and nomenclature — absolutely it must be GT e-tron, or if not then e-tron This autumn — the e-tron steady fulfills the tantalizing prospect of marrying state-of-the-art all-electric powertrains with over a century of car-building and engineering expertise.

I’ve simply spent just a few weeks with what to my thoughts is the very best e-tron package deal thus far, the e-tron GT Quattro. Sure, undoubtably the RS model of this all-wheel-drive grand tourer has extra energy and acceleration, however does a zero to 100 km/h time of 4.1 seconds actually pale compared to the RS’s 3.3 seconds? Suffice to say, each are blindingly fast.

I ought to qualify that my declaration of appreciation for the GT over the opposite e-trons relies on the very fact I whole-heartedly want the game sedan phase over the SUV/CUV classification. I merely want the dealing with, seating place and aesthetics of a automobile over a light-duty truck, which to my thoughts represents the minivans of the 21^st Century. Any automobile with the title ‘utility’ in its description doesn’t set my pulse a-racing. And calling one thing a ‘Sportback’ is to my mind-set over-compensating for one thing missing.

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The phrase ‘missing’ actually has not come to thoughts as soon as throughout my preliminary time on this long-term take a look at drive. The underlying mechanics of the e-tron GT are distinctive, the twin synchronous electrical motors and the 93 kWh Li-ion battery powertrain combo making a silent and seamless driving expertise. The dealing with doesn’t disappoint both, testimony to Audi engineer’s skills in creating an all-wheel-drive transmission consisting of a single pace up entrance and two-speed within the rear. The pictures accompanying this introduction assessment have been taken up Cypress Bowl Highway in West Vancouver, a sinewy and switchback-laden mountain route excellent for testing the cornering, braking and acceleration of the all-electric automobile. Most travellers on this street have large grins as a result of they’re heading as much as ski, snowboard or hike; my ear-to-ear smile was horsepower-induced. That will be 469 ponies, and a sport steering-wheel-gripping 522 hp in increase mode. With regards that latter characteristic, the GT’s electrical motors and transmission are designed to maintain reserves accessible for what Audi refers to as ‘excessive driving conditions,’ translating to that 500-plus horsepower increase on faucet for two.5 seconds.

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From the very first time I drove an electrical automobile, I’ve been considerably obsessive about regenerative braking, the intriguing strategy of harvesting energy again into the battery from friction created by making use of the brakes. Descending down a steep mountain go, or perhaps a suburban hill, and watching as kilometres are being added to the automobile’s remaining vary nonetheless amuses me. To the purpose that when I’m driving an everyday previous ICE automobile, I really feel shortchanged that I’m not including vary to my journey.

Whereas not the very best regen system I’ve skilled — from a consumer and an adaptability perspective — the GT’s gives three settings managed by steering wheel-mounted paddles. As quickly as I begin the automobile I faucet the left-hand shifter twice to have interaction the strongest regen, which seems like a mid-range regen setting in different EVs I’ve pushed. Nonetheless, it’s robust sufficient that tapping the brakes is pointless when taking place a considerably steep hill. Likewise, I press the centre console Drive Choose button till I attain the ‘Effectivity’ setting. I’ll check out the Consolation, Dynamic and Particular person settings within the coming weeks and report on these, and I’ll additionally present some suggestions on the charging features of the e-tron GT, together with utilizing a DC fast-charger. We’ll additionally dive into the inside and cargo capabilities of the four-door, however (spoiler alert!) they’re fairly superior.

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I need to make an modification to my considerably hyperbolic assertion about discovering nothing missing in the case of the e-tron GT, nevertheless it’s no fault of the engineers, designers or builders of this incredible machine. The fault lies solely with me, and my chosen occupation of journalism, the results of which is a checking account falling woefully wanting affording this $129,000 dream machine (really, $144,135 as examined).

Silver lining is that as mentioned journalist, I do nonetheless have just a few extra months behind the wheel. Cue the grin.