Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo headed for the real world
E-mobility excitement machine to tackle Formula E tracks
Just weeks after announcing it as a virtual concept, Audi has confirmed the e-tron Vision Gran Turismo will be brought to life and driven around Formula E circuits.
Audi is no stranger to the burgeoning Formula E series, having committed to a factory-backed entry in 2017. Now, the brand will use the e-tron Vision Gran Turismo to give customers and guests hot laps of the all-electric competition's street circuits, in an attempt to create some excitement about e-mobility.
Although some previous Vision Gran Turismo cars have been turned into concept cars, Audi says none have actually turned into moving, functional vehicles – at least, none until now.
Power comes from three electric motors – two on the rear axle, and one on the front. With a peak power of 600kW and a 1450kg kerb weight, Audi says it'll hit 100km/h in less than 2.5 seconds.
“This is what we are particularly proud of,” said Audi chief designer, Marc Lichte. “Although the design of a virtual vehicle allows much greater freedom and the creation of concepts which are only hard to implement in reality, we did not want to put a purely fictitious concept on wheels.
"Our aim was a fully functional car. The Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo shows that electric mobility at Audi is very emotive."
The colour scheme matches that of the e-tron prototype, while there are nods to classic Audi racers in the box-flared wheel arches, aero-style wheels and prominent 'quattro' branding. It also looks similar in size to the Volkswagen I.D. R set to tackle Pikes Peak in June.
Both have massive rear wings, both are compact and both run with all-wheel drive electric powertrains. Coincidence? Maybe, but it seems a bit too good to be true.
The Vision Gran Turismo will make its debut in Rome on April 14.