Audi Sport, the motorsport division of Audi AG, has revealed the new RS Q e-tron prototype that will be the company's Dakar Rally challenger in 2022. The electric-powered off-roader promises to be an equally potent rival to the traditional internal combustion engine-powered rally cars at the next Dakar and is a daring ambition from the automaker, not just in terms of range but also reliability, performance and other concerns. The 2022 Audi RS Q e-tron off-roader measures 4500 mm in length and is 2300 mm wide.
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The final Dakar version of the Audi RS Q e-tron will be identical to the prototype
Julius Seebach, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH, says, "The Quattro was a gamechanger for the World Rally Championship. Audi was the first brand to win the Le Mans 24 Hours with an electrified drivetrain. Now, we want to usher in a new era at the Dakar Rally, while testing and further developing our e-tron technology under extreme conditions. Our RS Q e-tron was created on a blank sheet of paper in record time and stands for Vorsprung durch Technik."
The two electric motors make 250 kW each, but the final power output will depend on the regulations prescribed by the Dakar Rally organisers
The Audi RS Q e-tron runs on two electric motors mounted on either axle and the powertrain has been lifted from the e-tron FE07 Formula E car and is capable of producing a combined output of 500 kW, as allowed by the regulations. Audi says only minor modifications were made to put it to use for the Dakar Rally. The 50 kWh high-voltage battery that weighs 370 kg and is will be charged on the move using a 2.0-litre highly-efficient, four-cylinder TFSI engine from the automaker's DTM series will operate in the range of 4500 and 6000 rpm. It is powered by a 295-litre fuel tank.
A third electric motor has been added, and is part of the energy converter and serves to recharge the high-voltage battery while driving. In addition, energy is recuperated during braking. It will also get the plug-in charging option as well. Audi is also working with Amaury Sport Organisation, the organisers of Dakar to find the most suitable way of charging the RS Q e-tron between the stages.
The Audi RS Q e-tron livery is also likely to remain identical on the rally car
The rally last two weeks with participants required to complete about 800 km every day. Andreas Roos, responsible for the Dakar project at Audi says, "That's a very long distance. What we are trying to do has never been done before. This is the ultimate challenge for an electric drivetrain."
The prototype is nearly ready for the rally, says Audi, while the livery would be identical too. The standout design will make it a head-turner for sure, while the massive intake on the roof makes for a different visual. The Dakar challenger also conceals two spare tyres in its bodywork instead of being externally mounted, as the automaker is taking no chance when it comes to aerodynamic efficiency. With electric vehicles, this will be the ultimate test when it comes to range anxiety.
The Audi RS Q e-tron marks a new era in the world of rallying and will come with a steep learning curve for Audi
Roos says, "This project's schedule is extremely packed and challenging. Less than twelve months have passed since the project officially started. We had to begin the development while the regulations for alternatively-powered vehicles had not even been finalized yet. And all of the development took place during the Corona pandemic. You mustn't underestimate that either. What the team has achieved so far is unique. The roll-out was a very special moment for everyone."
The Audi RS Q e-tron prototype will now undergo an intensive test program along with the first test entries at cross-country rallies later in the year. The RS Q e-tron weighs well over two tonnes and veteran drivers Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz were the first to get a taste of electric performance at Audi's test track earlier this month. Sainz, Mattias Ekstrom and Stephane Peterhansel then completed another seven days of testing in sand, dirt and rain for a total of 200 km.
