Just yesterday, Audi showed off a camouflaged version of its all-new e-tron GT four-door concept, set to hit production in 2020. Now, we finally get to see the car fully uncovered. If this is the future of Audi, we can't wait.
Like most new electric cars these days, the e-tron GT concept uses a flat-floor design to house the 90 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which sends power to two permanently excited synchronous motors—one at the front axle, and one at the rear. Being an Audi, of course it has all-wheel drive. Audi says the system makes 590 horsepower in total, capable of propelling the car to 62 mph in around 3.5 seconds, 124 mph in just more than 12 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 149 mph. Because the batteries are positioned so low in the car, Audi claims the e-tron's center of gravity is comparable to its mid-engine R8 supercar. Range is estimated at 248.5 miles, and thanks to an onboard 800-volt charging system, the e-tron can recharged 80 percent of its battery capacity (around 199 miles) in just 20 minutes. Like most other electric cars, regenerative braking is standard, and can be adjusted via paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
Design-wise, the e-tron GT concept is distinctly Audi. The sloping roof and four-door, four-seat layout remind me of the new A7, though with some sweet widened fenders and an RS honeycomb-style grille. The rear taillight structure stretches across the liftgate, and expands out as it reaches the fenders. Those wheels are 22 inches in diameter, wrapped in 285/30-size tires. The interior looks nearly production-ready, with touchscreens for the infotainment and climate controls, as well as a digital gauge cluster. Audi claims the interior is fully "vegan," with no animal-based products present. Synthetic leather is used throughout, and that cool cushion pattern is made from recycled fibers.
Though this is just a concept, the e-tron GT looks pretty close to production, aimed squarely at cars like the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan, which it should share a platform with. Audi says it will go into production in 2020. We can't wait to get behind the wheel.
Brian Silvestro is Hearst Autos' former lead deputy editor for rankings content. He spent over seven years as a staff writer for Road & Track Magazine where he contributed car reviews, industry interviews, and more. He has a taste for high-mileage, rusted-out projects and amateur endurance racing.
