Audi’s most powerful production car comes to Irish roads

Among them is the most powerful production car the Audi brand has made to date. The RS e-tron GT Performance delivers a staggering 680kW (912hp) and is capable of rocketing from a standing start to 100kmh in just 2.5 seconds. Your eyes don’t deceive you: 2.5 seconds.

And then there are its two GT (Gran Turismo) stablemates. The electric RS e-tron GT can draw on 630kW (845hp) while the S e-tron GT can conjure up to 500kW (670hp).

The RS e-tron GT zips from zero to 100kmh in 2.8 seconds while the S e-tron version gets to 100kmh in 3.4 seconds.

Due to go on sale here tomorrow, we are talking supercar prices too. The S e-tron GT “entry level” starts at €139,635; the RS e-tron GT model costs from €163,395; and the RS e-tron GT Performance comes in at €177,650.

The S e-tron GT has a top speed of 245kmh while the RS models have top speeds of 250kmh. There is no way you are going to drive these cars on ­public roads to anything remotely close to their potential. So take them to a track. You should just enjoy the technology and feel the potential of power on the public road. Speeding is involved in too many accidents and deaths.

While there is emphasis on power and performance, there is a newly developed and enlarged brake system with standard steel discs and black calipers to cope with the need for deceleration.

A new standard boost function ­allows the RS e-tron GT and the GT ­Performance to provide a noticeable 70kW (94hp) increase in power while driving. You can activate the boost function – which lasts for 10 seconds – with the left control satellite on the steering wheel.

A lighter battery with higher energy density means you get a claimed range of up to 605km.

The battery has a net storage capacity of 97kWh while the energy from recuperation, such as regenerative braking, has increased from 290kW (389hp) to 400kW (536hp).

The battery can charge from 10pc to 80pc in just 18 minutes at a high-­power charging station. For just 10 minutes charging, you get range of up to 280kms.

Fitted with Plug & Charge, the car automatically authorises and activates compatible charging stations when the cable is plugged in.

Overall, there are significant advances in range, performance and charging capacity. And there is a newly developed air suspension.

The e-tron GT quattro has been ­Audi’s top electric/sporty model since its 2021 debut. And now the new four-door Gran Turismo (GT) “family” includes its first fully electric scintillating RS Performance model.

Audi has made the front more radically drawn while the rear borrows elements from motorsports. The RS Performance model has a unique design. You can opt for new 20in alloys for the S e-tron GT and RS versions.

Inside there are redesigned seats, steering wheel and entry sills while the upgraded virtual cockpit provides new information on the battery, temperature and more – and shows the maximum possible charging power in real time.

The electric motors on the front axle of the S e-tron GT and the RS e-tron GT have an output of 176kW (236hp) each while the Performance model has modified power electronics on the front axle.

The new electric motor on the rear axle also has a permanent magnet synchronous motor. That means all-wheel drive. The electric motors have an output of 415kW each.

The now-standard air suspension is newly developed with valve technology that has significant advantages in the driving dynamics without imposing on comfort. Depending on the car’s initial height, it can rise by 55mm to 77mm in a matter of seconds. A special active suspension is an option.

The drive select dynamic handling system lets you control the sort of drive you want. It has three profiles: ­efficiency, comfort and dynamic.

There is also an option of all-wheel steering which cuts turning radius by about 0.6 meters.

I hope you enjoyed this brief flirt with fantasy.