Images of the Audi e-tron GT, the German carmaker’s answer to the Tesla Model S, have been leaked ahead of a global premiere later this week.
Audi has previously shared glimpses of the e-tron Gran Turismo prototype being driven by Formula E champion and Audi driver Luca di Grassi, but this is the first time images have come to light of the vehicle in its production form.
Shared by Spanish auto enthusiast group Cochespias on Instagram, Audi bills the e-tron GT as the “sporty and technological spearhead of its electric offensive”.
Described in a 2020 interview with the racing car driver as “fun” by di Grassi, the e-tron GT can output 270kW of power, so to counter that it features two coolant circuits to handle its particular thermal management requirements, as well as a heat pump to keep the occupants comfortable inside the car.
Di Grassi also noted in that interview that the prototype’s “grip and precision in cornering are definitely very impressive,” which Audi attributes to “gold standard” three-chamber air springs and dampers managed by a central chassis control system.
But while the prototype di Grassi drove featured carbon fibre ceramic brake discs, Audi notes that the production e-tron GT will come with steel discs as standard (tungsten carbide coating is available as an option).
More Audi e-tron GT details are set to be revealed in an online media event on Tuesday evening (Australia time).
There are no official timings as yet for an Australian launch (the e-tron SUV landed here in 2020), but we expect to see it by late 2021.
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.