(By Tom Lohnes) – The first all-electric (sort of) entrant in the Dakar rally for 2022, the AUDI RS-Q E-Tron is here to kick some tail while polluting significantly less than the average competitor.
Using two batteries and a 2.0-liter 4-banger tuned to the spec of a DTM car, the RS Q E-Tron is a very interesting almost-EV. The racecar engine in the middle’s only use is to rev at 2,000 RPM and charge the battery, while the motors actually power the wheels. This should give the German off-roader a pretty huge advantage off-road compared to rivals, because the instant torque of the electric motors will help it get over any obstacle easier than a standard gas-powered car which would have to rev a little bit to generate any power.
Also, being an EV eliminates shifting, which reduces driver fatigue which means longer shifts behind the wheel of this Audi. Pretty cool stuff.
The 6,000-km rally spans almost two whole weeks, with it taking place January 2nd of 2022, all the way to January 14th. I’m really excited to see how this Audi does, and if it gives any hope towards a future of battery-powered off-roading
Looks like a cross between the R8 and the “Batman Begins” version of the Batmobile.
Note: I mean that as a good thing.
No shifting, no engine management, no fun, Just another go kart like FE. Not hard to pilot.