They stand for efficiency and enthusiasm in equal measure: Five high-performance Audi models for racing and action embody the path of electrified drives. The brand was among the pioneers in 2012 when it began electrifying its drivetrains in racing. The Audi R18 e-tron quattro from Le Mans, the Formula E race car e-tron FE07, the Dakar Rally prototype RS Q e-tron and the two show cars e-tron Vision Gran Turismo and S1 e-tron Quattro Hoonitron have now met for the first time. Nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen met with the current three Audi drivers from the Dakar program to experience the progress made.
“Le Mans was later a first-class technology laboratory”
Electric, fast-paced and emotionally stirring: The five models that were united for the first time at Audi Sport in Neuburg an der Donau even inspire seasoned race drivers. After decades of professional experience and major victories, Mattias Ekström, Stéphane Peterhansel and Carlos Sainz were impressed by the development of electric drives. With “Mister Le Mans” Tom Kristensen, the professional who drove the ancestor of all e-tron models in motorsport during his career was on hand at “e-tron on track.”
It was eleven years ago when Audi celebrated the first victory with a hybrid drive in the Le Mans 24 Hours with the R18 e-tron quattro and the titles in the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC. “After Audi had already demonstrated its pioneering spirit with the quattro in rallying in the eighties, Le Mans was later a first-class technology laboratory,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Rolf Michl. “That’s where the story of our alternative powertrains began, which continues to set new milestones to this day. We inspire millions of fans with them and show worldwide how attractive and effective electric drives are.”
The battery electric powered race car marked the next step in Audi’s motorsport strategy
Teammate Carlos Sainz, two-time World Rally Champion and three-time Dakar winner, started in the most powerful car of the quintet. The brand developed the Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo five years ago as a “race cab” for guests in the FIA Formula E Championship. “More than 800 hp and a purely electric drive. That was incredible,” marveled the 60-year-old Spaniard. “A great car that also looks fantastic. Once you’ve had the chance to try out such a powerful electric car, you only want to drive powertrains like that.” For Formula E itself, the Audi e-tron FE07 was created for the 2020/21 season. The battery electric powered race car marked the next step in Audi’s motorsport strategy. It could mobilize up to 340 hp depending on the operating mode as stipulated by the regulations.
