The Audi RS Q e-tron E2 is certainly one of those vehicles that do not go unnoticed and at first sight it left several mouths open at the presentation held in Neuburg, in which Motorsport.com also took part.
From its debut at the Dakar 2022, the vehicle built by the Four Rings and developed in collaboration with the Q Motorsport team has undergone a series of important changes to try to be even more competitive in 2023.
Benedikt Brunninger, head of the technical project, took stock of the situation by specifically illustrating how, where and why different parts were changed, streamlining the car and making it easier for the drivers to drive.
Audi RS Q e-tron E2
Photo by: Audi Communications Motorsport
Where have you worked in these months?
“The aspect we focused the most on was reducing weight and increasing aerodynamic efficiency, as well as the cockpit to improve pilot comfort and energy management. We already had some good ideas and we discussed them by analyzing the data. collected and thinking about design “.
Have you encountered any difficulties?
“The good thing is that the development of these things happened very quickly, so we got to the current product quite quickly. The front is now slimmer, having removed the wheel arches we called ‘elephant foot’ and the concept of the piece, integrated with all the parts, resumes a bit the one of the LMP1 endurance prototypes. The engine hood has also been streamlined on the rear and therefore we have gained a lot of weight, around 80kg in total “.
The spare wheel housing is also new …
“Exactly, here too we thought about how to speed up tire change operations. Now just remove the cover panel of the new wheel and remove it, while to replace the damaged one we proceed with operating a jack that lifts the car. this way a tire change can take place in less than 2 minutes, thanks also to the new design of the rim and bolts “.
Audi RS Q e-tron E2
Photo by: Francesco Corghi
Are you satisfied or is there still something you want to change?
“We also arrived at a racing car aspect that we wanted, iconic and that best represents us. It is a new challenge for us, with new technologies. It is however an evolution of last year’s car”.
How much experience and technologies have you used since Formula E?
“It was all very useful, at the first test we had used the parts mounted on the FE on the prototype at the time. Subsequently it is clear that the experience was very useful, then we developed the electric unit for this specific machine, all designed. , built and developed by us “.
Are you planning to use a gearbox with more gears in the future as well?
“I would say no, also because here we have two electric units mounted on both axles, so we could reach 500kW of power to use. But by regulation it is not possible to go beyond 288kW, so we don’t need it”.
Why did you choose to develop the engine concept starting from the base of the DTM one?
“From the beginning we thought about how to act, whether to take a stock one or a racing one. The problem was the size, that of the DTM was built according to a regulation that provided for a weight of 100kg, so it was the best to start from” .
Audi RS Q e-tron E2
Photo by: Francesco Corghi
A great charge also comes from the top management of Audi Sport, who have left nothing to chance and are ready to carry out the next test in September before the Rally of Morocco which in October will be a sort of test of 9 for the RS Q e-tron E2.
“I think we have a beautiful car and it is very exciting to present it today – explains Rolf Michl, Head of Audi Motorsport – In my career I have had the opportunity to follow various series and challenges, but this is a very special and particular technical level that gives unique emotions “.
“I am very curious to see how it will go, it is clear that the goal is to get on the podium, after we faced the challenge to learn in the first year. We go into the desert with certain expectations, you choose which step of the first three to take, but we will do our best “.
“Sven Quandt’s team did a great job spending hours and hours of time, with the attitude we expected and wanted. In the first year it was about understanding many things, also how the team worked with engineers and drivers, so to improve on all fronts. I believe that the step forward has been made and it is clearly visible, we feel ready and we want to go to the race determined “.
“We will have the next test and the Rally of Morocco to understand how things work with the new car, I will plow there with them because it is right to contribute from every point of view for the team. We are all very focused.”
Audi RS Q e-tron E2
Photo by: Audi Communications Motorsport
Audi RS Q e-tron E2: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Category: T1U Rally Raid Vehicle (Ultimate)
Powertrain
Electric motors: 2 (1 MGU05 Motor Generator Unit derived from Formula E at each axle)
Max power overall in hp / kW: ≤ 392/288
Battery: round cell lithium ion
Net battery capacity: 52 kWh
Range extender: 4-cylinder 2.0 TFSI derived from DTM combined with an MGU05 Motor Generator Unit
Range extender charging power: 220 kW
On-board electronics
Voltages: 12V / 48V / 800V
Powertrain management: Bosch ECU MS 7.4, Bosch VCU MS 50.4P
Power electronics: Motec PDM32
Traction / Transmission
Drive: four-wheel electric, self-locking differentials
Gearbox: single speed
Chassis / Steering / Brakes
Trellis supporting frame structure in steel tubes, auxiliary frames in carbon, Zylon and composite fibers
Front and rear axle: independent suspension with overlapping triangles, coil springs and gas adjustable shock absorbers
Steering: rack and pinion, electro-hydraulic power assistance
Braking system front / rear: brake-by-wire, variable distribution, electro-hydraulic regenerative braking, light alloy calipers, self-ventilated steel discs
Rims: 8.5j x 17 forged alloy
Tires: BF Goodrich 37×12.5 R17
Masses
Minimum unmanned weight: 2,100 kg
Battery weight: 370 kg
Dimensions
Length: 4,670 mm
Width: 2,300 mm
Height: 1,950 mm
Performance
0-100 km / h: <4.5 sec.
Top speed: 170 km / h (limited by regulation)
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