Audi presents the RS Q e-tron E2, its new 4×4 for the 2023 Dakar

While waiting to disembark Formula 1 in 2026, Audi wants to add the Dakar to its medal table in January 2023. For the brand with the rings, the rally-raid which will take place in Saudi Arabia from December 31, 2022 to January 15, 2023 constitutes a major objective for the German firm, which presented the evolution of its hybrid vehicle, the Audi RS Q e-tron E2.

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As a nod to the manufacturer's history, the addition of the E2 mention recalls the glorious days of Group B in rallying in the 1980s with the extreme version of the four-wheel drive Audi Quattro.

MEDIAINFO: Audi RS Q e-tron E2*: lighter, more aerodynamic and even more efficient

>> https://t.co/0DRb3RzUaO#FutureIsAnAttitude #RoadToDakar2023 #RSQetron pic.twitter.com/iUAAxejryc

- Audi Sport (@audisport) September 1, 2022

Victorious in three stages for its rally-raid debut at the 2022 Dakar, the Audi hybrid has been extensively revised for its second attempt in 2023. “The Audi RS Q e-tron E2 does not take any bodywork elements from its predecessor”, says Axel Löffler, chief designer of the Audi RS Q e-tron. In order to meet the prescribed interior dimensions, the cockpit, which was previously closely recessed towards the roof, is now significantly wider. The front and rear hoods have also been redesigned.

“We are now eliminating the passage under the rear hood to the left and right of the B-pillars. Combined with modified lay-ups, i.e. layers of composite materials, this solution makes it possible to reduce weight,” explains Löffler. In the future, T1U prototypes will have to weigh 2 kg instead of 100 kg. Since the first generation of the Audi RS Q e-tron was overweight, it was necessary to save several dozen kilos. This is accompanied by a lowering of the vehicle's center of gravity.

Furthermore, teams can now work much more easily after a puncture. Simple, flat and easily removable body elements replace the old bulky spare wheel covers in the sidewalls. The new ten-spoke Rotiform rims are much easier to handle. Drivers and co-drivers can grip them more easily and make the change safely.

“We have combined all the lessons learned from the past in a very short time. The result of our ideas is represented by the evolution of the E2 », says Uwe Breuling, Head of Vehicle Operations at Audi Sport. “The determined work of our development team has prepared us perfectly for our second Dakar Rally. »

The electric drive train of the Audi RS Q e-tron E2 includes an energy converter consisting of an internal combustion engine and a generator, as well as a high-voltage battery and two electric motors on the front axles and back.

As for the crews, nothing changes. “Monsieur Dakar”, Stéphane Peterhansel, is back in search of a 15th success in the event in association with the navigator Édouard Boulanger. “El Matador”, Carlos Sainz Senior, remains in the dance with Lucas Cruz while Mattias Ekström and Emil Bergkvist, beginners last year, will seek to play the leading roles.