First endurance tests for the Audi RS Q e-tron E2

The time is approaching for Audi's new ride in rally-raid, the Audi RS Q e-tron E2. In view of a first appearance for the Rallye du Maroc (October 1 – 6), the brand with the four rings has started the first endurance tests in real conditions, on the dunes of the Sahara. With the crews Mattias Ekström-Emil Bergkvist, Stéphane Peterhansel-Edouard Boulanger and Carlos Sainz-Lucas Cruz, the six drivers and co-drivers got to know their new weapon in racing situations.

The new Audi RS Q e-tron E2* will make its debut at the 2022 @MarocRally, from Oct 1–6. Three entries with our driver crews: @mattiasekstroem & @emilbergkvist1, @s_peterhansel & Edouard Boulanger, @CSainz_oficial & @ LucasCruz74.#FutureIsAnAttitude #RoadToDakar2023 #RSQetron pic.twitter.com/wvn6gKFTFo

- Audi Sport (@audisport) September 21, 2022

More than 6 kilometers of testing for the Audi RS Q e-tron E000

With its new vehicle, Audi traveled a total of 4 kilometers in Morocco. With the previous tests carried out in Europe, the Audi RS Q e-tron E218 has already covered a total distance of 2 kilometers. “Our plan was to have nine days of testing so that each driver/co-driver pair could work with the test vehicle for three days, explained Arnau Niubó Bosch, project manager of runway operations. There were two main objectives: to develop the second evolution for the Dakar Rally and to familiarize the crews with the new developments. Reducing weight creates new opportunities for suspension tuning, which we want to exploit. We are moving in a good direction. The electric drive with all its systems also works more smoothly than in tests a year ago. »

In Morocco, Audi encountered unusually difficult conditions with its team. “With temperatures close to 40 C°, the conditions are extreme and push the car, but also the crews, to their limits, explained Uwe Breuling, head of vehicle operations at Audi Sport. Likewise, the test tracks are very rough this year, which is obviously putting a strain on the technology. But there is nothing that can stop the car, just minor damage that we need to repair. »

“The car drifts less, it is more agile and easier to control”

On the driver side, feedback is also very positive with version 2.0 of the Audi RS Q e-tron. “Not only the weight, but also its distribution is more favorable now, reported Carlos Sainz. The car drifts less, is more agile and easier to control. » An impression confirmed by Stéphane Peterhansel. “When you drive through long, fast turns, there are fewer centrifugal forces. This makes it much easier to stay on the inside of the turn. Likewise, our sitting position is better than before”, explained the record holder for victories on the Dakar. Good sensations which will be confirmed for the next stage: the Rallye du Maroc at the beginning of October.

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