Here is the Audi RS Q e-Tron which is set to conquer the Dakar in 2022 
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The brand new Audi RS Q e-Tron, the prototype which is set to make its debut at the 2022 edition of the Dakar Rally, has been officially unveiled this past Friday.. 

The German machine, which boasts a number of innovative technical features, comes with every intention of dominating the desert raid. Rivals brace yourselves!  

What makes the new Audi most unique of all is its groundbreaking power unit, which is made up of three motor generator units (MGUs), borrowed from their Formula E car, connected to a 50kWh battery. 

 

 

Two of the identical but independent MGUs are located above each of the axels, and the third one is in charge of feeding the battery, which is also re-charged during the race.  

But that is not all. The power unit also features a 2.0L TFSI engine. Originated in the German Touring Car Championship (DTM), this will act as a sort of generator. 

This engine does not have any role in the propulsion of the vehicle, so what you end up with is a fully electric drive, but with considerably extended autonomy.  

A complex technical system to outsmart its rivals 

The complex system that Audi has engineered for its new vehicle (three electric and one heat engine) is very infrequent in road vehicles, for which the battery is the key element. 

The innovative design by the engineers at Ingolstadt could be more competitive, and might well outperform the ordinary power units of its rivals.   

Although we have no current data regarding the actual performance of the Audi RS Q e-Tron, which has only just rolled onto the sand for the first time, brand representatives believe that the total power output could reach 500 kW (670hp).

https://twitter.com/MatraxRacing/status/1418601192402391041

The project started developing in June 2020 and the e-Tron has already managed to complete a first round of tests in Germany. During said tests, Carlos Sainz, Stepháne Peterhansel and Mattias Ekstrom have driven the car for seven days and obtained some invaluable information regarding its dynamic behaviour. 

Trials are now planned to continue in Spain (Aragón) before the end of July, where the vehicle will go into the next stage of its development program.  

To get crowned in the desert 

The German giant announced its withdrawal from Formula E last November to move on to the Dakar and Le Mans and the Audi RS Q e-Tron is their very ambitious bid to dominate in the desert raid.  

To make this dream come true, Audi has hired two of the best rally drivers of all times to lead the racing challenge, the three-times champion Carlos Sainz and the eight-time winner in cars and crown defendant Stepháne Peterhansel. 

The Swedish driver Mattias Ekstrom, who took part in the last edition of the Dakar, will take the wheel of the third vehicle to complete an outstanding line-up.  

RS Q e-Tron: The philosophy behind the car and the brand 

As a curiosity, the name “RS Q e-Tron“ brings together the essence of both the brand as a whole and of this model in particular. The letters RS are the acronym of Audi’s sports division, and the Q makes reference to their range of SUVs. Finally, the e-Tron refers to its series of electric vehicles. 

Images of Audi RS Q e-Tron: Audi Media Center.

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