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2021 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo: An In-Depth Look

Introduction

With the introduction of the new Cross Turismo range of Porsche Taycan models, we’re now entering the second act of the company’s electrification strategy. The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo carries over the EV-platform and performance from its sedan counterpart, then amalgamates them with the utilitarianism of a sporty crossover / estate. What this means is that you can expect the same 800-volt battery architecture powering the car, with 93.4 kWh as the standard fare on all models (certain sedan trims could be had with a smaller 79.2 kWh pack).

While a number of the Cross Turismo models’ design elements bear an obvious resemblance to the sedans, they offer something very distinct as well. Aside from the glaringly obvious visual and utilitarian differences that are on tap, all CT models feature a longer roof which flows into its estate-like silhouette. This allows the CT models to have up to 43 cu. ft. of cargo space – compared to the sedan’s 14 cu. ft – plus an additional 36 mm of headroom for rear-seated passengers. The Cross Turismo also comes with significantly more ground clearance too, along with a “Gravel Mode” which is unique to the CT range.

Adding the optional Off-road Design Package gives the car an even more pronounced statement of intent; one that suggests that the Cross Turismo can go places and perform tasks that the regular, more sportscar-oriented Taycan cannot. The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is currently available in four distinct trim levels – 4, 4S, Turbo, and Turbo S – with relative performance figures and standard features across the range, mostly in parallel with that of the sedans. The gap in performance (and price) between the 4S and Turbo models suggests that there is ample room for a GTS model to naturally slot in some time down the road, but we will have to wait and see.

Available Trims

2021 Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo

Base Price: US$90,900
Engine: AC Permanent Synchronous Motor
Power: 375 hp (469 hp w/ Overboost Power and Launch Control)
Torque: 368 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds
Top Speed: 137 mph

The Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo is the entry-level offering within the CT range, with its performance figures most comparable to the base rear-wheel drive Porsche Taycan sedan. It does get a boost over the aforementioned, thanks to the larger 93.4 kWh battery and all-wheel drive coming standard.

For those who have a budget in mind and are willing to forgo a bit of performance in order to partake in Porsche’s interpretation of fully-electric-practicality, the Taycan 4 Cross Turismo is a great choice priced at well under 6-figures before options.

2021 Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo

Base Price: US$110,300
Engine: AC Permanent Synchronous Motor
Power: 482 hp (562 hp w/ Overboost Power and Launch Control)
Torque: 479 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds
Top Speed: 149 mph

The Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo is the second offering in the CT range, and costs $6,500 more to get into than its sedan equivalent. However, it is important to note that the 4S Cross Turismo comes standard with Performance Battery Plus (93.4 kWh battery) while the 4S sedan does not. Both models share the exact same performance specs when equipped with the 93.4 kWh battery, with the CT a smidge slower from 0-60 mph due to the extra bit of weight.

In our opinion, we feel that the 4S Cross Turismo offers the best balance of price, performance, and practicality out of all the models in the range. Where the Taycan sedan is more of a high-performance sports car, the CT is targeting the more pragmatic, family-oriented buyer; one who is more likely to find that the performance of the Turbo and Turbo S models go well beyond what is needed for the task at hand.

2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo

Base Price: US$153,500
Engine: AC Permanent Synchronous Motor
Power: 616 hp (670 hp w/ Overboost Power and Launch Control)
Torque: 626 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 3.1 seconds
Top Speed: 155 mph

For those who want to enjoy their Taycan Cross Turismo for more than just family road-trips and running errands around town, the Turbo offers insane performance if you also fancy a weekend session at the race track or straight-line launches on the empty country backroads.

The Turbo generates up to 670 hp and can complete 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, transforming the car from reliable kid-hauler to practical supercar. Among other things, the Turbo will also come standard with more features, which include 20” Taycan Turbo Design Wheels and larger brakes compared to the 4 and 4S models.

2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo

Base Price: US$187,600
Engine: AC Permanent Synchronous Motor
Power: 616 hp (750 hp w/ Overboost Power and Launch Control)
Torque: 774 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 2.7 seconds
Top Speed: 155 mph

The Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo is for those who desire performance without compromise and want to make the ultimate statement in a Porsche Taycan. While the practicality of the CT’s station wagon platform still remains, there is no doubt that it plays second fiddle to the performance credentials that only a Turbo S can offer.

Generating up to 750 hp, Porsche claims that the Turbo S Cross Turismo is capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in just 2.7 seconds. However, a number of independent tests have been able to complete this feat in even less time, revealing hypercar credentials which are likely to overshadow the car’s inherent utilitarian qualities.

The Turbo S also comes standard with more equipment than any other CT model, with Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes (PCCB), Sport Chrono Package and Adaptive Sport Seats Plus (18-way) available at no extra cost. The car is also equipped with 20” Taycan Turbo S Design wheels, which can be upgraded to the 21” Cross Turismo Design Wheels for free.

Engine, Drivetrain & Performance

As mentioned earlier, all Taycan CT models will come equipped with the same 93.4 kWh battery as standard to complement the compulsory all-wheel drive. Each of the 4 trims (see above) unlock increasing stages of power as you move up the roster, with the range-topping Turbo S capable of some 750 hp and 774 lb-ft of torque. The 2-speed transmission also carries over and continues to be a stand-out feature amongst other EVs, with the platform allowing for improved battery performance and efficiency. Regardless of the power on tap, you can expect the CT models to exhibit the very same sensations and driving character as their sedan counterparts. Acceleration and throttle response are instantaneous in relation to pedal inputs, with power delivered ever so smoothly, even while at times brutally so, particularly in the Turbo and Turbo S models.

“One pedal driving” continues to elude the Taycan CT’s skillset; this is where other EVs – like Teslas – can almost be exclusively driven using only the accelerator, as merely taking the foot off the pedal is sufficient to bring the car to a stop in most situations, making the brake pedal more of a luxury than a necessity. I’m not a fan of this, but apparently many people are – frankly, I think it’s a good thing that Porsche has forgone this feature on their cars, as it would be an uncharacteristic one, to say the least. Electric Sport Sound continues to be a trademark on the Taycan CT (though optional on the lower models), providing artificial engine noises orchestrated through a sci-fi symphony.

Most critics believe that the Taycan 4S Cross Turismo hits the sweet spot in the range, with its 482 hp (562 hp w/ Overboost) deemed to be more than sufficient for what most buyers – whom have the CT shortlisted – would be in the market for. I definitely share this sentiment, as 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds is just fine for a family hauler. Nevertheless, the Turbo and Turbo S models showcase the true potential of Porsche’s fully-electric performance line-up, and are impressive machines which should have no problems wooing thrill-junkies who have the means to buy one.

Battery, Range & Charging

It’s the same 800-volt battery architecture powering the car, with 93.4 kWh (of which 83.7 kWh is usable) as the standard fare on all models (certain sedan trims could be had with a smaller 79.2 kWh pack). EPA range estimates are known to be excessively harsh compared to the majority of real-world results, and this trend predictably continues for the Taycan CT.

Here are the EPA range estimates for the 2021 Cross Turismo models:

Taycan 4 Cross Turismo: 215 miles
Taycan 4S Cross Turismo: 215 miles
Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo: 204 miles
Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo: 202 miles

These figures are almost identical to that of the sedan, and likewise, real-world results have similar variances from that of the EPA’s findings. Based on the former, you can expect about a 20-25% increase in mileage for each tier, meaning your Taycan 4 Cross Turismo for example, should get closer to 275 miles of range under normal and reasonable conditions.

Charging speeds are the same across the entire Taycan range, with the Taycan CT also able to boost from a state-of-charge of 5% to 80%, in as quickly as 22.5 minutes at a DC fast charging station. On my personal Taycan 4S sedan, I’ve determined this to be essentially accurate.

Chassis & Handling

Despite being an obviously bigger car, Porsche has impressively kept the weight increase of the CT compared to the sedan to just 25 kg, which was likely no easy feat considering the car’s overall 2,320 kg footprint. In addition to coming exclusively with all-wheel drive, the Taycan CT also has the three-chamber air suspension (PASM) as standard. In CT guise, this allows the car to be raised up to 30 mm higher off the ground than the sedan, while revised wheel mounts, strut supports and a self-levelling system were adapted for the more utilitarian purposes of its cross-over / estate platform. The double wishbone front with multilink rear configuration is also carried over.

The CT also shares the same 5 selectable driving modes: Range, Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual. Exclusive to the CT is a new “Gravel” mode which Porsche says, gives the car more “Bad Road Capabilities” by managing torque distribution and other chassis behaviors to be more harmonized with roads of a non-paved persuasion. Back on tarmac, the CT presents phenomenal ride quality and comfort, blended with remarkable performance and speed, all the while being discreet and unassuming as it goes about it. It’s something you have to experience to truly understand the level at which this is all achieved.

In the most extreme test of the CT’s chassis and handling, I would expect it to perform not dissimilarly to that of any of the all-wheel drive sedans. I do have some of my own data to share after taking my personal Taycan 4S on to the race track, which is laid out in point-form below:

While it’s ultimately impossible to disguise the Taycan’s hefty weight and large footprint, the car has been phenomenally designed to handle it, and then some. The ultra low center of gravity – inherent from the battery’s weight and placement along the floor of the car – adds a new, impressive dimension to high-performance driving that is difficult to duplicate in a petrol engine road car.
Smooth, with no nonsense near the limit. The Taycan is a confidence-inspiring performer, that feels safe without being intrusive, and shows a wild side without needing to be unrefined. Those who believe that an enjoyable track car can’t exist without the ruckus of a screaming exhaust, clunky noises and a tooth-grinding suspension, will probably have their minds changed after driving an EV that has Porsche DNA coursing through its veins.
Combination of electric motor (regen) braking and actual braking (pads and rotors) is quite the dynamic duo in tethering the 5,900 pound Taycan. So effective is the former’s performance, that carbon ceramics would certainly be overkill for the street, while an argument can be also be made for the same (to a lesser degree, of course) on the track. Nevertheless, to squeak out the extra bit of performance in a min-max fashion, PCCB is obviously a required option.
The OEM tires – in my case, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 XL – are a good match for any type of environment, including the track. However, I felt that they were certainly the weak point of the car when it came to high-performance driving and without question, a set of stickier tires such as r-compounds (or these) would have a transformative effect on the experience – as they would in any vehicle transitioning from street tires to track tires. I suspect range would suffer noticeably with the increased grip, though.
PTV Plus and Rear Axle Steering (which came as part of the optional Performance Package) help rotate the car in ways that would initially be thought of as impossible for a 6,000 + pound machine (including driver), even with its uniquely low center of gravity in play. At your command is a level of precision and agility you would normally expect from cars which are mechanically much more nimble. Yes, electronics are at play here to make it possible for the Taycan to provide its “just point and go” capabilities, but as with any Porsche these days the car is remarkably tactile and driver centric.

Brakes & Tires

Let’s start with the Turbo S, which comes fitted with almost unnecessarily large and expensive brakes – I say ‘almost’, because if you do take your car to the race track, then cheers to that! Otherwise, the gigantic 420 mm carbon ceramic brake discs and 10-pot brake calipers will certainly be overkill for any road with a speed limit attached to it. This is particularly true when considering that braking forces up to 0.39G are achieved entirely by the electric motors – more than enough to come to a full-stop in everyday situations – with no pad-to-rotor contact being made until that threshold is broken.

All that being said, the regular steel brakes (or surface coated brakes) will do just fine for the 99% of situations that 99% of Taycan drivers will encounter. Regen braking can be toggled on or off by a switch on the steering wheel, though as mentioned before, one pedal driving isn’t part of the deal; part of what makes it drive more like a sports car, and more like a Porsche. I’m game.

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 XL tires continue to serve as the primary OEM offering for the CT. That’s good and all, but it leaves many of us wondering why an all-terrain tire option isn’t also available from the factory, given the additional talents the CT has stored in its locker.

Design, Cabin & Amenities

Exterior

By nature of its body style and design, the CT offers more cargo space and a smidge more passenger room than the Taycan sedan. In terms of actual outcomes, this equates to an additional 30 cu. ft. of cargo space and about 36 mm of rear headroom (legroom is roughly unchanged). The CT is also 11 mm longer and sits 20 mm higher from the ground than its stablemate, while each are in their default ride settings. The aforementioned Gravel mode will lift the car an additional 10 mm.

Should off-roading or more adventurous excursions be more your flavor (or if you simply like the look, which is just as fine) then we highly recommend the optional Off-road Design Package which is available on all CT models. This package adds black lower body cladding which functions as debris-protection, while giving the car a more rugged, purposeful appearance. As the default, the package also has the car sitting at the higher Gravel mode ride height, but given that these settings can easily be toggled after the fact, makes it sort of a moot point.

Interior

With over 41 cu. ft. of cargo space with the seats folded down, the Taycan CT is sufficiently equipped to meet tackle most utilitarian demands, though competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon manage a lot more with around 64 cu. ft. at its disposal. The extra-long roof doesn’t translate to any more legroom than in the sedan – or even that much more headroom, at just an additional 36 mm – but it certainly creates the sensation of a much more spacious interior.

Those who have already ridden in the Taycan sedan will otherwise note that the two cars are virtually identical inside, with a minimalist touchscreen user interface and control panel at the heart of the driver’s cockpit. Despite being an crossover / estate, the driving position continues to be low-slung and sporty-feeling, with front and rear visibility likewise providing more of a sportscar POV than that of an SUV. That’s fine, as I don’t think Porsche was ever trying to market the car as being the least cool of the Taycan siblings.

As is the case with any Porsche car these days, options – of which there are a plethora – can make or break your build-sheet (and bank account). Anything from an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel to a vegan leather interior is available as an option, and there is no shortage of selectable features to customize the car to one’s personal tastes and exacting demands. There are certain options that I think everyone should strongly consider though, such as the extra rear seat (to make it a true 5-seater instead of a 4+1), the performance roof box and heck, even the rubber floor and rear boot mats. On a car like this, it just makes sense to have all of those things on hand. At worst, it would only be good for resale value.

Verdict

supercars.net – 9/10

“These are still early days for the Taycan, its Cross Turismo derivative, and the EV ecosystem as a whole. If not for some of the challenges facing early adopters who have to contend with the likes of charging infrastructure playing catch-up in most places around the world, the notable effect that cold weather can have on range, and other distinctly-EV obstacles, it wouldn’t be farfetched to praise the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo for achieving perfection as an all-rounder car. It’ll have to get a 1-notch-down from being just that, until improvements in technology can adequately address such issues. For now, let’s hope we can move the needle up to a ’10’ sometime in the near future.”

What Other Experts Are Saying

Top Gear – 9/10

“The most complete fast estate available today. And perhaps the best electric car, too.”

Link to full article

CNET – 8.9/10

“With plenty of power, range, comfort and convenience, the base Taycan 4 is all the Cross Turismo you really need.”

Link to full article

What Car? – 5/5

“It’s hard to think of a car that could keep pace with the Cross Turismo in Turbo guise cross-country.”

Link to full article

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August 2, 2021 / Comments Off

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2022 Audi e-tron GT: An In-depth Look

Introduction

The 2022 Audi e-tron GT is the four-ringed company’s first entrant into the high-performance EV weight class. It looks to shake up a playing field which includes the likes of the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan, the latter of which it shares many of the same underpinnings. Specifically, the two cars – which were developed in tandem by the Volkswagen Auto Group – both utilize an identical 800-volt battery architecture, with dual electric motors and a two-speed transmission responsible for sending power to all four wheels.

In a visual context, I would be hard-pressed to refer to the duo as “twins” as they share very little else in common – other than perhaps their side profiles – thanks to the e-tron GT having distinctly Audi signatures throughout its design elements. The cars are also packaged very different, with Audi currently only offering their product in two distinct trims – e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT – which both come exclusively with all-wheel drive, whereas Porsche offers their base Taycan with a rear-wheel drive configuration, plus a myriad of other trims with the Cross Turismo models now available.

This isn’t the marque’s first EV model, as it joins up with a roster currently occupied by Audi’s e-tron SUVs. However, the e-tron GT does have the distinction of becoming the first fully-electric car to don the company’s legendary RS badge via the highest and most expensive trim level currently on offer. The base model e-tron GT predictably comes with less of the go-faster, stop-harder and look-sexier ingredients that are typically reserved for an RS model, but it does share the same 93.4 kWh battery with its more glamorous stablemate.

Audi has marketed the e-tron GT as a fully-electric grand tourer, as a opposed to a sports saloon EV like the Porsche Taycan. This sets clear expectations right away of what makes the e-tron GT an entirely unique offering – not quite as powerful (compared to the Turbo and Turbo S), a little less nimble and sharp in the handling department, slightly more utilitarian with extra cargo room and a typically impressive Audi-esque interior.

All e-tron GT models will be produced at Audi’s Neckarsulm factory in Germany – where the same can be said for the company’s flagship R8 – with the goal of rolling up to 10,000 units off the assembly line every year. This would be less than half of the number of Taycan models delivered world-wide in 2020, so the two cars certainly can’t be compared like-for-like in that regard. Audi has ultimately done a fantastic job at making the e-tron GT look and feel like one of its own, and allays the fear about it being merely a reupholstered Porsche Taycan – it truly is a legitimate and unique player in this rapidly growing segment.

Engine, Drivetrain & Performance

The entry-level e-tron GT produces 469 hp, which can be boosted up to 523 hp when using launch control. This is good for 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 152 mph, making it most comparable to the Porsche Taycan 4S which ends up being a smidge quicker using the same measuring stick. Stepping up to the RS model will net you 590 hp with 637 hp available in overboost mode. This allows the RS e-tron GT to complete the 0-60 mph sprint in 3.3 seconds, which is slower than Tesla and Porsche’s quickest EV models by 1.3 seconds (Model S Plaid) and 0.8 seconds (Taycan Turbo S) respectively.

Aside from the statistically-driven performance figures, the cars also differ from their competitors in less black-and-white, yet just as meaningful ways. For one, Audi engineered the e-tron GT to deliver its power in a more linear and progressive fashion – much like an internal combustion car – as opposed to being the torque-monster that we’ve come to expect from most performance-oriented EVs. This feature will certainly sway buyers who desire a more traditional driving feel, and are less inclined to be amused by the gut-busting characteristics of the e-tron GT’s closest rivals. The e-tron GT also gets more usable battery capacity, managing to squeeze out 85 kWh – compared to the Taycan’s 83.7 kWh – from its 93.4 kWh lithium-ion energy source. On paper, this should translate to a bit more range, all other things being equal.

Ultimately, the e-tron GT was always going to share certain characteristics with its German cousin through its sharing of the same platform. Afterall, the two-speed transmission which was once exclusive to Zuffenhausen, allows for an optimal balance of performance and efficiency. The e-tron GT will drive a lot more like the Porsche than the Tesla – which is a good thing in my opinion – particularly as it pertains to what is referred to in the biz as “one pedal driving”. This is where the latter cars can almost be exclusively driven using only the accelerator as merely taking the foot off the pedal is sufficient to bring the car to a stop in most situations, making the brake pedal more of a luxury than a necessity. I’m not a fan of this, but apparently many people are.

Another similarity with the Taycan is the use of an artificial “engine” noise to replace the roar of the inline-6 or V8 which would otherwise be expected to power the car. Dubbed ‘e-tron sport sound’, this sci-fi-derived soundtrack gently wails through speakers placed both inside and outside of the car and varies based on throttle inputs and speeds. This is a standard feature on the RS and optional on the base model.

Battery & Range

As mentioned before, every e-tron GT model – including the RS – comes standard with a 93.4 kWh battery (of which 85 kWh is usable). On the entry-level e-tron GT, Audi has officially claimed up to 238 miles of driving range, putting it slightly higher than that of the Porsche Taycan 4s. We’re still waiting to hear the official word on how the RS will fare in the range department, although it is expected to fall short of the aforementioned due to the extra juice required to dole out all that extra horsepower.

With regards to charging, the e-tron GT is inline with other performance oriented EVs on the market today. It is able to get from 5% to 80% of its battery capacity in around 20-odd minutes using a standard 270 kW DC fast charger. Last but not least, the advanced cooling system integrated into the 800-volt architecture allows for more repeatable performance than your typical Tesla as overheating issues are far less likely to interrupt your customary hoon sessions.

Chassis & Handling

Like the Taycan, you can expect the e-tron GT to be remarkably responsive and precise – particularly when had with four-wheel steering – but more like the typical Audi, it could feel rather numb at lower speeds. That’s not to say that the e-tron GT doesn’t go where you’re pointing it. Just don’t expect the same level of feedback and weight tantamount to that of the Porsches. Ultimately, Audi still got the handling duly on point, especially as it pertains to being a grand tourer; if anything it does have a bit more body roll than the Taycan, but probably not enough to notice unless you were to drive each car back-to-back on a race track.

The Audi e-tron GT comes standard with a three-chamber air suspension system which allows for the driver to optimize the car for a variety of driving situations ranging from daily city excursions to canyon runs or even track use. Whether comfort or stiffness is what you require at any given moment, the selectable suspension settings have you covered. The air suspension can also lift the car by up to 0.8″ so that speed bumps and curbs can be negotiated with less fanfare.

Brakes & Tires

Braking is a similar exercise with comparable outcomes to that of the Porsche Taycan. This means that any braking forces within 0.3G are achieved entirely by the electric motors, with pad-to-rotor contact a relatively rare occurrence within the confines of non-aggressive driving. Subsequently, the standard steel brakes should suffice for just about any situation on public roads while the optional carbon ceramics are there for anyone who likes playing the min-max game when it comes to stopping power. Brake regeneration can also be toggled using controls on the steering wheel.

Working with the suspension, the e-tron GT’s ride quality is incredibly compliant when driven on the 21″ wheels and even more so when equipped with smaller 19″ wheels. Audi has looked to Goodyear to provide the OE tires on the e-tron GT as it did for its electric SUVs, this time using specially-designed Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 tires.

Design, Cabin & Amenities

Exterior

For those who care to measure, the Audi e-tron GT further differentiates itself from the Taycan by being a tiny bit longer, slightly narrower and just a whisker taller than the Porsche. This hardly makes it a mini-van, comparatively speaking, as the e-tron GT strikes a sleek, aggressive and sporty silhouette nonetheless. The e-tron GT has Audi’s DNA chiseled (quite literally) all over it, and that extends well beyond the four-ringed emblem sitting center stage.

At the front, there’s that familiar looking grille (albeit solid) and distinctive headlight design which doesn’t deviate far from the family tree. It’s a lot busier than the Taycan’s minimalist, yet somehow more exotic fascia, but I reckon this is a welcome change for buyers from either faction who prefer that there be less in common between the two vehicles. The e-tron GT has one of the most exceptional looking rear ends of any car on the market today, with a rear lightbar connecting the decidedly Audi-esque LED taillights. The rear diffuser is a lot more pronounced compared to the Taycan’s as well – it looks really good, and I’m sure it’s very functional too.

Carbon side mirrors and a full carbon roof are also options, and can also be had as part of the Carbon Black and Carbon Vorsprung packages for the RS variants. The e-tron GT also has its own unique selection of wheels, of which the pricier choices come with functional aero blades to improve help improve driving range. Manufacturer exclusive paint colors such as Tactical Green are also available to further differentiate your e-tron GT from any other car on the road.

Interior

If there is one thing that Audi is universally recognized for, it would be the quality and design of their interiors. For the e-tron GT, Audi has decided to follow the more traditional formula that has earned them this reputation rather than embark on something groundbreaking as might have been the expectation, with the e-tron GT being a new EV and all that jazz. This equates to a palatable balance of touchscreen elements and actual plastic buttons, with a 12.3″ digital instrument cluster and a 10.1″ infotainment screen surrounded by physical toggles for the likes of climate control, driving modes, heated seats, and so on.

The finishes and materials inside the cabin are that of Audi’s highest standards, with no shortage of available luxury and convenience offerings. This includes features such as ambient interior lighting, heads-up display, heated/ventilated front seats with massage, etc. The rear outboard seats provide ample legroom, but its headroom is less generous, and the middle seat is more courteous than comfortable.

Expect to see plenty of high-quality leather upholstering and metal accents, with a generous dose of Alcantara and carbon fiber coming standard in the RS. If a more vegan approach is desired, Audi offers leather-free artificial hides made from recycled plastic bottles and old fishing nets.

For driver assistance, forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking come standard while blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-departure warning w/ lane-keeping assist are available as options.

Thanks to its dimensions, the e-tron GT is the marginally more utilitarian option compared to the Taycan with its 405L of rear cargo space plus another 81L in the ‘frunk’. That makes for ample space for luggage behind the back seats and a few grocery bags stacked up front. Two adults will be a snug but comfortable fit in the back, but rear visibility could become an issue if this arrangement is frequent enough. The standard rear-view camera and optional 360 degree camera should alleviate much of those problems, though.

Pricing

The entry-level 2022 Audi e-tron GT (Premium Plus) starts at US$99,900, while the Prestige package will add another US$7,200 on top of that. Stepping up to the RS e-tron GT will take you up to US$139,900 before options. All models come standard with all-wheel drive and a 93.4 kWh battery.

Verdict

What Other Experts Are Saying

Top Gear – 8/10

“A handsome four-door GT that plays to Audi’s strengths, with a blistering turn of pace.”

Read full review here

Car and Driver – 8.5/10

“The Audi e-tron GT excels as a stylish and sporty EV, but it’s pricier than a Tesla Model S and lacks a long driving range.”

Read full review here

EVO – 4/5

“The entry level e-tron GT is another great grand tourer but question marks remain over touring range ability.”

Read full review here

Car Magazine – 4/5

“By bravely focusing on true GT performance, Ingolstadt has diverted the e-Tron GT from an unexciting also-ran to a fascinating new addition to the Audi range.”

Read full review here

Auto Express – 4.5/5

“The Audi e-tron GT is another worthy entry in the luxury electric car market. It’s just the right mix of the new and the familiar, and it has a fair degree of separation from the Taycan because it’s a more comfortable electric grand tourer.”

Read full review here

Our Thoughts

So, what is it really? A simple reskin of the Porsche Taycan or a performance-EV contender in its own right? I think Audi addresses that big elephant in the room with a level of assertiveness that would make both e-tron GT and Taycan owners just as happy as the other with their choices.

It really comes down to looks, and to a large degree what your preference is towards either a 4-door grand touring EV, or a Sports Saloon which happens to be fully-electric. Hint: The e-tron GT is the former, as it’s literally in the name (GT is indeed meant to be an abbreviation for “grand tourer”). Think of the e-tron GT more as the gentleman and the Taycan more as the rebel; the Porsche perpetually taunting you to push it harder, while the Audi is there to keep things more civil and reserved. So, if you are a performance junkie who seeks the fun-factor above all else, you will get your fix in the Taycan, but do note that this will also come at an extra cost.

That’s because Audi made sure to play to its much-proven strengths when it came to the e-tron GT, as revolutionary as the car already is and may yet turn out to be. Dependably handsome aesthetics which are deeply rooted to the company’s philosophy. A familiarly high-class interior built around delivering comfort and quality. Superb performance and the heritage of the RS badge. All of things are done right, and done the Audi way.

With the Taycan and the e-tron GT both existing in their own elements, the latter car can also set its sights – through unmuddied waters – on the Tesla Model S. While the range and top-end performance figures are lacking behind the California-made EV, there is no doubt that the Audi provides a recognizable and trustworthy package in its electric grand tourer – comfort, elegance, and dependability, while manifesting a non-violent genre of sportiness.

It certainly deserves to be in the mix with these EV heavyweights and is by far the most exciting new car Audi has produced in quite some time. We hope that this is a sign of things to come; a car like the e-tron GT is just begging for an Avant version too, don’t you think?

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May 15, 2021 / Comments Off

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Rimac goes in-depth on the C_Two’s ultra-tech aero testing

Today, performance vehicles more closely resemble complex computing machines than they do the traditional automobile. Building supercars requires supercomputers, as well as an army of human intelligence, both of which Rimac Automobili has been using for the past two years as it’s been building its C_Two electric supercar. Rimac recently dropped a behind-the-scenes video giving the public a look at just how thorough and detail-oriented the process is.

The C_Two is one of the most impressive vehicles to hit the auto show circuit in recent memory. It debuted at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show with absolutely insane claimed stats: 1888 horsepower, 1696 lb-ft of torque, 258-mph top speed, 0-60 time of 1.9 seconds, quarter-mile time of 9.1 seconds and a 404-mile single-charge range on the New European Driving Cycle.

Building a car to that level of world-eating power requires not only a state-of-the-art propulsion system, but an exterior design that works with the air rather than fighting against it. Although the C_Two has certain evolutionary design features that call back to the Concept_One, it was built from scratch to ensure everything was crafted with the most up-to-date technology.

Like most cars these days, the design and aerodynamics of the car were concocted through computer programming before taking real-world physical form. Once a satisfactory starter shape was figured out on screen, Rimac built a model with parts that can be changed, altered and adapted to further findings and advancements throughout the testing process.

Supercars are no longer inanimate objects, however, and Rimac’s wind tunnel model included the active parts on the car, such as the massive rear wing, the diffuser flap and flaps in the hood and nose. According to Rimac, the air around the vehicle splits into more than 70 million parts, each of which factor into how the vehicle is affected and reacts. This is where computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations help to solve complex equations that are far too complicated for simpleton bloggers to comprehend.

Essentially, it’s a game of trial and error. Change a tiny thing here, and see how it changes the car’s dynamics. Rimac says the lowest coefficient of drag it achieved with the C_Two was 0.28. Watch the video to learn more about how that was realized and how computers play just as much of a part in development as humans do.

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November 30, 2018 / Comments Off

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Holden Time Attack Concept is a vision of a 1,340-horsepower electric race car

When you think of crazy, over-the-top supercars with wild powertrains, you probably think of Koenigsegg or Rimac. But in this case, we’re talking about Holden, the Australian brand synonymous with big rear-drive sedans with equally large V8s. For the 50th anniversary of the brand’s first victory at the Mount Panorama racetrack in Bathurst, it decided to imagine a concept car, simply named the Time Attack Concept, meant to set a blistering lap time around the course. The designers really let their imaginations loose, to say the least.

The Holden, which only exists in virtual form for the time being, uses four electric motors, one for each wheel, that produce a total of 1,340 horsepower and an even more jaw-dropping 2,389 pound-feet of torque. Each motor is coupled to its own three-speed planetary automatic transmission. Combined with a lightweight carbon fiber chassis, Holden estimates it could hit 62 mph in just 1.25 seconds. The company also says it would be capable of a top speed of roughly 300 mph.

Of course, this car is designed for more than just outright speed. To that end, it has fairly conventional double-wishbone suspension made from carbon fiber components. It’s backed by a hydraulic system that actively eliminates body roll, dive and squat to keep the car level and provide optimum contact with the road. Each corner has carbon brakes and 310-mm wide slick tires. The car makes extensive use of aerodynamic aids, particularly fans that run air through venturi tunnels. These help make sure there’s downforce at low speeds, and helps improve it at higher speeds.

The estimated results of all these technologies are pretty amazing. The company claims a maximum lateral force of 6.5g, and maximum braking force of 6g. The electric motors are able to provide 2.0g of that just with regenerative braking. Holden further ran a simulation of the car on Mount Panorama, and calculated it could run a time of 1:29.30. To put that into perspective, the fastest lap at the track was 1:48.8 done by Jenson Button in a 2011 Formula One car. As pointed out by Wheels, this time was not technically official since it didn’t happen in a race, but we feel safe in assuming this concept’s simulation time was not with competition on the track.

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October 5, 2018 / Comments Off

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Watch a next-gen Tesla Roadster rocket down a test track

Tesla was recently spotted testing its next-generation Roadster on the test track at its factory in Fremont, Calif., and now we have footage of the supercar’s vaunted launch capabilities. Twitter user Shehryar Khan posted the following video last week complete with an adoring, all-caps tagline (beware the salty language at the end).

ROADSTER I LOVE ELON MUSK pic.twitter.com/YAzS9WBjw1

— Shehryar Khan (@khannzilla) February 14, 2018

In the video, you can see the car’s windows are down, and a ringing brake squeal is audible as the Roadster pulls up to a stop before launching. Then the tires squeal as the driver floors the accelerator and the Roadster positively screams off the line.

The video, of course, is too short and unscientific to serve as validation for Tesla’s claims that the supercar will be the “quickest car in the world” and do 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds and reach 100 mph in 4.2 seconds. But it’s clear the Roadster will be more than peppy off the block.

The all-wheel-drive, four-seat Roadster will be powered by a 200kWh battery pack that Tesla says will give it a 620-mile driving range, plus three electric motors — one on the front and two on the rear. Base price on the new Roadster will be $200,000 when it hits the market in 2020, assuming Tesla can make good on its claims and conquer everything else on its considerable to-do list.

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February 19, 2018 / Comments Off

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Here’s the next-generation Tesla Roadster

In addition to unveiling its new electric Semi Truck, Tesla also dished details on its next-generation Roadster. Tesla calls the all-wheel-drive EV the “quickest car in the world,” with a claimed 0-60 mile-per-hour time of just 1.9 seconds. The sprint to 100 mph takes only 4.2 seconds, and its top speed is over 250 mph.

Tesla didn’t reveal horsepower or kilowatt figures, but said wheel torque is 10,000 Newton-meters, or 7,375 pound-feet. That translates to a quarter-mile time of 8.8 seconds.

Perhaps just as impressive, this four-seat EV will have a driving range of 620 miles on a single charge. Range anxiety, begone! The new Tesla Roadster will also feature a trick glass roof that stows in the trunk.

The car won’t come cheap, though. Its base price will be $200,000, though hard-hustling Tesla owners can score one for free through the automaker’s referral program. Just to reserve it will cost $50,000. Tesla will launch the Roadster with a Founder’s Series model, priced at $250,000 and limited to 1,000 examples.

Expect to hear more about the next-gen Tesla Roadster in the near future. For now, take a gander in the image gallery above.

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November 17, 2017 / Comments Off

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GM’s European Opel division may eventually go all-electric

General Motors’ Opel division in Europe may transform itself into an all-electric vehicle maker by 2030. Granted, a lot can happen between now and then, including a potential buyout by French automaker PSA Group. Regardless, Opel appears to view its electric future beyond the Ampera-e, which is the sister vehicle to the Chevrolet Bolt, and more like Tesla.

Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann indicated that focusing on electric drivetrains would be a superior strategy to expanding its EV technology while pushing forward with conventional drivetrains, says Automotive News Europe, citing comments Neumann made to German publication Manager Magazin. General Motors could make the decision to move towards an all-electric vehicle line for Opel as soon as May.

Of course, that depends on whether Opel is bought out by PSA, the parent country to Peugeot and Citroen. PSA is in talks to buy General Motors’ Opel and Vauxhall divisions, though government and labor representatives in Germany have expressed concerns over potential job losses from the proposed buyout, Reuters says.

Regardless, GM has hinted at expanding its electric-vehicle line far beyond the Bolt, which has a 238-mile single-charge range and debuted late last year. Mary Barra, in an interview with CNET, said the Bolt’s all-electric platform could be applied to a “huge range of vehicles,” though wasn’t specific about additional EV models.

Opel first showed off its Ampera-e at the Paris Motor Show last fall. The name of the model raised some eyebrows because the Ampera badge had been previously used by Opel for the sister version of the Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in. Either way, Opel is looking to take on Renault for electric-vehicle sales supremacy across the Pond.

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February 15, 2017 / Comments Off

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