X

Audi confirms hopped-up RS E-Tron GT electric sports car

Rumors started circulating in January, but now, it's official.

e-tron-gt-promo
Enlarge Image
e-tron-gt-promo

I don't know how Audi could fit larger wheels into the equation, but where there's a will...

Audi

After a few months of reports, Audi has finally confirmed that the forthcoming E-Tron GT electric sports car will receive the same trim-level treatment as many of its gas-powered vehicles.

During a digital press conference discussing the E-Tron GT, Audi confirmed that a racy RS variant will launch alongside the standard E-Tron GT. It's very likely that a middle-of-the-road S version will also make an appearance. Whether SUVs or coupes, most of Audi's vehicles follow the same formula: There's a base version, then an S model with sportier intentions, followed by a performance-forward RS.

While Audi didn't mention exactly what the RS-badged E-Tron GT will contain to separate itself from the regular ol' E-Tron GT, we can draw some conclusions from precedent. Other Audi RS models sport more aggressive exterior bodywork and larger wheels, while the interior usually gets a posh treatment with leather extending everywhere the Alcantara doesn't. The seats are typically more aggressive, while unique trim pieces adorn the center console and other corners of the car. Under the body, the suspension will likely be stiffened or otherwise improved for better handling.

Of course, the major point of separation will be output. We don't have any official numbers for Audi's forthcoming EV just yet, but we can look to a vehicle that's built on the same platform -- the . The Taycan comes in three distinct flavors: The base 4S has a max output of 522 horsepower, with the Taycan Turbo rising to 670 hp and the Turbo S ringing in at 750 hp. Each version sheds about 0.4 second off the prior's 0-to-60 time, so there's clearly room for this many trims even on electric performance vehicles.

Here's my big question, though: Where does the RS go? Is it the Audi RS E-Tron GT? The E-Tron GT RS? E-Tron RS GT? We'll find out in a few months' time.

Audi E-Tron GT creeps closer to production

See all photos
Watch this: Lucky us: We drive the Audi E-Tron GT concept
Andrew Krok Reviews Editor / Cars
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
Andrew Krok
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.

Article updated on October 8, 2020 at 3:00 AM PDT

Our Experts

Written by 
Andrew Krok
CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid. Reviews ethics statement
Andrew Krok Reviews Editor / Cars
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
Why You Can Trust CNET
174175176177178179180+
Experts Interviewed
030405060708091011121314+
Companies Reviewed
108109110111112113+
Products Reviewed

We thoroughly evaluate each company and product we review and ensure our stories meet our high editorial standards.