• New quattro generation: the electric all-wheel drive
• Tremendous driving pleasure: supreme traction on all terrain
• Wide-ranging character: from long-distance tourer to off-road adventurer

The scenario: drifting across the sand flats and offroad through the savannah
The dried-out salt lake on the edge of the Kalahari Desert measures 2 by 2.3 kilometres. Its porous, hard surface with fine-grained gravel offers a low coefficient of friction – optimal conditions to experience the Audi e-tron prototype in a controlled drift and get a feel for its lightning-fast acceleration coupled with high traction. This is possible thanks to the electric all-wheel drive and numerous suspension systems that are intelligently interconnected, most notably the Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC), the Audi drive select dynamic handling system and the standard air suspension. On rough terrain, it increases the ground clearance of the Audi e-tron prototype at the push of a button by 50 millimetres. At the same time, the ESC optimises the traction and brake control and increases the effect of the electronic differential lock for optimum power transfer and propulsive power. As a result, the electric SUV effortlessly takes even the sandy soil of the African savannah in its stride. The two electric motors provide the ideal power source for the high-precision, ultrafast electric quattro. In boost mode they provide up to 300kW and a maximum 664Nm of torque. The effective thermal management plays a crucial role in their performance, allowing the performance to be reproduced even if the powertrain components are subjected to high loads. The result: outstanding dynamic handling and driving pleasure at all times.

Variable torque distribution: the electric all-wheel drive
The electric quattro combines the efficiency of a single-axle drive with the driving dynamics and traction of an all-wheel drive. It ensures the continuous and variable regulation of the ideal distribution of drive torque between the two axles. It also reaches a new level of variability, dynamics and precision. It takes just 30 milliseconds from the system detecting the driving situation and the torque from the electric motors kicking in – much faster than with conventional quattro technology. The reason is that with the electric all-wheel drive, a mechanical clutch is not engaged but electricity is simply distributed, which takes just a fraction of a second. So even with sudden changes in the coefficients of friction and extreme driving situations, the full quattro performance is guaranteed.

Intelligent networking: the control units
The key to the electric all-wheel drive is the intelligent networking of numerous control systems. The central suspension control unit integrates both the handling controller of the quattro drive and the wheel-selective torque control for the first time. If understeer is detected during sporty driving, it gently brakes the inside wheels, which are under a reduced load, thus directing the torque to the outside. The car turns into the curve and precisely follows the steering angle. Additionally, an innovative traction control system provides for high traction and stability. Wheel slip is controlled directly by the electric motors: 50 times faster than before and even more precisely matched to the driving situation. For the driver, this is particularly noticeable in combination with the four-stage function modes of the Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC).

Wide-ranging character: from comfortable highway tourer to dynamic off-roader
In addition to the ESC, the characteristics of the Audi e-tron prototype can also be adapted to various types of terrain using the standard dynamic handling system. Whether relaxed cruising, dynamic cornering or excursions off the beaten track, the driver can choose between seven profiles depending on the driving situation, road conditions or personal requirements. Besides the drive system characteristic and steering boost, Audi drive select also influences the standard adaptive air suspension with controlled dampers. On the highway, the body is lowered by as much as 26 millimetres, which improves stability and the aerodynamics. Offroad it can lift the body by 50 millimetres.

High transverse dynamics: low centre of gravity and torsional rigidity
The low installation position of the powertrain components and the high-voltage battery makes a decisive contribution to the high transverse dynamics of the electric SUV. The battery system is located centrally beneath the passenger compartment between the axles in the form of a flat, broad block. The centre of gravity of the Audi e-tron prototype is on a par with that of a sedan. Axle load distribution is perfectly balanced at almost 50:50. Compared to a conventional SUV, the all-electric model offers 45 percent higher torsional rigidity, the basis for precise handling and acoustic comfort.

– ENDS –

The Audi Group, with its brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini, is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment. It is present in more than 100 markets worldwide and produces at 16 locations in twelve countries. 100 percent subsidiaries of AUDI AG include Audi Sport GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy).
In 2017, the Audi Group delivered to customers about 1.878 million automobiles of the Audi brand, 3,815 sports cars of the Lamborghini brand and 55,900 motorcycles of the Ducati brand. In the 2017 fiscal year, AUDI AG achieved total revenue of €60.1 billion and an operating profit of €5.1 billion. At present, approximately 90,000 people work for the company all over the world, more than 60,000 of them in Germany. Audi focuses on sustainable products and technologies for the future of mobility.