For these craving for a competition-bred all-electric SUV that may conquer the desert Audi may need the reply following the launch later this month in Europe of the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Version Dakar.
Drawing loads of inspiration from the true Audi RS Q e-tron Dakar racer that competed in each the 2022 and 2023 Dakar Rally (the place it positioned ninth and 14th respectively), the brand new road-going Audi Q8 e-tron Version Dakar will get enhanced functionality and is claimed to be excellent for individuals who wish to enterprise off the overwhelmed monitor, presumably not on the 200km/h the racers journey.
Primarily based on the usual Q8 55 e-tron, the desert-ready model is powered by the identical huge 106kWh battery and dual-electric motors that pump out 300kW and 664Nm of torque.
On customary tyres Audi says the 0-100km/h takes simply 5.8 seconds however, on the off-road biased all-terrain Normal Grabber AT3 rubber, that falls fractionally to five.9 seconds, though high pace stays restricted to 200km/h.
Due to its taller tyres, floor clearance climbs 31mm to a most 206mm which isn’t too far off the 219mm a combustion-powered Toyota Prado claims.
To spice up stability at speeds the air suspension lowers by 15mm at 85km/h, 17mm at 100km/h and an extra 13mm at 120km/h which can also be stated to assist aero effectivity and permit the large Q8 e-tron to cowl as much as 487km between costs, even with the Dakar additions.
As a substitute of hardcore off-roading, engineers counsel the Q8 e-tron Dakar is extra suited to mild off-road terrain, explaining its modest 20-degree method angle and rear departure angle of 26 levels, 19 levels ramp angle and its disappointing wading depth of simply 300mm.
That stated, we suspect few will purchase the most recent Q8 e-tron Version Dakar on the deserves of how far it should go off-road. As a substitute, most can be seduced by its tough and prepared seems to be.
Coming painted in both Siam Beige, Mythos Black or Magnetic Grey metallic paint, there’s wider arches, Version Dakar decals impressed by the RS Q e-tron racer and Dakar branded puddle lamps.
The Q8 e-tron Version Dakar fashions with the RS Q e-tron decals can be restricted to simply 99 items and have particular mannequin’s serial quantity on the rear D-pillar.
Inside, the particular version will get Matrix LED headlamps as customary, in addition to sport seats coated in microfibre and faux leather-based. There’s additionally a free sports activities steering wheel, stainless-steel pedals and brushed aluminium sprint inlays. The sprint, in the meantime, is wrapped with black pretend leather-based that may be mixed with pink stitching as an choice.
Different freebies embody a head-up show, and upgraded MMI infotainment system that will get bespoke Dakar menus together with one which shows the car’s tilt angle.
The particular Audi Q8 e-tron additionally comes customary with a roof rack that may carry as much as 40kg. A bag for the roof rack and straps for attaching equipment are all thrown in.
Order an Audi Q8 e-tron Version Dakar in Europe and Audi will provide in complete eight tyres – each the all-terrain Normal Grabbers and a set of 20-inch rims shod with summer time tyres.
If all that doesn’t seal the deal for motorsport lovers, the Audi Q8 e-tron Version Dakar had its dealing with honed by none apart from two-time WRC world champion and three-time Dakar Rally Carlos Sainz.
Commenting on the Q8 e-tron Version Dakar’s gestation, Sainz stated: “All of the expertise we gained within the Dakar was essential in growing the Q8 e-tron version Dakar. The particular mannequin is ideal for individuals who additionally wish to drive off the overwhelmed monitor electrically.”