Audi Sport is keen to show that the Q6 E-Tron can excel as an off-roader—although not in its commonplace type. All it takes are specialised portal axles to remodel it.
It isn’t one thing most of us would sometimes take into consideration very first thing within the morning: “Let’s take the Q6 to Moab!” In any case, my modern new electrical crossover has simply accomplished charging within the storage and is primarily designed for asphalt, regardless of that includes dual-motor all-wheel drive and ample torque off the road.
Nonetheless, think about the joys of really navigating the Q6 E-Tron on Moab’s Hell’s Revenge path with out embarrassment, then returning residence in silent consolation. This concept appears to resonate with some at Audi, as mirrored within the distinctive EV showcased within the accompanying gallery.
Introducing the Q6 E-Tron Offroad Idea. Earlier than dashing to Audi’s web site to put an order, it is necessary to notice that this mannequin is a one-off prototype—however it’s definitely a captivating one.
The idea options portal axles that elevate the trip top by 6.3 inches (160 millimeters) and improve torque on the wheels by 50% in comparison with the usual mannequin. Audi claims that this configuration permits for a mixed torque of as much as 9,883 pound-feet (13,400 Newton meters) for a peak of 10 seconds—a rise of three,245 lb-ft (4,400 Nm) in comparison with the manufacturing variant. This torque measurement is taken on the wheels, yielding a considerably increased determine than the motors’ efficient output on account of gearing.
Nonetheless, this substantial torque increase did affect the highest pace; the Audi E-Tron Offroad Idea is now restricted to 108 miles per hour (175 kilometers per hour), which Audi considers adequate for an off-roader. The car retains a mixed output of 509 horsepower (380 kilowatts), matching the usual SQ6 E-Tron.
These progressive portal axles had been designed particularly for this venture, somewhat than sourced from aftermarket suppliers. This bespoke strategy enabled Audi to combine the axles into the entrance and rear hub assemblies. Nonetheless, adapting the axles necessitated modifications to the suspension hyperlinks to make sure correct dealing with on the highway.
Audi claims the lifted Q6 E-Tron can deal with gradients of as much as 100%, which is spectacular though it doesn’t suggest it may well climb straight up; a 100% slope corresponds to a 45-degree angle.
“The Q6 E-Tron Offroad Idea is a reinterpretation of Quattro,” said Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. “This mannequin showcases the capabilities of our all-electric car platform. It could possibly discover new terrain, and we’re wanting to see how our prospects reply to this partaking car.”
The Audi Q6 E-Tron Offroad Idea will debut on the F.A.T. Ice Race in Zell Am See, Austria, on February 1, the place it can share the highlight with famend motorsport legends just like the Porsche 911 GT1.
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