Sometimes we will drive a new car under embargo, securing early access in return for not writing about it until a certain date. Usually, that's only a few days or so after the drive, but on occasion, event logistics and launch cycles lead to a gap of a few weeks. In the case of this Audi E-tron GT prototype, the embargo was so long that I actually drove it last year.
I mention this partly so you don't think the 'tested' date atop this page is a typo but mainly because it has created an unusual situation: I know more about this car now than I did when I drove it. I think.
Back in the heady days of last December (merry Christmas, by the way), Audi's engineers were tight-lipped about the technical details of the revamped E-tron GT. That's understandable: these were prototypes and development was still ongoing. I know this because a clipboard-armed engineer asked lots of questions to gather feedback.
Audi confirmed that there had been changes to the powertrain, battery system, suspension, driving dynamics and charging speeds but would share no numbers and few technical details. It wouldn't even confirm which model I was driving, although it was absolutely the range-topping RS.
"We don't start with the entry-level versions," said Stephan Reil, R&D chief at Audi's Neckarsulm site, who 'supervised' me from the passenger seat. Reil is one of the technical leads for the E-tron GT, which you should take as a good sign, because he was previously responsible for the R8 supercar.
This story is from the April 17, 2024 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 17, 2024 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MCLAREN ARTURA
Finally, sunshine after the rain - but not before some of it got inside our supercar
AUDI S3 SALOON
Warmed-up version of A3 sets out stall with more power and RS3-spec driveline tech
MERCEDES-BENZ CLE CABRIOLET
Convertible follows coupé to complete newly consolidated two-door range
AUDI A3 SPORTBACK
Four years later, Audi moves to address criticisms of its swanky family hatchback
PORSCHE MACAN ELECTRIC
New platform, different motive power, more weight: can the electric version really behave like a Macan should?
DACIA DUSTER
With a more sophisticated platform, design-savvy look and fresh tech, has this all-new version lost sight of the model's value appeal?
Car clubs at mercy of insurers
Soaring insurance costs now pose an 'existential threat' to community car sharing
Vauxhall reinvents the Grandland
New version is bigger, sleeker and available as a 435-mile EV, mild hybrid and PHEV
Volvo on the cusp of a production revolution
Radical new mega-casting production method will cut complexity while boosting flexibility
Alfa to politicians: forget car names and save industry
Boss Imparato speaks out after minister compels Milano rebrand