Audi unveils e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT in Korea for the first time... Scheduled to launch within the year

On the 20th, Audi held a preview event for the electric vehicles e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT at Maison Hannam in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, unveiling the actual cars. Audi plans to sell both models domestically within the year. / Photo by Ki-min Lee victor.lee@

On the 20th, Audi held a preview event for the electric vehicles e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT at Maison Hannam in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, unveiling the actual cars. Audi plans to sell both models domestically within the year. / Photo by Ki-min Lee victor.lee@

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] On the 20th, Audi unveiled the 'Audi e-tron GT' and 'Audi RS e-tron GT,' officially launching its pursuit of the premium electric vehicle market in Korea.

Audi Korea held an RS e-tron and e-tron GT preview event for the press at Maison Hannam in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, revealing the actual vehicles for the first time in Korea and introducing its vision for electric vehicles.

Jeff Mannering, Head of Audi Division at Audi Volkswagen Korea, said in his opening remarks, "We all have a responsibility to restore the environment to its original state, and that is why Audi has embraced change," adding, "Audi is committed to the 'sustainability' that consumers desire." He also emphasized, "Electric vehicles are the core of the future, and achieving carbon neutrality throughout the entire product lifecycle?from manufacturing to completion?is an important goal. By 2025, we will introduce 20 pure battery-powered models and make all Audi manufacturing facilities carbon neutral."

The e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT are the second electric vehicles Audi has introduced in Korea, following the e-tron and e-tron Sportback. Audi describes the e-tron GT as a pioneering electric vehicle that realizes 'progress through technology' on the road, featuring captivating design, comfort suitable for long-distance driving, everyday practicality, and sporty driving performance that inspires confidence. Notably, the high-performance model, the RS e-tron GT, is the first pure electric RS model.

The e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT are equipped with two electric motors on the front and rear axles, delivering outputs of 390 kW (530 horsepower) and 475 kW (646 horsepower), and torques of 65.3 kg·m and 84.7 kg·m, respectively. They also feature a 93.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, enabling a maximum driving range of up to 488 km for the e-tron GT and 472 km for the RS e-tron GT on a single charge based on European WLTP standards.

Both models are equipped with an electric all-wheel-drive system called electronic quattro. In slippery conditions, high power demand, or fast cornering, the electric motor for rear-wheel drive is activated, which is approximately five times faster than mechanical quattro drive.

The lithium-ion battery system of the e-tron and Audi RS e-tron GT is located between the axles at the lowest point of the vehicle, providing a low center of gravity suitable for sports cars and an almost ideal 50:50 weight distribution between the front and rear axles. The high-voltage battery stores 83.7 kWh of net energy in both models. Additionally, the 800V system voltage delivers high continuous output, reduces charging time, and decreases the space and weight required for wiring.

The design of both models embraces the two classic Gran Turismo design principles of sportiness and comfort while pursuing sustainability in electric mobility through optimized aerodynamic design.

On the 20th, Audi held a preview event for the electric vehicles e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT at Maison Hannam in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, unveiling the actual cars. Audi plans to sell both models domestically within the year. The photo shows the driver's seat of the e-tron GT. / Photo by Ki-min Lee victor.lee@

The interior is driver-centric, with the instrument panel arranged so that the driver can intuitively control the vehicle. In particular, the battery placement, considering the vehicle's roofline and seat position, provides ample headroom and space for occupants. Furthermore, the interior uses a high proportion of recycled materials instead of leather, combining sportiness and sustainability.

Both models realize sustainability not only in their drivetrain but also throughout the entire production process. The 'Audi e-tron GT' and 'Audi RS e-tron GT' are produced at the Bollinger Hofe factory, which achieves energy balance and carbon neutrality. Additionally, all facilities producing these models use eco-friendly electricity and biogas-based thermal energy, and logistics for vehicle production employ carbon-neutral trains, adopting an environmentally friendly approach. Both models are scheduled to be launched domestically this year, with specific schedules and prices yet to be determined.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.