Audi RS EVs Will Be As Unique As ICE RS Models

Jul. 24, 2023 4:50 PM ET bySebastian Cenizo Electric Vehicles /2 Comments

Audi plans to introduce new tech and take lessons learned from the S1 Hoonitron to make awesome high-performance EVs.

Thanks to a report fromAutocar, more details surrounding the future of high-performance Audi RS electric vehicles have come to light, with Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume telling the publication that the brand will "put more focus on the RS brand," while Audi Sport MD Sebastian Grams said that the brand is working on how to give "special character to an RS model."

Grams is adamant that Audi needs to find a way to make RS models stand out when everything is electric, which is a step that will be takenbefore the end of the decade: "We believe that there needs to be a differentiation between a normal model and an RS model. This will be a USP - or characteristic DNA - in the electric world."

So how will Audi make RS models distinctive?

2023-2024 Audi RS e-tron GT Driving Front Angle

RS models will continue to feature unique styling elements, but appearances are not all that matter. "With electrification on board, you can find special driving modes, and you can create a special sound for the powertrain," said Grams. "This is something we've shown in theRS e-tron GT。我们就像是d engineers making a specific sound that's characteristic for an RS model. These are the new patents we have to bring into our cars, into our technology."

Software will clearly play a major role, and this will extend beyond just unique soundscapes. The way the vehicles drive will be infinitely customizable too.

2023-2024 Audi RS e-tron GT Forward View

Grams said that you can "design and give special [characteristics] to the electric powertrain - even better than in a combustion car," adding that electric powertrains are "a better playground for our engineers." Fellow premium German automaker BMW is also exploring what is possible with electric motors, and thepotential performance benefits are huge。

Grams also revealed that Audi Sport is "trying to transfer" motorsport technology to road cars and referred to the S1 Hoonitron that the lateKen Block hooned in Vegasas an example of what may be possible.

"We've taken technology out of Formula E, which is very advanced technology, into a 'serial' car... It's not a serial car; it's a racecar. But we've really designed, in a new way, an electric Quattro of the future, which is highly emotional," said Grams.

Based on the progress the Volkswagen Group hasmade on its new EV platforms, these goals seem more than achievable.