Audi RS Q e-tron's Cockpit Looks Overwhelming

There are literally millions of things than can happen to a Dakar vehicle or driver (or co-driver) across the 5,000 miles of harsh desert terrain that the race inhabits this year. Luckily Audi and its RS Q e-tron rally vehicle (a wild play on theAudi RS Q8）have a button, lever or screen for every one of them. If looking at this picture of its cockpit doesn't stress you out, you're either a professional race car driver or have Superman-like nerves of steel.

The 2022 Dakar takes place in Saudi Arabia, home ofthe recent and insane penultimate F1 race, and it both starts and ends in Jeddah. It goes northeast to Ha'il, back down to Riyadh for a few days and finally back to Jeddah. This will be the series' third outing in the country after it was moved from the Dakar region in 2009 following fears of a terrorist attack. Make that a million and one possible problems.

The cockpit is frankly insane. Audi notes that things used to be easier. The driver drove and the co-driver navigated, but now there's a lot more to do. However, one thing drivers Mattias Ekström, Stéphane Peterhansel and Carlos Sainz won't have to do is shift, as the electric drive doesn't require a manual. It does have a double-cranked, comically tall aluminum handbrake --they're not just for Vaughn Gittin Jr. anymore-- using a brake-by-wire system, which is necessary on the route. Not only will it induce a slide, but it also recoups some energy.

The eight buttons on the steering wheel control things like the horn and wipers, but also data entry, if the driver wants to note something weird on the course. One of them is also the speed limiter, for the sections of the course that are on public roads or otherwise restricted. Behind the wheel is a driver information screen, but instead of the radio station is shows tire pressure, direction of travel and speed. That screen, as well as the two up closer to the windshield are also to let the driver know of any system problems or battery issues.