AUDI

RS Q e-tron E2 has upgrades for 2023 Dakar rally

While Audi deemed the debut RS Q e-tron electric off-road race car for the 2022 Dakar Rally a success, engineers felt the need for optimization nonetheless. They didn't modify the existing build, but built a completely new car – the machine didn't get a new name, just the additional suffix E2, because it didn't touch the technology (which is limited by regulations).

While the wheels were previously hidden under the bodywork, on the RS Q e-tron E2 they are already outside the bodywork, but the cabin has been widened – this structure allows for a much better aerodynamic design, the 15% savings in consumption (range) appears. , as the maximum speed is fixed by regulations at 170 km/h. In the regulations, the minimum weight was increased from 2 tons to 2.1 tons, but this still required engineers to cut tens of kilograms, and ultimately the target weight was achieved by lowering the center of mass.

They didn't touch the 2.0-liter turbo engine, which works as a range extender, and the drive engines, but the operation of the power electronics was refined; when racing in the desert, it happened that a huge additional load appeared on the suddenly relieved wheel - that's what the engineers calculated, the technology can handle -, the extent of this from now on It is controlled by the FIA ​​at 2 kJ, the most operational regulator thin adapts to this. 

The operation of the additional systems – server support, air conditioning – has been optimized based on experience, for example a recurring error with the air conditioner was that the refrigerant would freeze due to the high cooling capacity.

The task of the driver and the navigator will be made easier thanks to the mode selector, which here really affects the indicators and digital menus, so that Stage, i.e. speed, the cooling circuits and possibly prescribed speed limits are at the center. , in Road mode the driver sees a classic instrument panel with turn signals, in this case a reversing camera, there are also on-board systems can be diagnosed in error mode, detailed information useful for engineers can also be displayed by selecting Settings. It's easier to change wheels on the Audi RS Q e-tron E2 because there's more space around the wheels, and the 10-spoke rim is also easier to grip with racing gloves.

by Auto-Motor, from Hungary