Audi is on a charge, metaphorically speaking, as it launched year another electric model that it promises will become a production reality. The Audi e-tron GT concept made its debut as a show car at the LA Auto Show this week.

By 2025 Audi says the company will offer twelve automobiles with all-electric drive in the most important markets worldwide. The automaker predicts that one-third of its sales will be electrified models. The car seen here will go on sale in 2020. Audi’s E-Tron SUV will the first all-electric model to go on sale.

High performance

The Audi e-tron GT Concept is a four-door, four-seater coupe that shares its platform with the upcoming Porsche Taycan. Sharing underpinnings with its stablemate means that the e-tron GT Concept will feature the Porsche’s high-performance motors and battery pack.

Peak power is rated at 434 kW. Drive is delivered to the road via an electric motor fitted to each axle, thereby making it an electric quattro. High-speed electronics coordinate the drive between the axles as well as between left and right wheels for precise torque vectoring. Audi says the e-tron GT Concept should accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in around 3,5 seconds. Top speed is limited to 240 km/h to maximise battery range. Speaking of which, that figure is quoted as over 400 km on a full charge.

Power is stored in a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery that takes up the entire underfloor area between the front and rear axle. This provides an extremely low centre of gravity, even lower than the R8 sportscar. All-wheel steering makes the e-tron GT Concept extremely agile. The battery can be recharged in several ways: using a cable which is connected behind the flap in the left front wing, or by means of contactless induction, like some modern smartphones. Wired charging via an 800-volt system takes around 20 minutes to recharge the battery to 80 percent of its capacity, which provides 320 km of range.

Light weight and slippery

Audi will use lightweight materials and optimised aerodynamics to ensure maximum performance as well as extended battery range. A carbon-fibre along with aluminium components will keep the mass down.

Airflow around the skin will be shaped to cool the assemblies, battery and brakes. The hood with is designed in such a way that the airflow hugs the body, thus reducing undesired swirl. Five-spoke alloys provide ventilation of the brake discs while at the same time reducing drag. Tyres measure 285/30/22 on all four wheels.

More info on the new model here.