Audi RS Q e-tron Drifts Alongside Ducati DesertX in Italy
Audi and Ducati join forces to unveil a common design to emphasize the synergy between the brand groups. The Audi RS Q e-tron demonstrates its extraordinary capabilities drifting alongside the motorcycle.
The Volkswagen automotive group has many sub-brands under its umbrella. As our avid readers must already know, this includes the Ingolstadt brand. However, for those unfamiliar with the two-wheeler industry, VW’s Italian subsidiary Lamborghini is also the parent company of Ducati Motor Holding. A group of lucky journalists recently got the opportunity to drive an Audi RS Q e-tron racer alongside a Ducati DesertX motorcycle in Sardinia, Italy.
The event was also the first time that journalists got to test both vehicles simultaneously. Both offerings now share a common design language that highlights the synergy between the brand groups. The test was conducted under the expert supervision of motorsport professionals from Audi and Ducati. Danilo Petrucci from Ducati was present to demonstrate the potential of the bike manufacturer’s Testastretta motor.
Audi’s Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz, along with Stéphane Peterhansel/Edouard Boulanger and Emil Bergkvist, also displayed the capability of the RS Q e-tron’s advanced technology by drifting the Dakar racer drifting alongside the Italian two-wheeler on gravel tracks.
Audi factory driver Carlos Sainz shared his thoughts on the RS Q e-tron.
“What Audi has achieved with this concept is technically unique and a real benefit for us drivers,” explains Sainz. He further adds, “The event in Sardinia was great to communicate the benefits of the electric drive. All the media were impressed throughout.”
A high-voltage battery pack powers the Audi RS Q e-tron. The Dakar racer’s innovative electric drive setup uses an energy converter that offers a maximum charging power of 220 kilowatts. The converter consists of a TFSI engine and motor generator units derived from the automaker’s e-tron FE07 Formula E racer. The electrified off-roader can accelerate to 62 MPH from a complete standstill in just 4.5 seconds on loose surfaces. The Audi RS Q e-tron can also hit a top speed of 106 mph. With four stage victories, RS Q e-tron made an exciting debut.
Danilo Petrucci also offered his insights on the experience. “It’s a dream come true for me, because already as a child I was a fan of Carlos Sainz,” said the Italian. “You can’t describe the feeling in the cockpit. I didn’t expect the RS Q e-tron to be so fast off-road. Its technology shows the way to the future of the automobile.”
Image Source: Audi
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