In order to showcase the traction of its new electric vehicle, Audi has climbed the “Mausefalle” on the legendary “Streif” with a modified e-tron SUV – conquering an 85% gradient icy slope in an impressive video.
Audi used a modified version of the e-tron SUV in order to climb the slope.
The automaker describes the modifications in a press release:
“With an 85 percent gradient, the “Mausefalle” is the steepest section of the famous “Streif” downhill course in Kitzbühel. To climb this passage, the Audi e-tron technology demonstrator was equipped with a special quattro powertrain with two electric motors on the rear axle and one electric motor on the front axle. The technology demonstrator achieved a total boost output of up to 370 kW and wheel torque of 8,920 Nm (6,579.1 lb-ft). This ensured full performance on the steep gradient. Audi also modified the software with respect to drive torque and torque distribution for the special conditions on the “Streif”. 19-inch wheels with spikes developed specifically for this driving event provided the necessary grip on snow and ice.”
For safety, the vehicle was also equipped with a roll cage and a racing seat with a six-point harness.
Audi partnered with Red Bull for the event and produced this impressive video:
https://youtu.be/Ay5q35R7VJs
Peter Oberndorfer, Head of Product and Technology Communications, commented on the achievement:
“We already proved the mettle of the electric SUV last year in a number of Audi e-tron extreme events. From Pikes Peak to the salt plains of Namibia to the high-voltage test bay in Berlin – the Audi e-tron prototype mastered the greatest of challenges. With the sensational drive up the ‘Mausefalle’ we have pushed the boundaries even further and demonstrated all the technical possibilities of quattro technology in an electric car.”
Mattias Ekström, the World Rallycross champion and two-time DTM champion was behind the wheel of the Audi e-tron technology demonstrator.
He said about the experience:
“Conquering an 85 percent gradient sounds impossible at first. Even I was impressed with the way this car handles such difficult terrain,”
Audi didn’t say anything about the possibility of offering this version of the e-tron SUV on the market.
The German automaker is expected to start Audi e-tron customer deliveries in the coming weeks in Europe and next quarter in North America.
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