In January 2024, Audi will take on the super tough Dakar desert rally for a third time, bringing with it an upgraded version of its RS Q e-tron prototype. Audi says this year’s fully electric off-road e-tron is safer, more reliable, more comfortable, and even a tad lighter. Can it take the podium in the desert this go around?
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Audi’s electric rally car, the RS Q e-tron, is back and better than ever. After defeating its counterparts in only its second Dakar Rally appearance, Audi’s EV rally car is reemerging, this time with an enhanced face-lift and new performance upgrades. Meet the all-new Audi RS Q e-tron E2.
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Fourteen-time champion Stephane Peterhansel suffered massive suspension damage to his electric Audi RS Q e-tron yesterday while running second in the Dakar Rally. After waiting nearly four hours for a support truck to arrive, news reached the Audi team that a second RS Q-tron – this one driven by World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz (’90, ’92) – had gotten lost, adding nearly two hours to their stage time and effectively eliminating the Audis from contention.
How did it all go so wrong for Audi?
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In preparation for its Dakar Rally debut this coming January, Audi has put its RS Q e-tron through eight days of endurance testing in extreme heat in Spain. Three teams of drivers from Audi Sport took turns testing the RS Q e-tron over tough terrain as well as fast gravel sections.
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Well, third time’s the charm. After attempting to complete the Dakar Rally, which is considered one of the most difficult endurance rallies in the world, for the third time in a row, Acciona’s managed to complete the race with its custom-made all-electric vehicle – a first for a zero-emission vehicle.
It’s a significant achievement that further proves that electric vehicles are just as capable or in some cases even better than gas-guzzling vehicles.
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