Modified e-tron 55 takes inspiration from actual RS Q e-tron Dakar racer and will get wider arches, extra floor clearance and two units of wheels and tires
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by Chris Chilton
January 3, 2024 at 08:30
Off-roading is on-trend, in case you hadn’t observed. After 25 years of turning into ever-more car-like, and prioritising automotive like on-road dealing with, some SUVs are heading again within the different route, and rediscovering their mud-plugging roots with the addition of chunky tires, extra floor clearance and varied wilderness-themed styling cues.
The newest to leap on this pattern is Audi, who was far later to the SUV occasion than most manufacturers anyway, however does have a rock-solid off-highway pedigree due to the rallying exploits of its iconic early Nineteen Eighties Audi Quattro, and, extra not too long ago, the RS Q e-tron Dakar racer.
And it’s the spirit of the trendy sand monster that Audi is channeling with this, the Q8 e-tron version Dakar, which prices round €120,000 ($132k) in Germany. Primarily based on the twin-motor 55 non-Sportback e-tron somewhat than the range-topping triple-motor SQ8, it makes the identical 402 hp (408 PS / 300 kW) in enhance mode because the inventory mannequin, and sprints from zero to 62 mph (100 kmh) in 5.8 seconds on normal highway tires, or 5.9 seconds when outfitted with Common Grabber AT3 all-terrain rubber that Audi additionally provides, giving drivers eight wheels in complete.
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Associated: Audi RS Q E-Tron Will get Security Enhancements And Extra Energy For 2024 Dakar
The grime tires additionally conspire to rob you of driving vary, the determine for the version Dakar coming in at 303 miles (487 km) in contrast with 330 miles (531 km) for the standard 55. However additionally they look nice and add 31 mm (1.2 inches) of additional floor clearance, which begins off at 206 mm (8.1 inches) and steadily decreases as your pace heads the opposite manner.
The strategy (20 levels), departure (26) and breakover (19) angles are all improved, and early reviewers appear to be impressed with its ‘mild’ off-road means. However the version Dakar nonetheless doesn’t have the chops of some extra credible rock-crawling rivals, and its modest 300 mm (12 inches) wading depth means you may neglect about pond, river and creek enjoyable, too.
Nonetheless, the version Dakar appears the half with its wider observe and normal roof rack, and significantly with the non-obligatory graphics bundle that’s restricted to 99 vehicles. And the phrase from Audi is that this version Dakar serves to pave the way in which for a extra severe SUV that would genuinely match the off-road abilities of rivals just like the upcoming electrical Land Rover Defender.