Audi South Africa has launched what it describes as the most powerful production Audi built to date, with the car putting out a maximum of 550kW that rises to 680kW when Launch Control is engaged. In that mode it will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds, or 2.9 seconds without Launch Control, before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Two features are exclusive to e-tron RS Performance model. The RS performance mode coordinates the powertrain, suspension, torque distribution, aerodynamics and thermal management together, aimed at keeping the car composed under sustained hard driving. Push to Pass, meanwhile, unlocks an extra 70kW for up to ten seconds at the press of a button, giving a short burst of extra power for overtaking or exiting a corner.
Adaptive air suspension is standard, using a two chamber, two valve setup with continuously variable damping on all four wheels, and the car automatically lowers itself at higher speeds to cut aerodynamic drag.
On the styling side, South African buyers can pick from nine exterior colours, including new options called Arkona White, Bedford Green Metallic, Progressive Red Metallic and Nimbus Grey Pearl. Three optional styling packages are offered too: Black Styling, Gloss Carbon and Matte Carbon Camouflage, the last of which uses crushed carbon fibre sealed in resin so that no two finishes look exactly alike.
Standard wheels are 21 inch Audi Sport alloys, paired with carbon ceramic brakes and gloss red calipers, though grey calipers can be specified instead. Inside, Sport Seats Pro come standard with illuminated RS emblems, heating, ventilation and memory settings, trimmed in Nappa leather and Dinamica microfibre with Graphite Grey inlays. Audi virtual cockpit plus with an RS specific layout and a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system round out the cabin.
Pricing for the RS e-tron GT performance 550kW starts at R4 906 100, and the car is available to order through Audi's dealer network now.
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