After unveiling its newest rally car – the RS Q e-tron – last month, Audi has now shared some info about its pre-production testing routine.
Apparently, Audi Sport team members Stéphane Peterhansel, Mattias Ekström and Carlos Sainz Jr. have driven it over 1,700 kilometers (1,053 miles) on a special track near Zaragoza. The outdoor temperature rose as high as 34°C, and the car occasionally accelerated to 180 km/h (112 mph). The main goal was to ensure that the cooling works properly, and that all units and components can handle the stress.
The new hybrid car utilizes racing tech and comes powered by dual electric motors, which in turn receive their power from a DTM-Series 2.0-liter gasoline engine. The mill is said to be the most efficient between 4,500 and 6,000 RPM. As for the electric motors, these are identical to those used in the Formula E racecar Audi FE07 and produce 680 PS (671 hp / 500 kW) in total. The traction battery on board adds 50 kilowatt-hours of its own.
