Tag: GT

Lotus Emeya completes intensive test programme

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Gareth Herincx

1 day ago
Auto News

Lotus Emeya

The all-new Lotus Emeya has completed an extensive three-year test and development programme across 15 countries and two continents.

Cold-weather validation programme in the Arctic Circle confirms the “hyper-GT” can perform in the harshest conditions, including temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius.

It’s claimed the rigorous tuning and testing process ensures the Emeya drives like a true Lotus, so it’s “engaging and desirable, with safe handling so customers can maximise dynamic performance”.

Most recently, the all-electric grand tourer has been in Ivalo, Finland, around 250km inside the Arctic Circle. The three-year test and development programme took place on a variety of terrain and conditions -from the UK’s challenging B-roads to the smooth and fast-flowing German autobahn, through the highest Alpine passes and the remoteness of Inner Mongolia.

Testing also took place at race tracks such as the Nürburgring Nordschleife and at proving grounds like the high-speed loop near the southern Italian town of Nardò.

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Gareth is a versatile journalist, copywriter and digital editor who’s worked across the media in newspapers, magazines, TV, teletext, radio and online. After long stints at the BBC, GMTV and ITV, he now specialises in motoring.

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2023 Audi RS e-tron GT project_513/2 Debuts as Ultra-Limited Camo-Wrapped Variant

2023 Audi RS e-tron GT project_513/2

The 2023 Audi RS e-tron GT project_513/2 is a factory-built ‘prototype’ that’s limited to just 75 total units.

The 2023 Audi RS e-tron GT is already a pretty impressive entry into the performance-focused, luxury EV sedan space and a fine alternative to its Porsche Taycan brethren. With 637 horsepower on tap (using its boost feature for launches), the RS e-tron GT rockets to 60 mph in a mere 2.9 seconds and boasts its fair share of next-level tech to boot, making it the perfect vessel for someone who appreciates performance and luxury but doesn’t want to give up anything in terms of style, either. However, for those that crave a bit more of that – plus some added exclusivity – the brand new 2023 Audi RS e-tron GT project_513/2 is here to fulfill all of those needs.

The most obvious update that makes this oddly-named Audi unique is its exterior treatment, of course, as it’s the very first vehicle of any kind from the German brand to emerge from the factory wearing a camouflage graphics-skinned and wrapped exterior. This isn’t just some out-of-the-blue creation, however, as Audi is known for using camo wraps to conceal the designs of its prototypes when they’re out testing, which makes this a pretty cool idea.

2023 Audi RS e-tron GT project_513/2

In this case, that camo is comprised of the same red and black color combo used on original prototype test mules, but it also features red Audi rings at both ends for the very first time. The look is further enhanced by a set of 21-inch black aero wheels that cover ceramic brakes with red calipers, while “project_513/2” is etched in the rear quarter glass to boot.

2023 Audi RS e-tron GT project_513/2

Moving inside the cabin, the 2023 Audi RS e-tron project_513/2 continues that red and black theme with red air vents and detailing on the steering wheel, floor mats, and nappa leather honeycomb stitched seats, while the dash features carbon fiber inlays with camo graphics. The special edition name adorns the center armrest and the infotainment screen as well, just to remind occupants that they aren’t sitting in any old, regular Audi. One thing that hasn’t been upgraded is performance, but then again, the RS e-tron GT already has plenty of that on tap.

2023 Audi RS e-tron GT project_513/2

As for that odd moniker, project_513/2 is also an homage to the development process, as it’s precisely what Audi uses to name its developmental vehicles in terms of segment, generation, and body style, though that info is typically only utilized internally – another cool nod to this ages-old process.

2023 Audi RS e-tron GT project_513/2

Audi plans to build just 75 examples of this special “prototype” production model starting this spring – all for the U.S. – with a price tag of $179,900. But for anyone that’s ever dreamed of owning their own Audi test mule – or a prototype of any sort from any manufacturer – this is likely about as close as one can get, save for scouring auction sites looking for one that escaped an automaker’s crusher.

Photos: Audi

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Audi RS e-tron GT Provides a Rather Electrifying Driving Experience

2022 Audi RS e-tron GT

The 2022 Audi RS e-tron GT is remarkably similar to its Porsche twin, but with a few differences in terms of feel.

It’s only been a few months since the 2022 Audi RS e-tron GT was first revealed, stunning all of us with its drop-dead gorgeous looks and promised electrifying performance. But that’s to be expected from what is essentially a Porsche Taycan in a finely tailored suit, as much as 637 horsepower, and a claimed 0-60 time of 3.1 seconds.

Throw in a scrumptious interior, and you’ve got a rather unconventional/conventional EV for folks that don’t like the general quirkiness of EVs. And now we know what it’s like to drive, too, thanks to mega-popular YouTuber Shmee, or Tim Burton as he’s known in the real world.

2022 Audi RS e-tron GT

Burton currently owns a Taycan Turbo S, so he’s more qualified than most to provide some driving impressions of the new Audi RS e-tron GT, too. First off, he points out a few differences between the two cars. “This car drives remarkably similar to the Taycan, but the steering is different, the pedal feel is different, the sound is different,” Burton says. “In terms of driving, it’s a very welcoming car. When you get out on the open road and put your foot down, it just delivers.”

2022 Audi RS e-tron GT

As is the case with all EVs, the RS e-tron GT is certainly not light, weighing in at over 5,000 pounds. But apparently, it hides that mass well on the road. “You don’t necessarily realize that it’s quite that heavy,” Burton says. “It’s a big car, it’s a long car, but it has rear-wheel steering so it still feels quite agile and nimble on its feet.” Burton also notes that even in Dynamic mode, the steering is still pretty light, but that’s to be expected for a plush vehicle like this.

2022 Audi RS e-tron GT

What’s particularly interesting about the acceleration of the RS e-tron GT, however, is just how similar it is to the more powerful Taycan Turbo S. “This feels the same,” Burton notes. “The same kind of speed, the same kind of instant propulsion that shoves you in the back. That difficulty to lean forward when you’re on the throttle.” So what’s different? “Pretty much everything to do with the driving and your interaction from the steering feel to the feel of the throttle pedal and the brake pedal just being that touch softer,” Burton concludes.

Thus, think of the Audi RS e-tron GT as more of a commuter-friendly version of the sharper Taycan Turbo S, though one that presents few compromises in terms of performance when compared to its sportier twin.

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