Audi presents the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar, the brand’s first production model, inspired by the world’s leading desert rally. This special model is distinguished by increased ground clearance, but thanks to the available additional decals, it visually resembles the RS Q e-tron developed for the Dakar Rally.
The off-road capabilities of this exclusive SUV, combined with its high and immediately available torque, are ideal for adventure lovers who want to tackle off-road with electric traction. It will be possible to order the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar as early as the first quarter of 2024.
The Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is based on the Q8 55 e-tron quattro. The sports car is equipped with a battery with a net capacity of 106 kWh, quattro all-wheel drive and two electric motors that provide 300 kW of power in boost mode and 664 Nm of torque. A car with standard tires accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds, but with General Grabber AT3 off-road tires the car reaches 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. According to the WLTP cycle, the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar can travel up to 487 kilometers on a single charge. The maximum speed is limited to 200 km/h.
Convincing both off-road and on-road
Compared to the base model, the electric SUV with General Grabber AT3 off-road tires has 31 millimeters of ground clearance and is designed for better maneuverability on uneven surfaces such as gravel or snow. In the basic configuration, the ground clearance of the car is 206 millimeters. At higher speeds, the height of the car decreases gradually: by 15 millimeters at 85 km/h, by 17 millimeters at 100 km/h and by 13 millimeters at the high speed of 120 km/h. This optimizes high-speed driving stability, improving aerodynamics and electricity consumption. The Q8 e-tron edition Dakar can pass through water up to 300mm deep. The car’s air suspension control strategy has also been adapted to meet the needs of off-road driving.
The off-road capabilities of the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar were also evaluated by two-time world rally champion and three-time winner of the Dakar Rally, Carlos Sainz Sr. “Audi constantly raises the bar with its new technologies. A few years ago I would not have believed that it would be possible to compete in a rally with an electric drive. I am thrilled to be able to win stages with the RS Q e-tron and we hope to reach the finish line of the Dakar as one of the first. The electric drive system with its advantages is surprising, for example the ability to use the right traction in any driving situation without changing gear. The sustainability of the electric drive system in even off-road conditions is surprising”, says the legendary driver.
Sporty appearance and rich equipment
The extended and continuous wheel arch edges give the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar a secure stance on the road. When the driver’s door is opened, the LEDs on the ground illuminate the Dakar edition lettering. The special class of the Dakar edition is also indicated by the exclusive key cover highlighted by a special symbol.
The Q8 e-tron edition Dakar can be equipped with unique decals inspired by the legendary RS Q e-tron. The body of the car is in Mythos Black metallic. A special visual effect was achieved using a specific gluing approach. The film used for car wrapping specifically uses transparent areas, without masking the entire surface, so that the metallic color of the car also shines through. In total, only 99 copies will be available, covered with the unique stickers. The serial number of the special model is shown in a frosted inscription on the D-pillar.
The Special Series model comes standard with Matrix LED front and rear lights, providing precise, high-resolution illumination of the road. The S line interior is now standard. The car is also equipped with a leather multifunction sports steering wheel, elegant black headliner, stainless steel pedals and a comfortable central armrest. The decorative inserts are made of matte aluminum, while the door sills have aluminum inserts. The upper part of the dashboard and the lower elements of the interior are covered in black imitation leather.
In the MMI display, Audi offers themed background images and coordinated lighting created especially for this series. The car’s sporting spirit is represented by three scenes: a desert storm, tire tracks and a dune landscape. The phone compartment makes using the phone very convenient. Connects the driver’s smartphone, which is simultaneously charged inductively, to the car’s antenna.
Excellent practicality
The robust equipment of the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is further proof of its practicality. The storage and luggage compartment package is also standard. The durable boot liner and floor mats feature Dakar edition lettering. The roof rack is also standard on the Special Series model. Its load capacity is 40 kilograms. The package includes a luggage rack bag and straps for attaching accessories.
Dakar customers of the Q8 e-tron edition are supplied with two sets of tyres. The car is equipped with General Grabber AT3 off-road tires, which provide excellent off-road durability. The tires also provide improved traction on a variety of surfaces, including gravel and rocky terrain, mountains, forest roads and snow. The special tread design optimizes acceleration, braking quality and lateral control, while allowing effective self-cleaning of the tires, especially when driving on muddy terrain. Grabber AT3 has excellent driving characteristics and a low noise level on asphalt roads, which significantly increases driving comfort. Off-road tires are labeled M+S, which means they are suitable for year-round use. The Dakar Q8 e-tron edition comes with a set of summer tires with 20-inch rims featuring an attractive S-shaped design with 5V spokes.
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2024-01-03 13:39:34
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