Audi Sport participates in the 2024 Dakar Rally with three teams, one of which is formed by the double winner of the World Rally Championship and 3-time winner of the Dakar Rally, Carlos Sainz, and his co-driver, Lucas Cruz. The brand with the four rings trained in the competition in 2022 with the innovative electric propulsion prototype with energy converter RS ??Q e-tron, which has been evolving year after year. Inspired by this vehicle and the toughest rally event on the calendar, the German firm has launched the special limited series Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar. In Spain, a total of eight units will be put up for sale with a starting price of 130,800 euros.
At first glance, the raised suspension and the optional decorative vinyls are reminiscent of the Audi RS Q e-tron, which is also driven in this edition by the award-winning Stéphane Peterhansel (14-time Dakar champion) and the driver Mattias Ekström. The commercial special edition is based on a Q8 55 e-tron quattro with the Advanced trim level.
It has two electric motors that develop a power of 300 kW in boost mode and a maximum torque of 664 Nm. With a top speed limited to 200 km/h, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. Equipped with a 106 kWh battery (net capacity), it offers a maximum range of 487 kilometers. A second charging socket allows the high-voltage battery to be charged using the combined charging system type 2 (CCS2).
To offer better off-road capabilities compared to the standard version, it is fitted with specific General Grabber AT3 off-road tires (another set of tires is also provided for the summer) and has 31 millimeters more ground clearance, which raises it to 206 millimeters. millimeters. At higher speeds, the body gradually lowers: 15 millimeters at 85 km/h, 17 millimeters at 100 km/h and 13 millimeters at 120 km/h. This optimizes driving stability, as well as improving aerodynamics and range.
Together with the front approach angle of 20 degrees and a departure angle of 26 degrees, the electric SUV is well prepared to tackle off-road journeys. The ventral angle is 19 degrees and the wading depth reaches 30 centimeters (this is a low figure if we compare it with the 90 cm announced for the Range Rover, which will also have an electric version).
The Q8 e-tron edition Dakar can be chosen with the colors Siam Beige metallic, Mythos Black metallic and Magnetic Grey. In all cases, the Singleframe grille is offered in the same color as the body, which includes widened wheel arch trims. The brand offers the possibility of putting decorative vinyls inspired by the RS Q e-tron, which show the serial number of the special model in frosted letters on the D-pillar.
When the driver’s door is opened, the LED lights project the words “Dakar edition” onto the floor. The exclusivity of this special edition is also reflected in the original key case, with a special logo. In addition to the extensive sporty and technological standard equipment that the SUV already incorporates, this special edition also includes a storage and cargo organization package in the trunk.
The floor covering of the luggage rack and the resistant mats incorporate the graphics with the name of the special edition, which also includes as standard roof rails that can act as a roof rack with a load capacity of 40 kg, a roof rack bag and straps to attach accessories.
The optional Ambient Light Plus package with six predefined color profiles stages the interior to great effect. As an alternative to the standard two-zone automatic climate control, Audi offers a four-zone automatic climate control. The system can optionally use a second high-voltage heater to significantly increase the heating output. This allows the interior to heat up more quickly in very cold conditions, while the additional battery heater ensures that the battery is ready for charging in very low temperatures.
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