Following tests in Germany and Spain, Audi Sport headed to Morocco to put the Audi RS Q e-tron prototype to the test, the zero-emission prototype with extended range that will compete in the world's most challenging rally raid in January 2022.
For the first time, the vehicle traversed the desert and dunes. As before, all three official crews were present: Stéphane Peterhansel and Edouard Boulanger, Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz, and Mattias Ekström and Emil Bergkvist. They took turns driving the German automobile manufacturer's prototype.
Morocco's environmental conditions were extremely harsh, with temperatures far exceeding 40 ° C. Unfortunately, the sandstorms impeded the testing, and as predicted, the crew had to deal with minor issues caused by the searing heat. However, temperatures in Dakar are expected to be lower.
Components such as MGUs were not meant for continuous operation over 40 ° C, and the drivetrain and powertrains are no exception. However, the high-voltage battery, designed particularly for the Dakar, performed admirably under all situations.
Parallel to the testing, Audi Sport has begun assembling the first Audi RS Q e-tron chassis n ° 104 at the Audi Motorsport Competence Center in Neuburg a der Donau (Germany). This will be utilized specifically in 2022 Dakar Rally.
