A number of adventure-tuned standard cars with raised suspension and substantial bodywork have been launched in recent years.
These include sports cars such as the Porsche 911 Dakar and the Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato, as well as Ford’s Raptor series of pickup trucks and SUVs.
Now Audi throws its hat into the ring with the rally-inspired electric SUV Q8 e-tron edition Dakar.
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Inspired by racing car
The car is inspired by the Audi RS Q e-tron racing car, which has competed in the last three editions of the Dakar rally, including with Swede Mattias Ekström behind the wheel.
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The RS Q e-tron is an electric car that uses the petrol engine of a DTM car as a generator to extend the range.
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Range of 49 miles
Despite the sporty source of inspiration, the car is not based on the sportiest version of the regular Q8 e-tron, which is the SQ8 with its three electric motors.
Instead, the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is based on the Q8 e-tron 55 in SUV design, which means that the output is 408 horsepower.
The raised suspension opens up for off-road adventures – Photo: Audi
On normal road tires, the 0-100 sprint is completed in 5.8 seconds, but if you drive on the off-road tires General Grabber AT3, it takes 5.9 seconds.
The modifications affect the range, which is 487 kilometers, which can be compared to 531 kilometers for the regular 55 model.
High chassis and substantial equipment
Covered with off-road tires, the chassis is 65 millimeters higher than on a standard Q8 e-tron, which means a ground clearance of 220 millimeters. However, the wading depth is a fairly moderate 300 millimeters.
At higher speeds, the air suspension is automatically lowered for reduced air resistance and thus range.
Details such as a substantial roof rack, durable floor mats and a special storage package make the car even more ready for adventure.
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Can be ordered soon
The order books for the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar are expected to open in the first quarter of 2024.
The basic price should be around SEK 1.4 million. If you want the specially designed decal package, which is limited to 99 copies, you have to add around SEK 100,000 more.
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