As the 2024 Dakar Rally kicks off, Audi has also launched a limited-edition model full of "Dakar" elements, further emphasizing the sporty off-road style with a unique look.
As the first car brand to compete in the Dakar Rally with an electric car, Audi has performed well in the Dakar in the first two years, and the Audi RS Q e-tron has shown that it can also complete the "devil" level race by driving an electric car, which is not only a demonstration of strong confidence, but also an interpretation of the reliability and strong performance of electrification technology. Of course, we are also looking forward to the upgraded Audi RS Q e-tron this year, which will bring more surprises and continue the legend of motorsport in this year's races.
Returning to the Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar version, compared to those "modifications" that are just embellished with stickers and nameplates, this car is actually based on the current overseas version of the Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro model, which has a lot of modifications, with higher ground clearance and a stronger sense of integration in the exterior package, which does make an electric SUV have more wild factors.
Interestingly, if you order the Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition, 2 sets of a total of 8 tires will be available at the time of delivery of the new car, why is that?Because this car, in addition to the standard summer tires with 20-inch wheels, is equipped with American General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires. The Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyre is designed to ensure excellent off-road performance and better grip on a variety of surfaces, including gravel, stony, mountain and forest trails, and snow, and its special tread design optimizes acceleration, braking and lateral control, and self-cleaning on dirt roads. At the same time, the Grabber AT3 has excellent driving characteristics and low noise emissions on asphalt, which significantly improves driving comfort. Of course, you can also see the "M+S" logo on the tire label, which means that it can be used all year round.
The Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar with Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres has a 31 mm higher ground clearance than the regular model, aiming for better handling on soft surfaces such as gravel or snow. The air suspension settings have also been finely adjusted to reduce the ride height as the vehicle accelerates, optimising driving stability at high speeds, improving aerodynamics and range. In addition, the model itself has a 20-degree approach angle, a 26-degree departure angle, a 19-degree passing angle, and a wading depth of 300 mm, which can easily handle most light off-road conditions.
In addition, the new car is equipped with a dual-motor quattro four-wheel drive system, which can provide a maximum power of 300 kilowatts, a maximum torque of 664 Nm, and an acceleration of only 5 kilometers per 100 kilometers8 seconds (standard tires) 59 seconds (AT3 all-terrain tires). The Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar has a staggering 114 kWh battery, a range of 487 km, and a top speed of 200 km/h.
Of course, the Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition is the most distinctive feature in terms of exterior design. The optional projection light strip above the front grille logo brings better visual consistency between the headlights on both sides.
And when the door is opened, the projection with the inscription "Edition Dakar" also highlights its special identity. Audi even equips this model with an exclusive key sleeve style.
The Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar trim kit is inspired by the legendary RS Q e-tron. Different parts of the body color of the black metallic paint are also embellished with decorative patterns, and the production is limited to 99 units. The special edition models come standard with a roof rack that can hold up to 40 kg and can be used to store a wide range of items. Exterior electronic mirrors are also available as an option, so the overall width will also be reduced by 15 cm, which not only helps to improve aerodynamics, but also provides clearer visibility in dusty, wet off-road conditions.
In terms of interior, the Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition still presents a very sporty style, not only using leather, aluminum, Dinamica suede and other materials, but also optional classic Audi Sport red stitching, which complements the sporty feeling of the car.
Not only that, but Audi has also designed a special theme for the Dakar version of the model's MMI screen, which shows the Dakar spirit in detail through three scenes, from the desert storm to the tire trail to the dune landscape, and also adds a function to show the angle of inclination of the car. On top of that, you'll also find the limited edition lettering on the interior and trunk liners. Of course, B&O audio must be indispensable, perhaps it is better to listen to it in the "dusty" gallop all the way.
The word "sportsmanship" has always been the most representative of the Audi brand, and the Audi RS Q e-tron as a model of electric racing, galloping in the desert Gobi is the best proof, and the experience accumulated in the event also fully empowers the production car, which is what a real luxury brand should do, which is the Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition hopes to let more people feel the unique charm from the Dakar.