Eduard Huma
Ladies and gentlemen, Audi plans to return to next year’s Dakar Rally with enhancements and developments on their new hybrid electric car, the Audi RS Q e-Tron. Following its imperfect but overall successful maiden voyage in the demanding race this January, the German automaker has applied the insights from 2023. It is great to see Audi dealing with the problems that appeared this year, instead of just ignoring the flaws that the RS Q e-Tron displayed in this year.
For the year 2024, the changes that are easily noticeable are the improvements in electric power and solidity. Particularly in the 2023 event, some electric system failures were encountered due to the severe testing of the components through thousands of race miles on the car. Hence by uprating the capacity of the battery and generators, Audi has sought to leave no doubts about the endurance of the RS Q e-Tron next time.
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Enhanced Electric Drive System
Audi has stated that the Audi RS Q e-Tron electric drive developed for the 2024 model year will offer 20-30% more drive power. Reflecting on how agile their current car looks charging at sand dunes and rocky trails on its MGUs only, the extra wallop will be horrifying to watch! I wouldn’t mind betting that the hybrid Audi might start setting a stage-winning pace in 2024 provided efficiency is reasonable.
It is also expected that for 2024, the electric range of the car when driving only on the battery should experience an improvement as well. Improvements here could be one of the often-overlooked contributors to a better show next time as the diesel range extender will not have to be called upon to perform as frequently.
Faster and More Precise Assembly of Suspension and Bodywork
Knowing where the Audi RS Q e-Tron E2 failed during the dramatic 2023 Dakar, the Audi engineers have attempted to strengthen the car’s weaknesses. This involves stiffening of suspension members and their mounting to handle greater forces from large impacts as well as sturdier body panels to protect against striking stones and flying debris.
I flinched every time I witnessed the early race leader Carlos Sainz Sr. stop the roadside during this year’s event figuring out how to repair the damaged bodywork of the Audi RS Q e-Tron so much that I hope it will be improved to pay off. Audi has the speed to run for victory provided the creation of such gets to the end line!!
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Audi no longer only aims to go faster in their second try of the Dakar. They are also succeeding in an admirable way in the field of safety, continuing the automated driver assistance systems that were introduced with great enthusiasm for the 2023 models.
Enhancements made to the camera system, radar, and the processing capabilities of the Audi RS Q e-Tron should increase the number of cases where the car’s central driving computer can assume full control. While I may be overemphasizing it, there is nothing quite like basking in Audi pushing crash protection as much as sheer velocity. It’s bad enough when manufacturers set their sights on Dakar with their machines, let alone recklessly so.
Audi is back in 2024 Dakar
What can be said about the performance of hybrids and the future of motor racing, especially in light of the Audi vs Toyota battle in 2023? With Porsche also deciding to join the rally raid circus from 2024, the traditional battle of man against the vehicle in Dakar seems brighter than ever.
I am looking forward to how Audi’s enhanced 2024 car will fare against the team Gazoo Racing Toyota the next January. In my gut feeling, I have the impression that spectators are going to watch another two weeks of breathtaking racing with highs and lows. I will also prepare the popcorn on the side!
2024 Audi RS Q e-Tron – Media Gallery
