Audi has despatched its first fully electric-powered SUV onto the hallowed Austrian slopes, where the world’s best ski racers battle for victory in the Hahnenkamm Race. The ‘specially equipped’ Audi e‑tron climbed the ‘Mausefalle’, on the legendary ‘Streif’ course. With an 85% gradient, it is the steepest section of the spectacular downhill course, where standing-up is impossible.
Peter Oberndorfer, Head of Product and Technology Communications, stated: “We already proved the mettle of the electric SUV last year, in a number of Audi e‑tron extreme events. From Pikes Peak to the salt plains of Namibia, to the high-voltage test bay in Berlin, the Audi e‑tron prototype has mastered the greatest of challenges. With the sensational drive up the ‘Mausefalle’, we have pushed the boundaries even further and can demonstrate all of the technical potential of quattro technology in an electric car.”
With an 85% gradient, the ‘Mausefalle’ is the steepest section of the famous ‘Streif’ downhill course at Kitzbühel. To climb this route, the Audi e‑tron technology demonstrator was equipped with a special quattro powertrain with twin electric motors on the rear axle and one electric motor on the front axle. The technology demonstrator achieved a total boost output of up to 370kW and a wheel torque of a phenomenal 6,579.1lbs ft. This ensured full performance on the steep gradient in sub-zero temperatures. Audi also modified the software considerably, in respect of both drive torque and torque distribution for the special conditions on the hill. 19.0-inch diameter wheels, complete with tyre-spikes developed specifically for this driving event, provided the necessary grip on the mix of snow and ice.
Mattias Ekström, Audi’s contracted racing driver, who was engaged to tackle the challenge, said: “Conquering such a vertiginous gradient seems impossible at first, as it is impossible, even with very grippy boots to stand upright on the hill. However, even I was impressed with the way this car handled such difficult terrain!” The World Rallycross champion and two-time DTM (German Touring Cars) champion considers this one-off event to be among his most extraordinary driving experiences.
For the greatest possible safety, the Audi e‑tron technology demonstrator was equipped with a roll cage, external bull-bar and a racing seat with a six-point safety harness. The vehicle itself was equipped with a ‘belay’, through which a safety cable was run. Although there was no pulling device, health and safety demands insisted that the car be restrained, in the event of being unable to scale the slippery heights.
Audi had a strong partner at its side for this project, the Austrian beverage producer Red Bull. The two companies are long-standing partners of the Hahnenkamm Race and conducted this challenge together. The Audi e‑tron also illustrated the collaboration with a special set of appliques.
