In a groundbreaking achievement, Audi has made history by becoming the first car manufacturer to win the world’s toughest desert rally with a low-emission prototype equipped with an electric drive, high-voltage battery, and energy converter. The Audi RS Q e-tron, driven by Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz, emerged victorious after covering a grueling 4,908 miles (7,900 kilometers) in the Dakar Rally, with a lead of 1 hour and 20 minutes.
As the world shifts towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation options, this achievement is a major milestone in the automotive industry. The Dakar Rally, known for its tough terrain and challenging conditions, has always been dominated by powerful combustion engine vehicles. However, with the introduction of electric and hybrid technology, the rally has become a platform for showcasing the capabilities of sustainable mobility.
The Audi RS Q e-tron is a hybrid concept car designed specifically for the demanding conditions of the Dakar Rally. It is powered by an electric motor on the front axle and a TFSI engine on the rear axle, making it an all-wheel-drive beast. The car also features a high-voltage battery, which is charged by an energy converter while driving. This innovative setup not only reduces emissions but also provides the necessary power and agility for conquering the challenging terrains of the rally.
Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz have maintained their lead in the rally since the sixth stage. This is the fourth victory for the Spanish duo, having won previously in 2010, 2018, and 2020. Their wins have been with different brands, including their second win with a Volkswagen Group car.
Another Audi team, consisting of Mattias Ekström and Emil Bergkvist, also successfully completed the Dakar Rally in the Audi RS Q e-tron, showcasing the car’s reliability and durability over the challenging course. This achievement further cements Audi’s reputation for engineering high-quality and high-performing vehicles.
“Congratulations to Team Audi Sport on winning the Dakar Rally,” said Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “Audi has once again set a milestone in motorsport. Winning the world’s toughest desert rally with an electrified drive is a visible ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ and points the way to our electric future.”
The success of the Audi RS Q e-tron in the Dakar Rally serves as a reminder that electric and hybrid vehicles can compete with traditional combustion engine vehicles in terms of performance and endurance. As the world continues to shift towards sustainable transportation, developments in electric and hybrid technology will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the automotive industry.
“With our revolutionary electrified drive, we have overcome one of the biggest challenges in motorsport after just three years. We are thus continuing a long series of pioneering achievements that have always characterized Audi in four decades of motorsport. I would like to thank the entire team for this outstanding performance in a particularly tough edition of the Dakar Rally,” says Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, Technical Development.
Audi’s victory in the Dakar Rally with the low-emission and high-performing RS Q e-tron prototype is a significant moment in the history of motorsports and sustainable mobility. It showcases the potential of electric and hybrid technology and marks a major step towards a more sustainable and greener future. Audi has once again proven why they are at the forefront of innovation in the automotive industry, and their victory in the Dakar Rally is a testament to their dedication.
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