Audi Q6 E-Tron Off-Road: Ready For The Most Rugged Adventures
Audi Q6 E-Tron Off-Road conquers extreme terrains with cutting-edge power.
Following its groundbreaking Car class victory at the 2024 Dakar Rally, the Audi RS Q C-Tron made history as the first hybrid vehicle to win the prestigious event for both the German automaker and hybrid cars in general. Building on this electrified success, Audi is now pushing the boundaries of off-road innovation with an extreme new concept.
After testing the Q6 E-Tron Off-Road prototype, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner shared his excitement: “This is a reinterpretation of quattro [Audi’s AWD platform]. The model demonstrates the potential of our all-electric platform today. This vehicle is ready to break new ground, and we can’t wait to see our customers' reactions to this highly emotional car.”
While statements from automakers often sound exaggerated, Döllner’s words hold weight for good reason. The Q6 E-Tron Off-Road features four portal axles—an upgrade rarely seen in production vehicles. The axle tubes are positioned higher, and power is distributed to each wheel through gearboxes integrated into the wheel hubs. Typically reserved for military vehicles and hardcore off-roaders, this setup gives the Q6 E-Tron Off-Road a significant torque boost of up to 50 percent, compared to the 30 percent increase offered by other portal axle designs, enabling it to tackle gradients of up to 45 degrees.
Additionally, Audi has raised the prototype’s metallic black body by 6.3 inches, broadened the track width by 9.8 inches, and equipped it with a massive light bar and rugged tires for enhanced visibility and traction. While specific off-road modifications remain under wraps, Audi confirms this is a prototype. However, spectators at Austria’s F.A.T. Ice Race on February 1 will see the Q6 E-Tron Off-Road in action.
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