Audi is about to be a part of one the greatest challenges of its whole history as it will compete in Dakar Rally for the first time in 2022. The interesting point is that the company will not compete with one of its regular models. It will take part in the rally with a new electric prototype. The new model, will feature a strong electric powertrain with a high-voltage battery pack. The whole power system is stronger and more efficient than ever.
Markus Duesmann, chairman of the board of management and board of management member for technical development and product lines at AUDI AG says,
”multifaceted commitment to motorsport is and will remain an integral part of Audi’s strategy. We want to continue demonstrating the brand’s slogan ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ in international top-level motorsport in the future and develop innovative technologies for our road cars. The toughest rally in the world is the perfect stage for this. Formula E has accompanied the transformation phase at Audi. Today, electromobility at the four rings is no longer a dream of the future, but the present. This is why we are taking the next step in electrified motorsport by facing the most extreme conditions. The many technical freedoms offered by the Dakar Rally provide a perfect test laboratory for us in this respect.”
Rallying was the start of Audi’s success in motorsports. That is the reason why competing in Dakar Rally is so important for the brand. Audi has changed rallying forever since 1981.
Preparing the unknown prototype is a bit of a challenge for the brand, as it is electric and demands an energy converter in the form of TFSI engine to be charged.
By early 2025, It is believed that almost %40 of the brand’s sales is in the hands of pure-electric products. Still, we don’t know when the new electric powertrain will be used by the customer teams.
According to the company, other possible fields of activity of the brand in international motorsport is being considered and studied.