Audi ‘Vision Gran Turismo’ concept becomes reality

Inspired in some aspects by the Audi 90 IMSO GTO, the e-tron Vision Gran Turismo was originally designed to exist only in the virtual world of online racing.

But Audi changed that when it decided to build its Gran Turismo concept car for use as a race taxi in Formula E.

Starting at the upcoming race in Rome on April 14, Audi’s gusest at the event will be be driven around the circuit in the electric one-of-one e-tron Vision Gran Turismo.

Three 200kW electric motors power the e-tron, with two at the rear and one up front.

The 600kW racer weighs only 1450kg, has a 50:50 weight distribution, and can hit 100km/h in less than 2.5 seconds.

Audi’s chief designer Marc Lichte says it’s a car he’s particularly proud of.

“Although the design of a virtual vehicle allows much greater freedom and the creation of concepts which are only hard to implement in reality, we did not want to put a purely fictitious concept on wheels.

“Our aim was a fully functional car. The Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo shows that electric mobility at Audi is very emotive.

“This car incorporates numerous elements of our new design language such as the inverted single frame in the vehicle’s color that will be typical for our new e-tron models.”

Driving the e-tron Vision GT at each Europe-based race of the 2018 Formula E calendar will be either former DTM driver Rahel Frey from Switzerland or Le Mans winner Dindo Capello from Italy.

Gamers keen on the e-tron Vision Gran Turismo can drive it themselves in Gran Turismo Sport.