The Audi RS e-tron GT and the March of Progress for High-Performance EVs
Car and Driver
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Audi RS e-tron GT has achieved a lap time of 2:50.6 at the Nürburgring, marking significant progress for electric vehicles in high-performance driving. Despite being limited by a speed limiter during parts of its lap, the car demonstrates how far EV technology has come. Compared to older models like the 2012 Corvette ZR1 and 2014 Ferrari F12, the e-tron GT's time highlights the rapid advancements in track performance for electric vehicles.
The car’s impressive performance is attributed to its advanced active suspension system, shared with the Porsche Taycan Turbo S but tuned differently for better handling on challenging sections like the Climbing Esses. With 912 horsepower and a curb weight of 5,170 pounds, the e-tron GT manages to outpace earlier EVs, such as the first-generation Porsche Taycan Turbo S, by nearly five seconds.
This achievement underscores the growing capability of electric vehicles to compete with traditional high-performance cars. The Audi’s lap time, ranking fifth among tested EVs and just 0.1 seconds behind the Corvette ZR1, illustrates that even heavier, four-door models can achieve impressive track results. This progress matters to automotive enthusiasts as it challenges perceptions, showing that electric powertrain technology not only benefits the environment but also delivers on driving dynamics and performance.
The improvements in EV lap times reflect broader advancements in battery, motor, and suspension technologies. These developments are reshaping the automotive landscape, making electric vehicles increasingly appealing to
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Originally published on Car and Driver on 2/24/2026