“There are basically three elements that define an Audi RS model when it comes to its exterior design,” says Audi designer Frank Lamberty. There is the wide body, characterised by enlarged wings, which ensure an impressive appearance and give it its basic proportions, as well as the accentuated air openings at the front, the imposing and sportiest wheel rims, and the striking rear with the large diffuser. “These are the grand gestures that we always want to maintain.” Even a new drive technology would not formally change this. And yet, all-electric model ranges are subject to certain requirements, and this must be considered in the design, explains Lamberty, before immediately adding that it is always about function as well.
 
Lamberty heads the same Audi Design team that was in charge of the revision of the all-electric Audi e-tron GT model series. “A very exciting task, because we also call the original vehicle ‘the most beautiful Audi’, and with the new generation we have three models instead of just two.” Lamberty notes that the different design of the more powerful RS model has become the centre of attention. And so, the original task involved two steps: Firstly, it was about setting the RS variant apart from the model series and facelift its exterior design to give it a competitive edge. “It’s about clearly designed symbols that indicate that this is an all-electric, highly emotional Audi RS model. After all, it is precisely the RS models at Audi that seek to provide visual clues to racing and to express performance.” At the same time, the aim was to find an appropriate design that conveys a visual idea, setting the style for future all-electric Audi RS models.

When enhancing the Audi e-tron GT model series, the designers were able to build on a very good technical foundation. “The basic shape of the vehicle is already very aerodynamic,” says Lamberty, “but the performance of the new generation, from acceleration and range to battery management, has increased significantly.” However, more power also requires more cooling, and not just when the vehicle is travelling fast, but also when it is stationary, and especially when it is being charged. “During charging, the system must be able to draw air to regulate the battery temperature.” Which is why sophisticated aerodynamics was the key in designing the new Audi RS e-tron GT¹.
 
“Everything starts with the front,” Lamberty explains. “The air not only has to be skilfully channelled around the vehicle, but also through it.” The Audi designers questioned everything to the left and right of the inverted single frame, disassembled all existing elements and identified how the air could be directed even more effectively to where it is needed. The result: striking but also functional L-shaped air guiding elements. “These so-called blades do not only look pretty awesome, but their shape also follows the intended aerodynamic function.” This makes it possible to direct the impinging air into the vehicle, and to the brakes as well. A functional air curtain directs the air into or through the wheel arch and out of an opening right behind it. “We call this interplay of form and function intelligent performance, and this is paramount for electric vehicles,” says Lamberty, not missing the fact that the range is also a key issue for high-performance sports cars such as the Audi RS e-tron GT¹.

“The blades allowed us to find a functional symbolism at the front, which we also wanted to see at the rear of the vehicle,” explains the Audi designer. The large oval tailpipes of the combustion models would actually be ideal for this. But they are no longer needed on an all-electric model – so the team concentrated on the diffuser. “We followed the air from the front, and, in our minds, we moved these two L-shaped blades, this strong symbol, through the car,” describes Lamberty. “We rotated the L-shape and developed two diffuser bridges flanked by vertical fins instead of the oval tailpipes. Everything is characterised by sporty elegance and strong three-dimensional shapes.” The fins protrude several centimetres because, as Lamberty explains, the longer a diffuser is, the more effectively it can work. “Again, we were inspired by racing cars, where they use very large, very functional diffusers.”

Frank Lamberty knows a thing or two about racing. His first projects at Audi Design at the end of the 1990s involved racing cars, with which Audi achieved repeated success in the World Endurance Championship. “Racing is a fascinating laboratory of experience. You always go to extremes and see what is technically feasible.” And the RS models, regardless of the drive technology, are, according to Lamberty, the most extreme configuration of an Audi production model. “During this time, I learnt an incredible amount about performance and aerodynamics. Knowing about this connection, or this conflict, is valuable when developing a performance model.”

The L-shaped blades, both at the front of the new Audi RS e-tron GT¹ and their interpretation at the rear, set the Audi RS DNA apart from the combustion engine models to the all-electric models, defining the future. But there are also elements that connect the different drive technologies. “There is a vertical reflector in the centre of the diffuser. In my opinion, this is very reminiscent of a race car. We always need reflectors at the rear of a vehicle. It’s required by law. So, this is another familiar feature in the new Audi RS e-tron GT¹ that emphasises our roots.”
 
But how and in which models will this symbolism be continued? It is still too early to talk about this in concrete terms, Lamberty admits. Just this much can be said: “We have dedicated ourselves to the task with the clear strategic view that the Audi RS e-tron GT¹ should define the signature, the symbolism of the all-electric RS models. And we can already see that it works just wonderfully.”