Audi RS Q e-tron makes history by winning the 2024 Dakar Rally

In a stunning turn of events, Audi has clinched victory at the 2024 Dakar Rally with their RS Q e-tron, making history as the first electric vehicle to conquer this grueling endurance race. The Spanish duo of driver Carlos Sainz and navigator Lucas Cruz piloted this low-emission prototype to secure the coveted win.

This victory was no easy feat, as Audi had previously faced disappointment in their attempts to conquer the Dakar Rally. In 2022, the team encountered massive damage that dashed their hopes of victory. However, Audi was undeterred and worked hard to improve their machine, incorporating lessons learned from the 2022 event. Despite some highlights, including a stage win, they encountered unexpected issues such as tire losses, suspension damage, crashes, and rolls in the following year's race. Determined to succeed, Audi continued to refine the RA Q e-tron, and in 2024, their persistence finally paid off.

What sets the Audi RS Q e-tron apart is its EREV powertrain. It combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, borrowed from an Audi DTM racecar, to act as a generator for the battery pack that supplies power to electric motors driving each wheel. This setup results in a total system output of up to 670 horsepower. Similar powertrains are very popular among Chinese automakers - Yangwang U8 for example.

The victory at the Dakar Rally demonstrates that Audi's revolutionary electrified drive technology can overcome the toughest challenges in motorsport. Oliver Hoffmann, Audi's member of the board responsible for technical development, commented, "With our revolutionary electrified drive, we have overcome one of the biggest challenges in motorsport after just three years. We are thus continuing a long series of pioneering achievements that have always characterized Audi in four decades of motorsport."

The Dakar Rally victory won’t translate to technology found in everyday cars, at least not straight away. However, the win is quite significant for the entire auto industry as it proves electric powertrains can take on the toughest competition. But in order to win, it needs a little help from the combustion engine. Maybe EREVs are the solution for long-range travel after all.

This historic win came not a moment too soon, as 2024 marks the final year of Audi's Dakar program. Their focus will shift to the high-profile world of Formula 1 in 2026, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of off-road racing.

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