The Audi RS Q e-tron, whilst technically a hybrid, represents a big move from a major player in off road racing.
A 50kwh battery running dual motors lifted from Formula E, with a 3rd connecting a 2.0 TFSI ICE powerplant, in a lightweight 4x4, directly competing against full ICE.
Whilst a full EV in a desert with abundant sunshine would still be the ideal, a lack of charging infrastructure at night between stages is still a big obsitcal to overcome.
The Dakar represents a serious test of endurance for both competitors and machinery, and unless this vehicle was real-world tested in total secrecy, it's largely unproven in desert endurance.
That said, Audi has past form with technical revolution: The Audi Quattro was the first rally car to take advantage of the then-recently changed rules that allowed the use of 4 wheel drive in competition racing. They dominated, and everyone else followed suit in short order.
The fact they've recruited easily the best two drivers in Stephane Peterhansel and Carlos Sainz (Peterhansel won the Dakar a record 14 times including last year. Sainz, won in 2020.), proves that they're serious, and have deep pockets.
This will be an interesting watch.
Stage 1 is 2nd January 2022.
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/advertisement-feature/audi-dakar-sands-of-time
https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/dakar-greats-peterhansel-sainz-join-electric-audi-2022-2021-05-31/
https://www.audi.com/en/company/audi-sport/audi-racing-models/rs-q-e-tron.html
It's finally Dakar time once again! A new factory effort from Audi with a hybrid buggy, new T1+ regs for the 4WD cars, many rider changes in the factory bike teams, a new truck from Kamaz and the return of De Rooy promise another fascinating edition of the Dakar
