It's way too early to evaluate the Audi compared to the i-Pace or Teslas.
- Comments like "20% less stopping distance" instead of a number. Will it outstop the Audi Q7 Prestige? This I will have to see.
- 0-60mph in under 6 seconds, but how much under 6?
- Full power for 8 seconds? That's could affect passing distances in the real world, and hurt 1/4 mi performance. Needs uniform power for at least 15 seconds to cover mountain road uphill passing with passengers. Who wants to have the power fall right as you are ready to finish your pass?
- All cars with AEB have electro-hydraulic brakes. What makes the Audi special?
- All cars with ACC that will decel to the point of AEB actuation have no pedal shudder, but you will feel chassis vibration.
- How big is the Audi inside, seating?
- And most importantly, what is the pricing? This is a critical factor to know what to compare it to.
The trip down Pike's Peak doesn't say much. It's an average of 6.8% grade. Drops 6,800 feet in 19 miles.
There is a grade near our shop which is 6.0%, and our cars regen at less than 20% of max, 10-12kW.
I assume there are corners that require more regen to lower the car to a safe speed, but 5x normal highway speed 6% downhill rate? I have nothing to compare that to.
Sorry Audi. I have to file that "ride-along" as a 'stupid pet trick'. A SPT is something that is entertaining, but not very useful.
GM's never did a Ride-Along, and I'm not sure Jaguar did either.
GM had the press reporter drive the Bolt around an Autocross course, as did Jaguar.
Then the next step for GM was to put the press behind the wheel 240 miles from their destination. All the cars made it.
Jaguar upped the ante with that full blown abuse test of the i-Pace, dirt roads, city streets, and roadracing, and ace'd all three.
Not trashing the Audi, but trashing the 'press demo'. Audi should have just skipped that stunt. Somebody might take a Bolt or i-Pace down Pike's Peak with zero friction brakes, or recover more kWh's.
