Schaeffler Converts Audi RS3 Into 1,200-HP Electric Beast

Schaeffler Technologies converted the high-performance Audi RS3 into an electric car that is as fast as a Ferrari 488 Pista.

Schaeffler has been active in the world’s first ABB FIA Formula E racing series from the very beginning. Schaufler Technologies sponsors Audi’s Formula E and DTM teams. As a Formula E partner for Audi, they wanted to demonstrate just “how quickly modern motorsport technology can be put on the road.” This is a common concept nowadays with several automakers discussing how their racing technology can be implemented into their production vehicles. Apparently, auto parts suppliers are a part of that segment too and want to showcase what they got.

From the factory, the Audi RS3 comes equipped with 395 horses – and that’s nothing to be ashamed of. The RS3 LMS racer needed to be a little down-tuned for racing with 350 horsepower.

Schaeffler calls this the “4ePerformance concept” and it is closely related to the RS3 LMS touring car; though, it is not made to race. It is merely a technological work of art; a showpiece, rather.

"“In the same way as Schaeffler has contributed its technical expertise to Formula E from the very beginning, it also plays a pioneering role and is a partner for components and complete system solutions when it comes to applying electric mobility to volume production vehicles and putting them on the road”, says Prof. Peter Gutzmer, CTO of Schaeffler."

The RS3 was stripped of its 400-horsepower, 5-cylinder turbocharged gas engine and received four Formula E motors instead. These motors are the same ones that Audi and Schaeffler use in the battery-powered, single-seat racing series (from the ABT FE01 Formula E racing car). Each individual motor has a 220kW (300 hp) power output delivering 1,200 metric horsepower. As much as this concept looks like a DTM race car, it also performs like one. Schaeffler says that the 4ePerformance concept can go from 0 to 200 km/h (0-124 mph) in less than 7 seconds. Even at those high speeds, the car is able to handle smoothly thanks to its selective wheel drive and torque vectoring system.

Although it isn’t likely that we will see this go into production for the road or track, the fact that Schaeffler was able to turn a sports sedan into an EV speaks volumes about its view on the future and technology.

Quick Facts on the 4ePerformance Concept:

• Concept and overall vehicle design: Schaeffler Technologies
• Overall design and manufacturing of the gearbox: Schaeffler Engineering
• Vehicle design: Schaeffler Technologies and ABT Sportsline
• Motors from the Abt Schaeffler FE01 Formula E racing car (Season II)
• Integration of 4 electric motors w/ a power output of 220 kW each (Pmax)
• Overall power output: 880 kW (approx. 1,200 PS)
• MGU with 320 Nm of peak torque
• Can go from 0 to 200 km/h in under 7 seconds
• Features selective wheel drive
• Battery capacity: 64 kWh
• Motor and gearbox efficiency of approx. 95 percent under full-load conditions

Next: Audi Q8 SUV Teaser Shows Aggressive Front End Ahead of June Reveal

Get a closer look at the “Schaeffler 4ePerformance” concept vehicle below.

What do you think about this 1000+ horsepower fully-electric concept? Let us know your feelings on it in the comment section below.