E-Legend, a new German EV startup, has just taken the wraps off their new all-electric sports car. Commissioned by prototype specialist Roding Automobile, E-Legend's all-electric creation is called the ‘EL1’ and it resembles Audi's 1980s rally car; the Sport Quattro..
It's not the first time that we’ve seen we’ve seen modern recreations of the iconic Quattro. An Audi Quattro Concept was showcased by the German automaker back in 2010. It was based on the then RS5 and had a 2.5-liter TFSI engine. That concept never materialized.
Germany's E-Legend wants to change that as it tries to revitalize the classic Audi Quattro Sport. The EV startup feels, resurrecting classics with today's technology is a proven formula that seems to be working well. The retro-futuristic EL1 adapts the older rally hero for the twenty-first century.
A quick history lesson
Back in the 80s, Audi attempted to outperform the nimble T16 in the WRC's Group B era with this model. And succeed they did with the Audi Quattro rally car.
It didn't do it subtly: it aggressively shaved 12.6 inches off the normal Quattro's wheelbase and gave the car the flatter windshield from the Audi 80. With this, the Sport Quattro as we know and love today was born. It went on to become a legend.
Design
Marcus Holzinger, E-Legend's founder and a former VW designer sculpted the exterior, and his vast expertise has made him an admirer of the classic Quattro model.
The styling is unmistakably Quattro sport, albeit with a modern twist. The bulging arches and haunches, the pronounced C Pillar, and five-spoke wheels are all reminiscent of the original. With LED lighting and camera mirrors, the car gives its intent of making an entry into the high-tech world of EVs.
Performance
Instead of a roaring five-cylinder turbo, the EL1 will have a Tri-motor setup. A single front and dual rear motors, coupled to a four-wheel-drive system with a powerful 804 hp output, a 90kWh battery pack, and an 800V high-voltage battery from the Porsche Taycan.
E-Legend is delighted to claim that with a range of 400 km on a full charge, there should be enough juice to get the EL1, twice around the highly contested Nordschleife.
Despite the carbon-fiber Monocoque's weight reduction, the EL1 still weighs 3700 lbs due to the 1212 pounds battery pack.
The E-Legend also boasts 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds and 124 mph in 10 seconds, which isn't terrible for an electric vehicle.
E-Legend EL1 specifications
|
Powertrain |
Tri-motor |
|---|---|
|
Drivetrain |
FWD |
|
Power |
804 HP |
|
Battery pack |
90kWh |
|
Range |
400 km |
|
Weight |
3,700 lbs |
|
0 to 60 mph |
2.8 seconds |
|
0 to 124 mph |
124 mph |
What comes next? EL2 and EL3
The EL1 is just one in a series of throwback EVs, as the name implies. Holzinger is already working on a future EL2 or EL3 model.
He also has a donor for the EL2 design. The car's design will be inspired by the Lancia Stratos HF. By so doing, a rear-wheel-drive chassis is presumed in order to better preserve the character of the original car.
An EL3 is also in the works, but there is no specific plan for the base as of yet. What is certain is that it must be an iconic rally legend. Fortunately, there are several to choose from.
The EL3 prototype could be based on rally cars like the Delta S4, Rally 037, 205 Turbo 16, or Renault 5 Maxi Turbo, and there was even a Lancia Stratos on display at the unveiling event.
Pricing
The EL1 Quattro Sport Audi price is approximately 1.2 million euros ($1.43 million) The price seems fairly reasonable; considering other high-performance EVs like the Rimac Nevera and Lotus Evija which easily top €2 million per unit ($2.39 million). The production will be available in a limited edition with only 30 units
Final Thoughts
We're curious to see if Holzingers highly extravagant idea will get off the ground. It does not appear to have progressed beyond a few renders and a clay model. He has certainly managed to capture the essence of the original with the design, but has he managed to capture the character? Time will tell when E-Legend makes this car and we genuinely hope that they go through with it.