Approximately two years ago, E-Legend, a German company, publicly announced its intention to create an electric homage to the Audi Sport Quattro S1. The initial drawings showed a battery powered coupe that held the iconic shape of the famous Group B rally car.
We’re thrilled to hear that E-Legend’s electric EL1 is nearing production.
The drawings also featured exaggerated versions of the Audi’s already bold features, such as the enlarged wheel arches and power bulging hood.
The E-Legend’s electric EL1 is showing an updated version of the design which incorporates additional elegant details like a NACA-duct-shaped glass panel on the roof that illuminates a luxurious cabin.
The production of the vehicle is progressing steadily
As demonstrated by E-Legend’s recent decision to take one of its carbon fiber monocoques to an airfield for fine tuning sessions involving drifting and performing donuts.
It is important to remember that specifications can undergo significant changes from the conceptualization phase to the final production model, but the performance specifications of the EL1 either match or surpass the original targets.
These specifications include 805 horsepower, 848 pound-feet of torque generated from three e-motors with asymmetric outputs, an acceleration of 0-62 miles per hour in just 2.8 seconds, and a top speed of 186 mph. Of these figures, the torque has experienced a 74 lb-ft increase.
A Brief History Lesson:
For those unfamiliar with Audi’s history, a series of Audi Sport cars known simply as “Quattro” achieved two World Rally Championship (WRC) titles in 1982 and 1984. E-Legend has chosen one of the most iconic models from this era to pay homage to, specifically the Audi Sport Quattro S1.
It is worth noting that this particular model was the least successful among its counterparts. E-Legend’s founder, Marcus Holzinger, may have a personal connection to this choice, as his father, Wolfgang Holzinger, worked as a modeler at Audi during the early 1980s and was involved in designing the Audi Sport Quattro. Interestingly, the S1 version won only a single rally, the San Remo event in 1985, with Walter Röhrl as the driver, and did not secure any championships.
The original classic model boasted a turbocharged 2.1-liter inline-five-cylinder engine, producing approximately 476 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Furthermore, it weighed around 1300kg.
However, it is important to note that the prototype of the EL1 is still undergoing refinement in order to reach its intended performance figures and final equipment specifications.
Power and Drivetrain
Currently, the pre production version achieves 604 horsepower from its two rear motors, each with an output of 302 horsepower.
The ultimate goal is to have the front motor contribute 201 horsepower more.
In terms of torque distribution, approximately 280 lb-ft will come from the front motor, while each of the rear motors will provide around 247 lb-ft.
Currently, power is sent through an open differential, although the production models are expected to feature a mechanical limited slip differential on the rear axle, and potentially even on the front axle.
The most significant changes from the 2021 specifications are the battery and curb weight of the vehicle. The initial specifications listed a 90-kWh T-shaped battery positioned behind the cockpit, with the transverse segment intended to maintain a weight distribution of 43% front and 57% rear.
However, the battery size has been reduced to 80 kWh. Despite this reduction, the curb weight has increased. Initially, E-Legend planned for the vehicle to weigh 1700 kg, but it has now reached 1800 kg.
Nevertheless, this weight increase should not pose any issues for the EL1, which possesses 805 horsepower and 848 lb-ft of torque. It is worth noting that the maximum charging speed has also decreased from 300 kW to 200 kW.
Take a Number:
E-Legend’s electric EL1 has limited the production run of the EL1 to only 30 units. Each unit will have a starting price of 890,000 euros.
A stunning interior includes features such as power windows, air conditioning, parking sensors, and a rear view camera. E-Legend plans to unveil the production version of the EL1 at the 2024 Monterey Car Week.
Additionally, the company has already begun drawing its next creation, the EL2, which will pay tribute to another rally legend. However, if you cannot wait, it is worth noting that E-Legend is not the only company producing beautifully crafted revivals of WRC icons.
The Lancia 037, the car that disrupted Audi’s dominance in the WRC, has also received a modern interpretation through the Kimera Automobili 037, which is currently available for purchase and serves as a stunning masterpiece of automotive engineering.