Heat and Sand – the natural operating environment of the Audi RS Q e-tron E2 and the perfect next step in the development of the E2 variant that will contest next year’s Dakar Rally.

Hot on the heels of the E2’s unveiling this month, the RS Q e-tron E2 or E2 for short, was put through its paces in the monstrous sand dunes of Morocco in preparation for its first competition in just over a week. Audi Sport spent a total of nine days in the 40 degree heat of the Moroccan desert to give the three driver parings the opportunity of getting to know the new vehicle.

“Our plan was to have nine days of testing so that each driver and co-driver pairing could work with the test vehicle for three days,” says Arnau Niubó Bosch, Project Leader Track Operations.

“The weight reduction creates new opportunities for suspension set-up, which we want to exploit. We are moving in a good direction. The electric drive with all its systems is also working more smoothly than at the test a year ago.”

Despite the tough conditions, the overwhelming impressions were good, with the three drivers all singling out the weight reduction and lower centre of gravity as a big plus for the handing of the E2 over its predecessor.

“Not only the weight, but also its distribution is more favourable now,” Carlos Sainz said of his time behind the wheel of the new car. “As a result, the car drifts less, it feels more agile and it’s easier to control.”

Likewise the man they call Mr Dakar, Stéphane Peterhansel, was thrilled with the handling of the new car.

“When we drive through long, fast corners, there are fewer centrifugal forces. So it’s much easier to stay on the inside of the corner. Likewise, our seating position is better than before,” enthused the 14-time winner of the world’s most demanding off-road rally.

The third driver, Swedish ace Mattias Ekström is also appreciative of the greater stability and agility of the new car and is confident the changes will pay dividends when it comes to competition.

“It’s not about lap times as on asphalt courses, but about having a predictable car,” Says Ekström.

“In addition to the lower weight, the improved aerodynamics are also clearly noticeable. It has a positive effect especially at higher speeds.”

In addition to the reduced weight and revised suspension possibilities, significant changes have been made to the cockpit of the E2 resulting in greater comfort for the driver parings as well as greater ease of operation of the vehicle systems – a boon for the occupants who will spend long hours in the E2 hurtling through harsh terrain at speed in heat that will often head north of 40 degrees.

The nine days of Moroccan testing saw the teams wrack up more than 4000 kilometres which will be invaluable come the first competitive hit-out for the E2 in the Morrocco Rally from October 1 to 6. With its varied terrain, it is considered the ideal preparation for the Dakar Rally which is now just over the horizon in three months time.