Before Audi embarks on its Formula 1 adventure, the German manufacturer still has unfinished business in the Dakar Rally. For the 2023 edition, a heavily revised RS Q e-tron E2 has been developed. Like its predecessor, the sophisticated machine that has two Formula E electric motors and a DTM derived petrol engine that serves as a generator. While it is built using similar principles, the RS Q e-tron E2 does not share a single body panel with the existing machine that won the 2022 Abu Dhabi Rally.
It is not the first time that the E2 name is used for an Audi, although it was never actually applied in an official capacity to the Sport Quattro S1. It very much was the second evolution of the Sport Quattro only 20 were built. Today we have taken a look at the very first example, which was recently demonstrated at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Used only twice in period, it scored a victorious debut in the hands of Hannu Mikkola in the non-championship 1985 Olympus Rally. At Goodwood, it was driven by rally legend Stiq Blomqvist.
Throughout the year, Honda has released tidbits of information about the new Civic Type R. This week, additional images and, crucially, the full specifications have been released. They reveal that the upcoming 'hot hatch' will have 315 bhp on tap, which is driven to the front wheels through a six-speed, manual gearbox.

Enjoy the links:

2023 Audi RS Q e-tron E2

1985 Audi Sport Quattro S1 (85ZGA905001)

2023 Honda Civic Type R