Audi was one of the first to delve headlong into the EV revolution. Their e-tron division has been around for a decade, producing some of the more interesting electric concept cars to come down the pike, as well as a series of production cars, including the e-tron SUV.

But Audi is a performance brand, and many is the auto industry writer or follower who has wondered what would happen if the e-tron arm of the company were to actually finalize a concept like the PB18, and start building it for consumers. The company is considering an EV R8, which will hopefully become a reality in the next few years.

But no luck so far on the Audi electric hypercar. Still, the e-tron GT, which was revealed in concept form in the late fall of 2018, is headed to production late this year, and that’s good enough for now. A range-topping RS option should follow soon thereafter.

In its exterior form or flourishes, the GT’s nose, creases and fastback rear gradient offer much for the automotive aesthetes out there. Like any upper-end Audi, its shape presents a remarkable reconciliation of sophisticated line and seat-of-your-pants power.

The model shares the VW Group’s MEB platform with the Porsche Taycan. The VW Group is counting on electric vehicles being a new standard by the end of the decade. They’re making a safe bet.