Audi’s presence at this year’s Johannesburg International Motor Show will showcase the power and prowess of the Audi model range with the South African debut of several high performance machines.
Audi is aiming to use this platform to highlight its emotive qualities in the South African market through its innovative stand design and by presenting the pinnacle of its performance vehicles. “This year’s show will focus on the ‘Sporty’ core value of the brand. Audi is able to offer the South African consumer a surge of power with a choice of seven high performance RS models – many of which will be showcased at the Johannesburg International Motor Show,” said Ryan Searle, Head of Audi South Africa.
Audi RS models are unique in the sense that they are understated while still offering high power performance without compromising on everyday usability. Each RS model is individual and has its own distinct character being produced by quattro GmbH, a subsidiary of AUDI AG, at the Neckarsulm factory in Germany. quattro GmbH are also responsible for the hand-built Audi R8, as well as vehicle individualisation in the form of Audi exclusive. All lifestyle accessories and apparel fall under the scope of quattro GmbH and accordingly, genuine lifestyle articles from the Audi collection will be available for purchase at the Johannesburg International Motor Show.
The first model to make its local debut will be the powerful Audi RS 7 Sportback. This five door with coupé styling is both powerful and elegant, with the RS specific styling emphasising the sleek lines and unique design of this luxury model. The
4.0T FSI gives the Audi RS 7 Sportback an enormous degree of refinement, while the 412 kW and 700 Nm of torque the engine produces catapults it from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds.
Another model set for its local debut at the Johannesburg International Motor Show will be the Audi RS Q3. This is the first high performance model in the A SUV segment and therefore an exciting prospect for the Audi brand. The heart of the Audi RS Q3 continues a great Audi tradition – the turbocharged five-cylinder has been awarded “International Engine of the Year” in its category for four years in succession and is also found in the Audi TT RS and the previous generation
Audi RS 3 Sportback. In the RS Q3, this engine produces 228 kW and 420 Nm of torque while mated to a seven-speed S tronic gearbox, propelling the compact SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. Both the Audi RS 7 Sportback and the
Audi RS Q3 will be introduced to the market in January 2014.
The Johannesburg International Motor Show will mark the launch of the highly-anticipated Audi S3 Sportback. The new generation hot-hatch produces 206 kW and 380 Nm of torque while the 2.0 TFSI provides power and exemplary efficiency alike by relying on many new technologies, ranging from dual injection through the Audi valvelift system, to innovative thermal management. The Audi S3 Sportback will be introduced to the market in time for the festive season.
The Audi stand will also feature a restricted access lounge which will contain the unique and exclusive Audi A8 L W12 Security. The long-wheelbase high-security version of the Audi A8 meets the strictest guidelines in force for civilian vehicles, with a host of special security features available in addition to its heavy armouring. The armoured sedan’s custom security modifications are performed by hand by specially trained technicians, who put in roughly 450 hours of work to incorporate the security features. The A8 L Security has also been officially certified by a German-government ballistics testing facility in Munich for compliance with the class VR 7 ballistic protection standard capable of withstanding an attack of a military hand grenade.
The Audi stand would not be complete without the presence of three halo models. All three of these vehicles were launched this year and have added to the high performance assault experienced by the brand in 2013. The Audi R8 V10 plus is the new flagship to the Audi R8 range and remains a showstopper at any Audi event. Its potent 404 kW V10 engine generates 540 Nm of torque which reaches 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 317 km/h. The design of the Audi R8 V10 plus is enhanced by carbon fibre detail from its side mirrors, to the side blades and its engine compartment, situated right behind the cockpit.
The third-generation Audi RS 4 Avant combines high performance with an extraordinary level of everyday practicality. Its 4.2-litre V8 produces 331 kW, while the seven-speed S tronic and quattro® permanent all-wheel drive transfer that power to the road. The Audi RS 4 Avant uses a high-revving, normally aspirated V8 engine that accelerates it from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The 4.2 FSI engine combines its impressive power with impressive efficiency, consuming on average less than 11 litres of fuel per 100 km.
Dynamic performance where the sky’s the limit – the new Audi RS 5 Cabriolet entices with a scintillating combination of power and elegance. The four-seat convertible combines its distinctly sporty character with the exhilaration of open-top driving. The high-revving V8 FSI is shared with the Audi RS 4 Avant and also develops 331 kW from its 4.2 litres of displacement, accelerating the Audi RS 5 Cabriolet from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The seven-speed S tronic and the quattro® permanent all-wheel drive system reliably transmit power to the road. The chassis also boasts a wide array of high-tech solutions, such as the sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). Sophisticated assistance and infotainment systems round off the offering.
Many consumers have chosen the Audi brand because of its individual strengths and unique characteristics in the fields of technology, design and equipment. It is for this reason that Audi exclusive exists, representing something exceptional to the customer with no limits to the options or trim of vehicles. Another highlight of the Audi stand will be the Audi S6. Although not a new model to the market, the S6 will feature a fully customised Audi exclusive interior to mark the launch of Audi exclusive to the South African market in 2014.
The final “showstopper” model which will be revealed to the South African public at the Johannesburg International Motor Show is the Audi A3 Sedan, which is the third model in the successful Audi A3 range. The premium compact sedan combines striking and sporty styling, lightweight design and impressive handling qualities. Due to be launched in South Africa in January 2014, visitors to the show will receive an exclusive preview of this highly-anticipated addition to the Audi family.
The Audi Press Conference held on 16 October also featured a special guest and an international motorsport icon, Emanuele Pirro. Pirro has won the Le Mans 24 hour race five times for Audi with teammates Tom Kristensen and Frank Biela, in both the Audi R8 and the R10 TDI. Pirro has also competed in numerous facets of Motorsport throughout his career, including Formula One, DTM and the American Le Mans series. Pirro remains a respected Motorsport driver in the industry and is now a proud international Audi Ambassador. Besides for appearing at the Audi Press Conference, Pirro will also be visiting charity organisations during his time in South Africa, as well as hosting an exclusive dinner with loyal Audi customers.
