Sharp new models

Audi showcased its range of new models and technology at the recent show in Dubai.

The new Audi S3 Sedan, RS 6 Avant and RS 7 aim to highlight the company’s capability to transfer technology between motorsport and series production.

“Motorsport is an integral part of the Audi DNA - it is not an end in itself for our company. All three of our new models are prime examples. They are extremely sporty, but with engine downsizing and significantly less weight we are able to achieve lower consumption and CO2 emissions at the same time,” said Trevor Hill, managing director of Audi Middle East.

Three-time Le Mans winner and Audi factory driver for 19 years, Rinaldo ‘Dindo’ Capello was present for the official reveals.

He commented on the upcoming ‘6 hours of Bahrain’ of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) series on November 30, saying: “This year’s race has been pushed back by two months, which will definitely help in terms of temperatures. The team now knows the track and we are in a strong position in the battle with Toyota.” 

Also present on the Audi stand at the Dubai Motor Show were the new Audi R8 Coupé V10 plus with 550bhp, the Audi R8 Spyder V8 with 430bhp and the Audi S8 with 520bhp. Some of Audi’s best sellers were also on show including the A4, A5, A6 and A8 L W12 as well as the SUV range with the Audi Q3, Q5 and Q7.

With the reveal of the top-of-the-line version of the Audi A3 Sedan - the 280bhp S3 Sedan, Audi enters the world’s largest market segment – the class of compact sedans.

Audi brings the A3 Sedan to the Middle East with a 1.4 TFSI and 1.8 TFSI engine featuring power outputs of 122bhp and 180bhp respectively. The Audi S3 Sedan with its 2.0 TFSI engine produces 280bhp and 380 Nm of torque. The sprint from 0 to 100kmph takes just 5.0 seconds. The Audi A3 Sedan will be available in dealerships across the Middle East from early 2014, the S3 Sedan in the first half of 2014. The base price will be AED 92,000 (BD 9,444) for the A3 Sedan; AED 147,500 (BD 15,133) for the S3 sedan.

The new Audi RS 6 Avant unites 560bhp and 700 Nm of torque with unrestricted practicality for everyday use and leisure. It starts from AED 450,000 (BD 46,196). The direct-injection twin-turbo V8 delivers 560bhp and accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 3.9 seconds.

The new Audi RS 7 combines the power of a sports car with the elegance of a large, five-door coupé, its makers say. It is set to arrive in regional dealerships in early 2014 starting from AED 475,000 (BD 48,756). Under the bonet is a twin-turbo V8 that produces 560bhp and makes the sprint from 0-100kmph in just 3.9 seconds.

GulfWeekly puts several of the new RS models under the spotlight next week.

For more details, call Audi Centre Bahrain on 17459933.