Test Drives

Audi at the 2006 Auto Africa Exhibition - a 2,500 kW festival

If ever there was a clear display of Audi's 'Vorsprung' philosophy, it is for all to see on stand 6A2 at the 2006 Auto Africa Exhibition.

Without doubt, this fine collection of Audi models underlines the brand's new-age direction where power, performance and state-of-the-art engineering take centre stage.

Judging by this line-up, it is no surprise that Audi's theme for 2006 is 'Progressive Power.' Add up the kilowatts of the Audi models on display and a staggering total of close to 2 500 kW is produced – by far the most of any other manufacturer at Auto Africa!

Centre stage, and fresh from the catwalk of the Paris Motor Show is the exceptional Audi R8 – a mid-engined super car that is bound to cause the competition many sleepless nights.

But the R8 is only the beginning. In fact, the list of show models reads like a who's who of the motoring world. Also for the first time in South Africa are the all-new TT Coupé, the new S3 as well as the V10 powered S6 and S8.

Other highlights include the recently launched Q7 SUV, the class-leading RS 4 in both sedan and Cabriolet forms and the current South African Car of the Year, the A3 Sportback 2.0T FSI.

"We are extremely excited about this year's Auto Africa Exhibition," says Greg Levine, General Manager of Sales and Marketing for Audi of South Africa.

"Never before has such an array of stunning Audi product been on display and it clearly states that this brand is on a thunderous roll. Not only do we have the R8 here, but we are also proud to show the new TT and S3 – cars that have significant meaning to the South African market.

"We hope that Audi enthusiasts and critics alike will enjoy Audi's stand at Auto Africa and perhaps get an even greater insight into why Audi is Vorsprung," Levine concluded.

Audi R8

Audi has incorporated the name and the genes of the five-time Le Mans winner into a spectacular sports car. Only three years after unveiling the Audi Le Mans quattro® concept car, the production version has made its debut at the Paris Motor Show and now it is on display at South Africa's premium motor show event.

It is a fascinating driving machine and the sporty pinnacle of the Audi brand. The mid-mounted 309 kW V8 FSI engine, quattro® permanent four-wheel drive and Audi Space Frame aluminium body forms the basis for truly outstanding driving dynamics.

The performance figures are equally impressive: the R8 accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and reaches an unrestricted top speed of 301 km/h.

As the first Audi mid-engined sports car, the R8 combines Audi's experience gained from numerous motor sport triumphs with groundbreaking design and the acknowledged technological expertise of the brand.

Two transmissions are available: a manual 6-speed gearbox or the optional Audi R-tronic sequential-shift gearbox. Here, too, the influence of the motor sport world is clearly evident, with a joystick gear-shift on the centre console and paddles mounted on the steering wheel.

The Sport mode, with its fast shifting, guarantees the absolute maximum in terms of driving fun. An automatic mode can also be selected.

Such a powerful Audi is of course fitted with permanent four-wheel drive, which distributes the power variably to the front and rear axles by way of a viscous clutch. On the Audi R8 the legendary quattro® system is adapted to the axle load distribution typical of mid-engined cars.

The central position of the engine is key to exceptional driving dynamics, as it allows for a weight distribution of 44 percent to the front and 56 percent to the rear of the vehicle.

The Audi R8 will be available to order in Europe from end September 2006, with first deliveries made in the first half of 2007. And it has been confirmed for the South African market, due to be launched during 2007.

New Audi TT Coupé

The very architecture of the new Audi TT Coupé embodies style, perfection and power – it is a pure driving machine. The bullish stance of the body and the low, narrow styling of the glass house form a sculpture of simple, unfussy lines. The Audi design team has lovingly adopted and enhanced the visual theme of the predecessor model.

Power comes from either a 147 kW four-cylinder direct-injection turbo-charged engine or a wonderfully smooth and powerful 184 kW V6. The V6 model also features quattro® permanent all wheel drive.

The body is constructed in the ASF Space Frame design developed by Audi and consists of aluminium and steel. This is the first time that Audi has combined different materials alongside each other. In total, 69 percent of the superstructure is made of aluminium.

The new TT Coupé will go on sale in South Africa early in 2007. Both 2.0T FSI and 3.2 V6 versions will be available.

New Audi S3

As the latest member of the S 'club,' the new Audi S3 combines dynamism, sportiness and sophistication in a package that is set to redefine its class.

Positioned at the top of the A3 range, the new Audi S3 boasts 195 kW, 350 Nm of torque and quattro® permanent four-wheel drive. At this stage, the new Audi S3's local introduction in South Africa is planned for the first half of 2007.

Powered by a heavily modified version of the 2.0T FSI direct injection turbo charged engine, the S3 is capable of sprinting from 0-100 km/h in only 5.7 seconds, and acceleration is electronically limited to 250 km/h. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard.

In line with the increase in power, the S3 features a new S sports suspension system. More direct steering and an uprated braking system completes the S3's dynamic arsenal.

18-inch alloy wheels and 225/40 tyres are standard and ensure firm grip. Of equal importance is the 17-inch brake system with sports brake pads, ensuring maximum deceleration. A nice touch is the black painted callipers bearing S3 emblems.

New Audi S6

After making its international debut in 2006, the new S6 sedan can now be seen for the first time in South Africa at the Auto Africa Exhibition. The S6 combines V10 power and quattro® all-wheel drive into a dynamic, highly focused sporting package.

The Audi S6 is due for local introduction early in 2007.

In order to deliver supreme performance that always remains perfectly under control, the new Audi S6 will be powered by a completely new ten-cylinder V-configuration engine based on that used in the Lamborghini Gallardo.

This engine, virtually identical to the unit fitted in the new Audi S8, makes maximum use of its resources: with a displacement of 5.2 litres, it mobilises an output of 320 kW at 6 800 rpm.

It reaches its peak torque of 540 Nm between 3 000 and 4 000 rpm. Between 2 500 and 5 500 rpm, torque of over 500 Nm is available. This engine, weighing only 220 kilograms, is thus able to guarantee superior pulling power in every driving situation.

FSI petrol direct injection, a principle that has proved its worth in the most successful racing car ever built, the Le Mans winning Audi R8, plays an instrumental role in this model's refined flow of power. The saloon is capable of racing from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 and the top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h.

New Audi S8

Distinct performance appeal and supreme comfort – these are the two defining characteristics of the new Audi S8. The S8 has it all: masses of power, exceptional stability and supreme comfort linked to fantastic driver enjoyment.

The S8 will go on sale in South Africa during the first half of 2007.

For the first time, the Audi S8 is equipped with a new V10 engine that is based on the engine of the Lamborghini Gallardo. The 10-cylinder power unit develops 331 kW of power and 540 Nm of torque. Maximum torque is achieved as low as 3 500 r/min.

Against the clock, this performance saloon sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.1 seconds, and its top speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h.

A quattro® drivetrain of the latest generation with asymmetric/dynamic torque distribution diverts the engine's power to all four wheels. Like its smaller RS4 brother, it offers a 40:60 power split for greater dynamic ability.

As a special treat, the S8 on display also features the highly advanced Bang and Olufsen specialist sound system. This sound system was specifically developed for the A8 and S8 and promises that even the most fastidious audiophile will appreciate and enjoy its incredible sound.

New Audi RS 4 Cabriolet

The concept of relaxed, open top cruising is about to be dealt a violent blow and turned completely on its head. The Audi RS 4 Cabriolet is now available in South Africa and will redefine what is to be expected from high performance convertibles.

Priced at R715 000, the RS 4 Cabriolet offers 309 kW from its V8 4.2-litre FSI engine. It can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in only 4,9 sec, 0-200 km/h in 17,5 sec until reaching its top speed mercifully limited to 250 km/h.

As with the RS 4 sedan, the Cabriolet offers Audi's new generation of quattro® drive with a 40:60 torque split between the front and the rear axles. The hydraulically actuated Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) is also included while a close-ratio, six-speed manual gearbox transfers the power to the road.

Visually, the RS 4 Cabriolet is undoubtedly a member of the RS family. The flared wheel arches, wider track and RS specific bumpers give it an unmistakable presence – and that's still with the roof up.

Press a button and in only 21 seconds, the triple-lined acoustic fabric top folds away to reveal the RS 4 Cabriolet's true head turning ability. Top down, the RS 4 Cabriolet cuts a fine figure – not to mention giving its occupants uncensored access to the unmistakable acoustics of its V8 engine.

As with other Audi A4 Cabriolet models, the fully electronic top of the RS 4 can be raised or lowered at speeds up to 30 km/h.

Audi Q7

For over 25 years, Audi has created quattro for its cars, now we have created a car for quattro… The Q7.

This is an SUV that sets out to redefine the class standard and bridge those compromises that often make large, four-wheel drive off-road wagons a novelty purchase.

Visually, the Q7 is undoubtedly a member of the Audi family. Head on, it features the brand's by now signature single frame grille which provides distinctly aggressive overtaking presence.

The Audi Q7 will initially be available with a V8 petrol engine and a V6 TDI diesel engine. A number of other powerful petrol and TDI engines will follow in 2007.

A new 4.2 litre V8 with FSI petrol direct injection makes its debut in the Q7 while the powerful, yet quiet 3.0 TDI with common rail system and piezo inline injectors has already proven itself in several other Audi models.

Like the RS 4, S4, S6 and the S8, the Audi Q7 features the latest-generation self-locking centre differential. It has an asymmetric/dynamic torque split of 40:60 between front and rear wheels.

The functional seating concept of the Audi Q7 allows up to 28 different loading configurations. The maximum load volume is an ample 2 035 litres, without the seats having to be removed. As a 5-seater the Audi Q7 has a standard luggage area of 775 litres – the best in its class.

Even if all three seat rows are used, a very respectable luggage capacity of 330 litres remains. The innovative styling of the tailgate – its handle released electrically – provides exceptionally large access to the load area: it is no less than 1 221 mm wide.

The Audi Q7 3.0 TDI is priced at R520 000 and the 4.2 FSI V8 at R595 000.

RS 4 Sedan

For Audi, RS represents the pinnacle of ultra-high performance technology. Whenever an Audi wears the RS badge, it has achieved cult status and the latest member to this exclusive club is no exception.

The new Audi RS 4 combines a high-revving, V8 FSI engine with light-weight construction and cutting edge quattro® technology to provide an unparalleled driving experience.

In this highly competitive environment, where achieving technical prowess is merely the starting point, the new RS 4 sets impressive standards. It is, by far, Audi’s most entertaining and involving RS model to date.

The Audi RS 4 continues the tradition of quattro® GmbH by bridging the gap between motor sport and everyday motoring. RS 4 brings together strong emotions and perfect function. It is a car which meets all the demands made by the driver in every situation, every day of the year.

Power output is rated at 309 kW @ 7 800 r/min with torque of 430 Nm peaking at 5 500 r/min. More than 90 percent of that torque figure is available from 2 200 r/min.

Putting this into perspective, the RS 4 can race from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 16,6 seconds. At full revs, the pistons travel 25m per second which is the same as the current Formula One racing cars! During that same second, there are 550 injection and ignition sequences as well.

Without a doubt, the Audi RS 4 takes no prisoners.

Audi A3 Sportback 2.0T FSI

After many months of speculation and intrigue, the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists voted the Audi A3 Sportback 2.0T FSI manual as the 2006 Car of the Year.

This is the third time that a vehicle from Audi has won this coveted title in the 21 years the competition has been run. Previously the Audi A4 1.8 (B5) and Audi A4 1.9 TDI (B6) were winners.

The A3 Sportback 2.0T FSI was selected as the winner ahead of a cross section of very competitive finalists. However, the Sportback’s combination of exceptional performance, handling, space and build quality made it stand out above the rest of the field.

Also entered into the competition were the BMW 320d, Nissan Murano, Kia Rio Hatch, Ford Focus TdCi, VW Passat 2.0 TDI, Toyota Yaris Spirit and the Citroën C4 HDI. As is tradition with Car of the Year, there is only one overall winner.

Since the Sportback was launched in South Africa in July of 2005, demand has continually outstripped supply. This reflects the international situation, where the Sportback range has sold over 210 000 units world-wide in less than two years.

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