New Audi Performance models
1. AUDI RS4 AVANT
1
PRITESH RUTHUN AND WILLEM VD PUTTE 2020 was a year that most car manufacturers would like to forget as the Covid-19 pandemic shut down the world and had an almost catastrophic impact on the global automotive manufacturing industry. It was no different in Ingolstadt, Germany, as Audi postponed and grappled with how to deal with the production and release of new models. Fortunately, things have eased somewhat and South Africa seems to be a much better place now with Audi introducing a swathe of 15, that’s right 15, new or updated vehicles in one foul swoop. They’re no ordinary models, though, and when you see what’s landed it seems that they’ve come out the ring corner swinging, taking the performance fight to the heart of its German BMW and MercedesBenz counterparts who have pretty much been the go-to choice until now. Introducing the models, Audi reiterated that the trend of people preferring to buy down continues, but that there were very active buyers in the top echelons of the industry and performance vehicles were part of that purchasing pattern. In fact, performance vehicles constitute 5% percent of car sales locally which is why we’re one of the world’s top consumers of BMW M and Mercedes AMG products. That trend will probably continue and Audi wants a part of the action. It is looking at selling more than 600 RS and R units by the end of the year. To do that, it has increased its RS and R dealership network to 20 outlets, out of a total of 38, in the country. The big winner here is the top-end consumer who has a stable of thoroughbreds to choose from, not forgetting, of course, that Porsche is also in the mix. Here’s a quick look at the models Audi has launched in South Africa, which you can buy from April 1:
2
3 Dynamic photo, Colour: Tango red
Arguably one of the most iconic sports wagons made, the Audi RS4 Avant returns to do battle with the recently introduced BMW M3 and ageing Mercedes-Benz C63S. It’s powered by Audi’s V6 twinturbo 2.9-litre petrol engine that makes 331kW and 600Nm in this iteration. According to the boys in Ingolstadt, the RS4 Avant can sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds, thanks to its slick-shifting 8-speed automatic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive. It’s electronically limited to 250km/h, but if you ask and pay for it, the top speed can be raised to beyond 270km/h. Expect extreme performance and handling, as well as a hi-tech and high-quality interior as standard. There are numerous options available to create a bespoke RS4. It’s priced from R1 296 000 and comes with a sports exhaust system as standard.
2. AUDI RS5 Audi has released the facelifted RS5 coupé and Sportback in South Africa and both models will be available to order from April 1. For two-door enthusiasts, the RS5 comes at the same time as BMW’s M4. The Sportback is seen as the ideal alternative (from a style perspective) to the BMW M3. The Audi RS5 is powered by the group’s 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with 331kW and 600Nm on tap. It’ll go sub-4 from a standing start, with Audi claiming 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds. Top speed is 250km/h but ask about the optional packs available that unlock more performance. As standard, both RS5 models come with Matrix LED headlights, fine-nappa interiors and Audi’s Dynamic Ride Control system with magnetic shocks. For the family man, the Sportback ticks all performances and practicality boxes, while as a two-door, the coupé certainly stands out as one of the most attractive Audis designed. Prices are R1 394 500 for the two-door and R1 409 500 for the five-door hatch (Sportback).
3. AUDI SQ7 4
5
Remember the all-conquering Audi Q7 V12 TDI? Think of the new SQ7 as the spiritual successor to that model (albeit with 8 cylinders instead of 12 pots). The new SQ7 is coming in limited numbers (only 25 destined for South Africa, according to Audi SA), as the diesel engine production line that builds this V8 engine has been shut. The SQ7 offers 310kW of power and 900Nm of torque, which is sent to all four wheels via quattro and an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. It can sprint to 100km/h from a standstill in 4.8 seconds and will keep many hot hatches honest between the traffic lights. Audi has priced the SQ7 at R1 679 500 and it comes with all the luxury specification you would expect at this level, including Bang & Olufsen 3D sound. You can have it as a seven-seater too, if you have a large family.
