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Luxury car wars: Audi to launch 10 models to beat Mercedes

January 05, 2015 13:07 IST

Audi India will be introducing ten new products in 2015. This is in response to Mercedes-Benz that has launched 10 products in 2014.

Image: Audi Q3 Facelift. Photograph: Courtesy, Motor Octane

Today, Audi is the most sold luxury car brand in India and the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer wants to increase its lead over its competition.

MotorOctane reveals the 10 products that Audi is likely to unveil in the coming 12 months.

Audi Q3 Facelift  

The Q3 is one of the most successful products from the Audi stable and the entry-level SUV. Launched back in 2012, the Q3 has undergo an upgrade and will be made available in India in 2015.

This will be amongst the first few launches of 2015.

The new Q3 follows Audi’s new design language with the new headlamp styling and a new surround for the front grille.

The rear still looks similar, however the new alloy wheels look magnificient. A new three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and additional aluminium effect detailing has been added on the inside.

Other than this, the interior styling hasn’t changed much. 

Image: Audi RS Q3. Photograph: Courtesy, Motor Octane

Audi RS Q3:  

Following the lines of the Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG, the Audi RS Q3 should also make its way into India this year.

It is plonked with a 2.5-litre, five-cylinder engine now produces 337bhp and 450 Nm of torque.

The top model in the series now accelerates from 0 to 100km/hr in 4.8 seconds on its way to an electronically governed top speed of 250km/hr.

An RS exhaust system with a switchable flap adds even more volume to the unmistakable sound of the five-cylinder engine.

It comes mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

RS sports suspension is standard, and can be supplemented by optional electronically controlled damping adjustable via Audi drive select.

Image: Audi A6, Photograph: Courtesy, Motor Octane

Audi A6:  

Audi had given a mid-life facelift to the A6 and it is preparing to introduce this new version in India in 2015.

The launch of the facelift A6 will be sometime in mid-2015.

The A6 now gets a sort-of three-dimensional front grille resembling the A8, however the headlamp design is new.

The interiors too get a minor upgrade in styling and apart from that most of the upgrades are minimal.

The 2.0-litre TDI now produces 187bhp of power instead of the 177 horses.

This makes it powerful than before by a good 10bhp. The A6 will be made available with 1.8-litre petrol engine with the 35 TFSI moniker and the diesel will be 35 TDI.

Image: Audi S6. Photograph: Courtesy, Motor Octane

Audi S6:  

Just like the A6, even the S6 will be updated for the Indian car market.

The Audi S6 uses the 4.0-litre TFSI petrol engine, a twin turbo V8 producing 445bhp, which accelerates from rest to 100km/hr in 4.4 seconds.

The new standard equipment in the new Audi S6 includes quattro permanent all-wheel drive incorporating the sports differential and the adaptive air suspension, which lowers the body by 20 millimetres.

Matt black brake calipers grip the front discs mounted behind the 19-inch wheels. 

Image: Audi S5. Photograph: Courtesy, Motor Octane

Audi S5:  

With the RS 5 doing well, the Ingolstadt-based automaker plans to get the S5 as well.

The styling of the S5 is similar to the RS 5, however it is a lot subtler than the RS 5, which looks sporty. The S5 will be powered by a 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine to produce 333bhp of power.

This will come mated to a standard S tronic twin clutch transmission, the S5 Coupe can power to 100km/hr from rest in 4.9 seconds, on the way to a governed 250km/hr top speed.

Availability of the quattro rear sports differential, which further enhances agility and adjustability by enabling torque to be apportioned between the rear wheels, also now extends to all quattro-equipped models in the latest ranges.

Image: Audi A7. Photograph: Courtesy, Motor Octane

Audi A7:  

The best looking Audi, got even better with an upgrade in its styling.

The most striking changes are to the single frame grille, to the bumpers, which have been re-sculpted, and to the tailpipes, which now have wider, trapezoidal apertures.

Styling enhancements, new headlights and tail lights, new engines and transmissions and upgraded infotainment systems mark out the new generation Audi A7 Sportback. 

Image: Audi TT. Photograph: Courtesy, Motor Octane

Audi TT:

 At 4.18 metres long, the TT Coupe is almost exactly the same length as its predecessor, though its wheelbase has grown by 37 mm to 2,505 mm.

As a 2+2 seater, it is a sports car that is suitable for everyday use, with a load area capacity of 305 litres – 13 litres more than before – which can be increased to 712 litres by folding the rear seat backrests forwards.

It adds larger 19-inch alloy wheels with a five-arm star design, all-weather LED headlights and LED tail lights flanked by dynamic rear indicators with a directional sweeping function and S line body styling.

Interior technology highlights from the equipment list for Sport models also include the Multi Media Interface with the MMI touch pad for fingertip data entry, navigation preparation, Audi Music Interface and Bluetooth connectivity, the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system and keyless go.

Image: Audi Q7. Photograph: Courtesy, Motor Octane

Audi RS 7:  

The RS 7 Sportback now looks even sharper and performs even more efficiently, yet no less formidably.

The new generation RS 7 Sportback, combines subtle styling enhancements with new LED lighting, upgraded infotainment features and revisions to the 551bhp V8 TFSI powerplant.

An eight-speed tiptronic transmission tuned for optimum performance also features a tall final gear to contribute to fuel efficiency.

The might of the V8 engine is harnessed by the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. RS adaptive air suspension is fitted as standard, together with adaptive damping, and is controlled via the Audi drive select driving dynamics system.

Image: Audi TT-S. Photograph: Courtesy, Motor Octane

Audi TT-S:  

The Audi TT produces 227bhp of power from its 2.0-litre engine, while the TT-S will produce 306bhp.

Audi India plans to introduce the TT-S also along with the new generation of TT.

We aren’t sure is there is a plan to get the TT-RS that churns out 380bhp of maximum power.

The TT-S and TT-RS are all-wheel drive and will come mated to a six-speed DSG box.

Image: Audi Q7. Photograph: Courtesy, Motor Octane

Audi Q7:  

The Audi Q7 will be revealed at the upcoming Detroit Motor Show. With the new Q7, Audi is setting standards in the premium SUV segment.

325 kilograms less weight and the low centre of mass make it extremely agile.

At the same time, it is the most spacious car in its segment. Although the exterior dimensions have been reduced, it offers substantially more interior room for passengers and luggage.

Its innovative assistance and infotainment systems take the SUV to the front of the pack.

 

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Rachit Hirani