One could only assume that Audi’s luxury SUV, the Q5, that hit the roads in the first month of 2013, didn’t quite satiate the German manufacturer, even after their successful growth rate (136 per cent) last year in the Indian market. Or perhaps the Q5 was simply paving the way for a much more potent product, the sporty new Audi R8 which was launched soon after the Q5 on 21 January by Michael Perschke, head of Audi India.
The R8 is powered by a choice of two capable engines: a 4.2litre V-8 that develops 430hp, and a 5.2litre V-10 that develops 525hp between 4,500 and 6,000rpm. It also comes as a convertible – the R8 V-10 Spyder. While the Spyder sprints in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 311kmph, both Coupés clock times of 4.3 and 3.6 seconds respectively, for the zero-to-100kmph run. The new seven-speed S tronic, has improved the acceleration of the car by 0.3 per cent, according to Audi.
Even when it is not burning fuel on the racetracks or attracting attention on the highways with its rousing snarls, the R8 Coupé is a magnificent beast of beauty. “We offer unlimited customized colour combinations, both inside and out,” says Perschke. The car boasts new LED headlights and turn signals in the rear standards. But its most striking features are the giant tailpipes and a freshly designed diffuser.
The commanding marque promises a powerful drive on Indian motorways that is still butter-smooth and effortless, marred only by the space, or lack of it inside the car – typical of a sports car. The interiors of the R8 are replete with plush, honeycomb-quilted Nappa leather that completes the sporty feel of the Coupé without detracting from its luxurious finish. Audi has introduced a significant markup in the pricing: while the Spyder is priced at Rs1.74 crore, the V-8 and the V-10 Coupés are priced at Rs1.35 crore and Rs1.58 crore and Rs1.74 crore (ex-showroom New Delhi) respectively. “Audi is on a winning ticket,” says Perschke. “In terms of sales, we have overtaken one of our major competitors and are closing ranks on another. The R8 has perfect features, yet is fuel-efficient and satisfies one’s hunger for driving better, faster.” With these massive figures, in addition to future plans of launching a super sports version as well as an S6, it is not surprising that Audi’s appetite to conquer the Indian markets appears insatiable.
Text by Aashmita Nayar