Audi tackles the high-performance market head-on
It’s been a relatively quiet few years for Audi South Africa, with most of this manufacturer’s attention focused on their bread-and-butter model ranges – those SUVs and sedans that make up the bulk of Audi’s local sales volumes. But now it’s time to add some spice to these solid foundations, through the introduction of no fewer than 15 different high-performance Audis, all of which will be on sale from 1 April 2021.
I’ve done many strange things with cars over the years, but the idea of drag-racing an Audi R8 on the rooftop of the Sandton City shopping centre never even crossed my mind. Yet, there I was, behind the wheel of a dark blue Audi R8 V10 Performance, with proper drag-strip staging lights in the corner of the windscreen and the distinctive Sandton City tower in front of me. As far as car launch events go, this one was certainly as unusual as it gets...
The occasion was the swanky introduction of Audi Sport’s newest local additions to their selection of high-performance S-, RS-, and R models. Various activities were devised to showcase the strong suits of these newcomers, ranging from straight-line acceleration (in the R8), through a low-speed run across some harsh expansion joints to demonstrate two types of adaptive suspension, to a mock-up of some off-roady conditions to show that the new top-level Q7 and Q8 models are really more than mere mall crawlers.
These 15 new arrivals join the selection of Audi S4, S5 and S6 models already available in South Africa, and comprise some model updates as well as a whole bunch of brand-new offerings. One thing they all have in common (apart from quattro AWD)? Surprisingly reasonable pricetags!
In fact, the new RS Audis are priced against “second-tier” performance models from the German competition, but offer similar performance to what the M- and AMG range-toppers brings to the table. Here’s a quick run-down of the newcomers, along with the key performance figures, pricetags (before options), and some highlights of each new variant:
Audi RS Q3 TFSI quattro
This is an all-new model, based on the latest-generation Q3, and again endowed with Audi’s marvelous 2.5-litre inline 5-cylinder engine. Available with either the traditional SUV body style or as the sleeker new Sportback, it’s a rocketship with the visual aggression to go with its blistering performance and rousing soundtrack.
Outputs and Performance: 294 kW and 480 Nm, 0 – 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.
Prices: R 1 094 000 (SUV) and R 1 128 000 (Sportback).
Related: Shop for new and used Audi RS Q3 cars for sale here.
Audi TT RS TFSI quattro
The other 5-cylinder offering is also available in two body styles, and uses essentially the same drivetrain as the RS Q3. The TT twins (coupé and roadster) are a fair bit lighter than the small SUV, mind you, so acceleration is even more rousing. They also look the part, with big wheels and aggressive body kits to proclaim their sizzling performance.
Outputs and Performance: 294 kW and 480 Nm, 0 – 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds (coupé) or 3.9 seconds (roadster).
Prices: R 1 062 000 (coupé) and R 1 113 500 (roadster).
Related: Shop for new and used Audi TT RS cars for sale here.
Audi RS 4 Avant TFSI quattro
This is the latest generation of the iconic RS 4 Avant (wagon), complete with the mild restyling and tech updates that were applied to the normal A4 towards the end of 2020. Motive power is provided by the familiar 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, driving all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Outputs and performance: 331 kW and 600 Nm, 0 – 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds.
Price: R 1 296 000
Related: Shop for new and used Audi RS 4 Avant cars for sale here.
Audi RS 5 TFSI quattro
With a choice between 2-door coupé and 5-door Sportback body types, the RS 5 employs the same drivetrain as the RS 4 Avant, complete with a 60/40 rear-bias default torque split in its AWD system and sports rear differential. But, because they weigh less than the RS 4, their performance is even more rapid.
Outputs and Performance: 331 kW and 600 Nm, 0 – 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.
Prices: R 1 394 500 (coupé) or R 1 409 500 (Sportback).
Related: Shop for new and used Audi RS 5 cars for sale here.
Audi RS 6 Avant TFSI quattro
Powered by the latest version of the Volkswagen Group’s corporate 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine, the new RS 6 Avant is perhaps the ultimate in rapid family transport. Sporting quattro AWD with a 60/40 rear-bias torque split and sports rear differential (as used on the RS 4 and RS 5), the new RS 6 Avant also features RS adaptive air suspension, HD Matrix Laser/LED headlights, and 22-inch wheels.
Outputs and Performance: 441 kW and 800 Nm, 0 – 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds.
Price: R 2 070 000
Related: Shop for new and used Audi RS 6 Avant cars for sale here.
Audi RS 7 Sportback TFSI quattro
Employing the same twin-turbo V8 drivetrain as the RS 6 Avant, the RS 7 Sportback is essentially the same monster, only disguised in a slinky fastback body. It boasts the same chassis control features and AWD system as well, right down to its standard 22-inch alloy wheels, but adds a panoramic sunroof and electrically-retractable rear spoiler to the equipment package.
Outputs and Performance: 411 kW and 800 Nm, 0 – 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds.
Price: R 2 173 500
Related: Shop for new and used Audi RS 7 Sportback cars for sale here.
Audi S8 TFSI quattro
After a few years’ absence in the local market, the Audi S8 executive rocketship returns with more power, luxury, and gadgets than ever before. Its cabin is wrapped in leather and alcantara from top to bottom, has most luxury features included as standard, and features Audi’s latest touch-screen-based electronic architecture. Its V8 engine is related to the one in the RS 6/RS 7, albeit reprofiled for a smoother power delivery and lower noise levels.
Outputs and Performance: 420 kW and 800 Nm, 0 – 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.
Price: R 2 484 000
Related: Shop for new and used Audi S8 cars for sale here.
Audi SQ7 and SQ8 TDI quattro
With Audi’s most-powerful production diesel engine and mild-hybrid technology, the SQ7 and SQ8 are the undisputed torque champions among the new arrivals. Courtesy of an electric supercharger, boost lag is kept to a minimum with this 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 diesel, and eight closely-stacked gear ratios keeps the big diesel operating at peak efficiency. The SQ7 can also be had in 7-seater format, and HD Matrix LED headlights are common to them both.
Outputs and Performance: 310 kW and 900 Nm, 0 – 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.
Prices: R 1 697 500 (SQ7) and R 1 848 500 (SQ8)
Related: Shop for new and used Audi Q7 cars for sale here.
Audi RS Q8 quattro
This range-topping SUV is blessed with the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 as the RS 6 and RS 7 Sportback, and employs the same drivetrain as well. It currently lays claim to being the quickest SUV around the Nürburgring, and comes with a whole lot of trickery to keep this rocketship-on-stilts pointing in the right direction, including adaptive air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and 23-inch (!!) wheels.
Outputs and Performance: 441 kW and 800 Nm, 0 – 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.
Price: R 2 354 500
Related: Shop for new and used Audi Q8 cars for sale here.
Audi R8 V10 Performance
This is the only naturally-aspirated beast in this bunch, and employs the latest evolution of the legendary Lamborghini-derived V10 engine, 7-speed S-Tronic gearbox, and rear-biased AWD system. Available as a coupé or as a convertible (Spyder), this is the ultimate road-going R8, with a howling soundtrack and the performance to match.
Outputs and Performance: 449 kW and 560 Nm, 0 – 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds (Coupé) or 3.3 seconds (Spyder).
Prices: R 3 336 000 (Coupé) and R 3 592 500 (Spyder)
