Audi forecasts crossing the 10,000 vehicles per annum threshold in the Middle East for the first time in 2013. While this year's strategy focused on increasing capacity and quality across the region, the German premium car manufacturer continues its product offensive with a dynamic range of new models and technology at the ongoing 2013 Dubai International Motor Show. The new Audi S3 Sedan, RS 6 Avant and RS 7, which were revealed at the official press conference, showcase the company's capability to transfer technology between motorsport and series production. “Motorsport is an integral part of the Audi DNA - it is not an end in itself for our company. All three of our new models are prime examples. They are extremely sporty, but with engine downsizing and significantly less weight we are able to achieve lower consumption and CO2 emissions at the same time,” said Trevor Hill, Managing Director of Audi Middle East. Also present on the Audi stand at the Dubai Motor Show are the new Audi R8 Coupé V10 plus with 550hp, the Audi R8 Spyder V8 with 430hp and the Audi S8 with 520hp. Some of Audi's classic best sellers are also on show including the A4, A5, A6 and A8 L W12 as well as the popular SUV range with the Audi Q3, Q5 and Q7. With the launch of the top-of-the-line version of the Audi A3 Sedan - the 280 hp S3 Sedan, Audi enters the world's largest market segment – the class of compact sedans. The third model in the successful A3 model line impresses with ultra-lightweight excellence, strong and very efficient drivetrains, and a great many high-end infotainment and driver assistance systems. Audi brings the A3 Sedan to the Middle East with a 1.4 TFSI and 1.8 TFSI engine featuring power outputs of 122 hp and 180 hp respectively. The Audi S3 Sedan with its 2.0 TFSI engine produces 280 hp and 380 Nm of torque. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 5.0 seconds. The Audi A3 Sedan will be available in dealerships across the Middle East from early 2014, the S3 Sedan in the first half of 2014. The base price will be AED 92,000 ($25,044) for the A3 Sedan; AED 147,500 ($40,132) for the S3 sedan. The new Audi RS 6 Avant unites 560 hp of power and 700 Nm of torque with unrestricted practicality for everyday use and leisure. The high-performance Avant follows the Audi RS 4 Avant as the second estate model in Audi's Middle East portfolio. Base price starts from AED450,000 ($122,506). The new Audi RS 6 Avant is self-assured and powerful. From a displacement of 3,993 cc, the direct-injection twin-turbo V8 delivers 560 hp and a constant 700 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm. Two twin-scroll turbochargers ensure that considerable torque is generated quickly. This large Avant accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. — SG
