Tag: Audi

Story of India’s Most Popular Audi

Vintage cars and classic India vs Pakistan cricket matches have a few common factors, they hit differently, straight in the heart, and take you back to the times when people used to adore cars like their children and celebrate India’s victory against Pakistan like a birthday party. We don’t see vintage cars often, especially Audi, frequently moving around Indian streets, as a number of them are lying disgracefully in the city junkyard. However, one Audi car is still in good condition and has an exciting story to narrate, and this Audi belongs to one of the best commentators from the Indian contingent, India’s former all-rounder and current Head-coach of the Indian cricket team, Ravi Shastri.

The world knows Ravi Shastri for his commentary, particularly for his iconic words, “Dhoni finishes off in style. A magnificent strike into the crowd! India lift the World Cup after 28 years!” when MS Dhoni, former Indian skipper, hit a humongous six against Sri Lanka pacer Nuwan Kulasekara in the 2011 ICC World Cup final. Besides this, Ravi Shastri is also known for being a part of the World Cup-winning squad of 1983 and the first Indian cricketer in domestic cricket to hammer 6 successive sixes in an over. As a cricketer and coach, Ravi Shastri has achieved a lot during his time, and one of his most outstanding achievements is winning an Audi 100 sedan during the 1985 World Championship of Cricket.

The Audi 100 was one of the most popular cars manufactured and marketed by Audi, and back in the day, it was owned by many celebrities. The company started its production in 1968, and it was available until 1994. The car Ravi Shastri won was the third-generation Audi 100, launched internationally in 1982 and during those times, there were very few luxury cars on the Indian roads owned by ordinary citizens in India. In fact, when Ravi Shastri was voted as the ‘The Champion of Champions’ and was awarded an Audi 100 sedan, India’s then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had to order Indian customs officials to waive off the heavy import duty the car required to enter the Indian territory.

How did Ravi Shastri win the Audi 100?

In 1985, after defeating spectacular West Indies cricket team in a 1983 World Cup final, the Indian cricket team was on an Australia tour to play the World Championship of Cricket (Benson & Hedges World Championship of Cricket) held from 17th February to 10th March 1985 along with all of the then Test match playing nations on the event of the 150th anniversary of European settlement in Victoria. Even after winning a World Cup, the Indian team was not one of the favourites to win a trophy, but unfolding another surprise package India reached the final of the World Championship of Cricket by defeating New Zealand, and on the other side, India’s arch-rival Pakistan reached the final by beating West Indies.

Ravi Shastri played tremendously well during the tournament and came up with an all-round performance where he scored 182 runs and took eight wickets in five matches. He got into a tiff with then Pakistan skipper Javed Miandad who also performed great during the tournament. In the final Match, Javed Miandad managed to score 48 runs while Ravi Shastri outperformed him with not out 63* runs and one wicket. Ravi Shastri was awarded as the Man of the Series for his stellar performance. Indian team conquered Pakistan by 8 wickets to win the World Championship of Cricket, which was held only for once in 1985, and Wisden adjudged the Indian team that won the cup as ‘The Indian Team of the Century’.

 

Along with the Man of the Series trophy, Ravi Shastri was awarded an Audi 100 Sedan for his performance, and soon a victorious Indian team clustered the Audi 100, occupying spots both inside and on top of the car. The allrounder drove the sedan around the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Australia, and since then, the car has become a symbol of cricketing richness in all senses. The Audi 100 sedan, which Ravi Shastri won at the World Championship of Cricket, is close to his heart and his most prized possession. He takes the car for a drive every Sunday whenever he is in Mumbai, and surprisingly he didn’t even let his father drive the car without asking for his permission.

The fashionable vintage Audi 100 owned by Ravi Shastri is currently India’s most popular Audi car and is still in pristine condition. Till today, Ravi Shastri says, the car doesn’t belong to him, it belongs to India, to the Indian cricket team, though during one of the pre-tournament meetings, when asked about sharing the car, he wasn’t ready to share the car with anyone and was prepared to do anything to win the car which he successfully earned by playing great cricket. Since then, Audi has become a prominent part of Indian cricket and signed several Indian cricketers as their brand ambassadors. Ravi Shastri has maintained the car really well, it still looks brand new, and he often gives out the car to exhibitors to showcase, as it is considered one of the first Audi cars reported in India.

Shanghai Auto Show: The blaze of electric vehicles

The Shanghai Auto Show is underway in all its glory. Despite the pandemic, major automobile manufacturers worldwide showcased their latest and upcoming vehicles that feature some of the most cutting-edge technologies. Here are some of the best electric cars that stole the spotlight:

Audi A6 e-Tron:


German giant Audi is no stranger to electric vehicles and already has a sizeable array of EVs under its belt. It showcased the A6 e-Tron concept, built off of Audi’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE). It features a Sportback design and is equipped with 22-inch wheels. It is expected to be equipped with two electric motors that will deliver 350kW of power and 800Nm of torque.

Polestar 1 Special Edition:


Geely owned EV performance brand of Volvo Polestar displayed the Polestar 1 hybrid electric and the all-electric Polestar 2. There was also a 2021 Special Edition in matte gold that stole the spotlight. Its body is made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer, and its engine is supplemented with two electric motors. The machine gives out 619hp of maximum power and 1000Nm of peak torque.

Volvo XC40 Recharge:


Planning on selling only battery-electric vehicles by 2030, Volvo took the next step towards that direction with the XC40 Recharge. Although the company did not reveal many details, it also confirmed that its following EV would be the C40.

Mercedes-Benz EQB and EQS:


Further solidifying its EQ lineup, German automaker Mercedes-Benz showcased the EQB and EQS EVs. The EQB is a compact eSUV that bears a striking resemblance to the GLB. It is expected to be equipped with rims up to 20 inches in size. The company is yet to reveal its powertrain details. The EQS, on the other hand, is a fully electric luxury sedan. It will be available in two models, including the EQS 450+ that gets a 329hp engine and the EQS 580 4MATIC with a 516hp engine.

Volkswagen ID.6:


VW’s next in line in the ID series is the ID.6 that will be available in two versions. The ID.6 CROZZ will be manufactured in North China, while the ID.6 X will be made in the south. It is expected to be a seven-seater and will be offered in four configurations.

 

Audi S5 Sportback makes its debut in India!

Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, today announced the launch of the new Audi S5 Sportback in India. Powering the latest Audi S5 Sportback is a 3.0-litre, twin-turbo TFSI petrol engine delivering 354 hp and 500 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels. The four-door sports coupe is being brought to India via the CBU route and is priced at Rs 79.06 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Commenting on the announcement, Mr Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “The Audi S5 Sportback is the second product launch this year, and we are excited to launch this beauty in India. The Audi S5 Sportback stands out for its distinctive styling, engaging driving experience, on the one hand, everyday usability and five-seat comfort on the other. Glamorous, powerful and practical, it is an enticing proposition for buyers who want it all. The introduction of the Audi S5 Sportback will further strengthen our performance cars portfolio in the country.”
The Audi S5 Sportback receives revised styling elements that add in even more visual drama. The Singleframe grille is now with sleeker slits above, forming a link to the iconic Audi Sport Quattro from 1984. S model bumpers with more oversized air intakes and a slick blade that includes the lower edge of the front bumper also lend the Audi S5 Sportback a bolder look. The 48.26 cm, five double-arm S Design alloy wheels and optional red brake callipers add to the sportiness of the S5 Sportback. Simultaneously, the redone diffuser only helps embellish the perfect proportions and flowing four-door coupe shape. 
Inside, the Audi S5 Sportback offers a brilliant blend of comfort and sportiness. A flat-bottomed steering wheel, sporty front seats and Alcantara leather upholstery set the tone for the cabin. Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, an updated MMI system and a panoramic glass sunroof are amongst other highlights inside. A heads-up display and a 19 speaker, 755W Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound system with 3D sound are optional upgrades available to buyers.

At the heart of the Audi S5 Sportback is a 3.0-litre TFSI engine with direct and indirect fuel injection, turbo-charging, and Audi valvelift, putting out 354 hp and 500 Nm of torque. All this power is sent to all four wheels via Quattro permanent all-wheel drive, with a self-locking differential, and propels the car to 100 km/h in a quick 4.8 seconds.  
Mr Dhillon further added, “With the introduction of new products, we focus on customer delight across segments. Our sales in tier-II and III cities are also growing, and we expect it to pick up further during the year. 2021 is an exciting year for Audi India, and customers will be thrilled with what lies ahead for the brand Audi. All I can say at this moment is, stay tuned for lots of action in the coming months!”
Customers can visit the official website and experience the Audi S5 Sportback in Augmented Reality. Through Augmented Reality and the 360-degree product visualiser, customers can view the inside and outside of the Audi S5 Sportback and book it online from the comfort of their home or register their interest at the nearest Audi India dealership. Potential customers and enthusiasts also get access to features including Augmented Reality, placement of test drive requests, product brochures, and service cost calculators, amongst other things, on the latest version of the ‘myAudi Connect’ App.
Exterior Design: 
Effortless grace and intelligent design

  •  Large surfaces, sharp edges, an exciting play of light and shadow – the exterior design of the S5 embodies the progressive Audi design language. 
  • Striking shoulder line arches dynamically above the wheel housing. 
  • The wide, low single-frame grille features three-dimensional aluminium struts and is flanked by standard Matrix LED headlights. 
  • U-shaped clasps structure large, pentagonal air inlets, partly filled with honeycomb grilles and separate openings, allowing direct airflow into the wheel housing for improved aerodynamics. 
  • Exterior mirrors have aluminium-look housing, and the powerfully contoured side sills are particularly eye-catching. 
  • The Audi S5 Sportback has a spoiler integrated into the luggage compartment lid. LED rear lights with dynamic turn signals are standard. 
  • There is a choice of eight paint finishes, including Turbo Blue, Daytona Gray, and Tango red.
  • The 48.26 cm, five double-arm S-style Graphite Gray alloys and optional red brake callipers add to the sportiness of the Audi S5 Sportback.

Users can select an optional black styling package to make the Audi S5 Sportback stand out even more.

Interior design:
Style and functionality

  • Horizontal lines characterise the design. A wide band of air vents, an elegant air conditioning panel, and a large decorative surface define the instrument panel layout.
  • The large glass panoramic sunroof provides a glorious view of the sky from inside the car. 
  • Electrically adjustable front Sports seats with driver-side memory are standard.
  • Seat coverings are available in a leather/Alcantara combination, and you can choose from the Black and Rotor Gray colours. 
  • The illuminated door sill strips, the sport leather flat-bottom steering wheel with multifunction plus, and the clasp on the Tiptronic selector lever bear the S logo with a red rhombus. 
  • The pedal caps and footrest are stainless steel; the inlays are made of matt-brushed aluminium with additional options to choose from.
  • Contour Ambient lighting that you can control and choose from 30 different colours.
  • The S5 Sportback features 3-zone automatic air conditioning as standard.

Controls and infotainment: 
Well-connected and informed 

  • The MMI system onboard the S5 model offers a highly modern control logic.
  • Features an intelligent free-text search function and a voice control function that recognises inputs from everyday speech. 
  • Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus offers a fully digital instrument cluster for the flexible and need-based display of information relevant to the driver. 
  • Innovative, fully digital 31.24 cm instrument cluster in full HD resolution, Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus comes with three customisable view modes: Sport, S performance & Dynamic.
  • The optional heads-up display projects essential data onto the windshield as symbols and digits. 
  • The infotainment system is modular, with MMI navigation plus MMI touch and a 25.65 cm monitor topping the infotainment range. 
  • Audi Sound system is standard and can be upgraded to Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound system with a 3D sound with 19 speakers with a maximum of 755W. 

Smart features:

  • The Audi smartphone interface helps you get easy access to your phone system, navigation, music, and third-party apps via the MMI touch display or smartphone.
  • The optionally available Audi Park Assist works in tandem with the Parking System to identify suitable bay and kerb-sized parking spaces using ultrasonic sensors. While the driver accelerates and changes gears, the system automatically steers the vehicle during parking. 
  • Optional Comfort Key with sensor-controlled luggage compartment release.

Driving Dynamics:
3.0 TFSI: Firepower

  • The 3.0 TFSI, V6 petrol engine, uses turbocharging and a combination of direct injection and indirect injection for best efficiency and performance.
  • The output is 354 hp (260 kW), and 500 Nm of torque is available between 1,370 and 4,500 rpm. 
  • A sporty exhaust note provides a fitting soundtrack
  • The start-stop system helps reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by switching the engine off when the vehicle is stationary. Users can deactivate the system at any time via a button.

The eight-speed Tiptronic: lightning-fast and smooth 

  • The 3.0 TFSI transmits its power to a lightning-fast and smooth-shifting eight-speed Tiptronic transmission system.
  • Lower gears feature short, sporty ratios, while the upper gears are long enough to reduce revs and fuel consumption.
  • Let the torque converter automatic transmission work independently, or one can choose to switch to manual for more control. 
  • Shift sequence and connection logic are optimised for the rapid development of traction. 

Quattro permanent all-wheel drive and sporty suspension:

  • Self-locking centre differential with Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system transfers power from the eight-speed Tiptronic to all four wheels. 
  • Torque is typically distributed in a ratio of 40:60 between the front and rear axle.
  • S Sports Suspension is standard and can be upgraded to the sophisticated S Sports Suspension with Damper Control that contributes to the sporty driving dynamics of the Audi S5 Sportback. 
  • The S Sports suspension with Damper Control comes with damper settings for more direct contact with the road and sportier handling.

Audi rolls in the Goliath: The 2020 RS Q8

German luxury car manufacturer Audi has officially announced the launch of its sportiest Q, the all-new Audi RS Q8 in India. The Audi RS Q8 combines the power of an RS model with the elegance of a premium coupe and the ability of an SUV.

The turbocharged direct-injection V8 equipped in the RS Q8 produces a full-bodied and sporty V8 growl, and Audi’sDrive Select Dynamic Handling System lets the user personalize the driving manners. It also gets a mild-hybrid system (MHEV) with a 48-volt main onboard electrical system, which combines with the V8 to ensure maximum performance with high efficiency. The Audi RS Q8 also features cylinder on demand (COD) technology that turns off cylinders when lesser power needed to save fuel. The car uses a standard eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox that sends power to the permanent all-wheel drive Quattro system. The new Audi RS Q8 successfully combines outstanding sportiness and maximum everyday usability.

As standard, the Audi RS Q8 boasts all-wheel steering, RS roof spoiler, Audi’s Virtual cockpit, Quattro with self-locking differential, Sport Adaptive Air Suspension, and 2 RS modes for personalized drive settings. The Audi RS Q8 also comes standard with massive 58.42 cms (23”) 5 Y-Spoke Diamond Turned alloys. Air Quality Package with 4 Zone climate control is also standard.

As optional extras, the Audi RS Q8 offers a Black styling package with logos in black, panoramic sunroof, Head-up display, Matrix LED headlights, RS Sports Exhaust, a B&O Advanced Sound system with 3D sound and RS dynamic package plus which increases the top speed to 305 kph.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “We are thrilled to bring the record setting Audi RS Q8 to India. It’s an all-in-one model that is at home in the rough as it is on the racetrack. The Audi RS Q8 is an agile beast and is a true high-performance sports model under its aggressive exterior. It’s massive twin-turbo V8 with 600hp and 800 Nm of torque propels the car to 100kph from standstill in under four seconds. We are confident that the Audi RS Q8 will have a magnetic pull for luxury sports cars aficionados.”

He further added, “The recently launched Audi RS 7 and the Audi RS Q8 that debuts today are at the cutting edge of Audi Sport. This shows our commitment to offering the very best to our customers in India. We will add more exciting new models from the Audi global range to India this year and look forward to enhancing the celebrations of our customers during the festive season.”

The Audi RS Q8 has a base price of Rs 2.07 Crore (ex-showroom).

Audi Lovers! Here is the best app for ‘All Things Audi’

Audi India has recently been keen on taking big steps in its Digitalization journey. As a part of that process, the German luxury carmaker rolled out the enhanced version of its ‘myAudi Connect’ app. For the first time, the app will also cater to potential customers and Audi fans, along with existing Audi customers.

The latest version of the App offers several additional functions including login for Audi Club India members, payment options to enable in-app merchandise purchase, exclusive offers from Audi Concierge, offers on car-life products and online help and support – all of this within a secure framework and in compliance with data protection. These features are offered as standard for all Audi India customers. Potential customers and enthusiasts get access to features including Augmented Reality, placement of test drive requests, product brochures, and service cost calculators amongst others. It also builds on features like customer safety and security, driver behavior info, Audi Concierge facility, geo-location, and service bookings that were offered earlier. 

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “At Audi India, we have endeavored to make our existing suite of digital tech more user-friendly and all-encompassing in functionality. Our ‘myAudi Connect’ App first introduced in 2019 was very well received by customers and it gives me great joy to say that the latest development will help us serve our tech-savvy customer even better. New features such as in-app custom offer, AR, and book a test drive function widen the scope of the app to prospective Audi customers. Digitalization is a journey, not destination and we will continue to upgrade our services for our Customers and fans going forward.” 

The features offered by the ‘myAudi Connect’ are designed for the convenience of existing customers, as well as to cater to Audi enthusiasts and fans. For existing customers, the app gives access to Audi Club India. An exclusive owner’s community, this feature offers unparalleled benefits and gives customer access to private events, a community newsfeed, video and photo gallery, and an update on news modules. There are exclusive aftersales and partner offers available to the members. This membership comes complimentary with the ‘myAudi Connect’ telematics bundle. 

The app also enables online payments to dealerships, paying for an event pass online, booking experiences online, and access to purchase aftersales and other Audi Car Life products. Fans of Audi would benefit most from this feature as they can now purchase Audi merchandise via the app using a secure payment gate.

 Audi fans and non-Audi customers can get access to Augmented Reality, detailed product brochures, a product configurator, place test-drive requests, and access help desk for any additional information on products and services. The latest news and launch updates are also available. 

Love personalized products? The Audi RS 7 Sportback is perfect for you!

Soon after revealing the next-gen RS 7 Sportback, Audi has officially launched the car in India today. The German luxury carmaker has made the RS 7 Sportback more versatile than before and is offering it as a wide-bodied five-seater, for the first time.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “We are thrilled to launch the new Audi RS 7 Sportback in India – a car that is striking, powerful and is a technological masterpiece. The V8 twin-turbo 4.0L TFSI petrol heart propels the car to 100kph in a super quick 3.6 seconds. Our legendary quattro all-wheel drive system means you can make the most of the 600hp. I personally love the way the RS 7 sounds and I can’t wait for owners and enthusiasts to experience and hear its V8 growl.”

We had previously listed the technicalities of the RS7 Sportback. But we still cannot comprehend the number of personalization and customization options available for potential buyers.Right from an optional sunroof to suspension options, from 13 standard exterior paint finishes to 5 additional Matte Effect paints, the options are practically endless. To enable customers to explore the bevy of features available, Audi India offers an Augmented Reality experience, a first of its kind. Customers can visit www.audi.in and use the 360° Product Visualizer to explore all the latest features and customization options.

Audi has electronically limited the top speed of the RS 7 Sportback to 250kmph. However, racing enthusiasts and speed freaks can opt for the optional dynamic package or the RS dynamic plus package, that increases the speed limit to 280kmph and 305kmph respectively. Equipped with the standard eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and permanent , the Audi RS 7 Sportback can hit 100kph in just 3.6 seconds. The previously mentioned optional Dynamic Package plus package also adds high performance RS ceramic brakes to significantly increase the braking performance of the car.

The car gets LED headlamps with dynamic indicators as standard, while HD Matrix LED headlamps with laser lights are available as an option. The rear view camera can also be optionally upgraded with surround view cameras. Audi is also offering an optional B&O Advanced Surround System with 3D sound in the front and rear from 19 speakers and 1820 W output that will replace the standard B&O Sound System features a 3D front surround system and 16 speakers with a 705 W output.

The wheels too, can be personalized by the customer. The standard 53.34cm 10-spoke star design wheels can be upgraded to 55.88cm rims with different finishes. The seats can also be upgraded with black pearl Nappa leather or Valcona leather as per the customer’s wish. Soft power latching of the doors is also optionally available, to add a finishing touch of customization.

With all these options to choose from, the RS 7 also gets a suitable price tag. It has a base price of Rs 1.94 Crore (ex-showroom) and its deliveries are expected to commence in August 2020. Customers can book the Audi RS 7 Sportback online (www.audi.in) from the comfort of their home or head to their nearest Audi India dealership. Additionally, all customization and personalization needs can be catered to by any Audi India dealership. Audi India has ensured all dealerships and workshops are completely sanitized twice a day with adequate safety measures rolled out across processes.

 

Wished Spy Kids was real? Meet the Audi AI: RACE.

We were barely breaking in our teens when we were introduced to the Spy Kids franchise. The cool, futuristic setting of the movies was only complemented by the fast and furious vehicles in the movie. Perhaps taking inspiration from them or out of sheer automotive genius, German automobile manufacturer Audi has created the AI: RACE.

First introduced in 2018, the car is a symbol of futuristic technology, as it supports wireless charging that can juice up the battery in just 15 minutes! It is expected to be offered with a solid-state 95kWh capacity battery that will give the AI: RACE a range of 500 kilometres. It also offers a segment-first transforming cockpit. 

No, the car does not transform into a talking robot, unfortunately. However, the cockpit can be adjusted to suit the racetrack or the road. This is possible as the driver’s seat and the cockpit are integrated into an inner monocoque shell that can be slid laterally. This allows the driver to position the steering wheel in the centre of the car- a perfect setup for the racetrack. Naturally, the pedals can be shifted as well, while all of this is made possible by the by-wire design that eliminates the need of a mechanical connection.

Gael Buzyn is Head of the Audi Design Loft in Malibu – where the Audi AI:RACE was born. He describes the most important item in the specifications: “We want to offer the driver an experience that is otherwise available only in a racing car like the Audi R18. That’s why we developed the interior around the ideal driver’s position in the center. Nevertheless, our aim was to also give the AI:RACE a high degree of everyday usability, not just for the driver, but also for a potential passenger.”

The AI:RACE is 4.53 meters long, 2 meters wide and just 1.15 meters tall (14.5 x 6.4 x 4.6 ft). These dimensions alone speak of a classical sports car. The wheelbase is 2.70 meters (8.9 ft) and the overhangs are compact. Wide and flat light units with integrated digital matrix technology and laser high-beam headlights complete the face of the AI:RACE.

Powering the futuristic concept are three electric motors – one in the front and two at the back. Audi, sticking to its quattro roots, divides the output of the AI: RACE accordingly. Though the maximum power output stands at 500kW, the driver can temporarily churn out an additional 70kW with boosting. The AI: RACE makes a combined peak torque of 830Nm, that propels the car from a standstill to 100kmph in barely more than 2 seconds.

As mentioned earlier, the AI: RACE supports wireless charging and is designed to charge with 800 volts. The Audi Wireless Charging (AWC) works by placing a charging pad with integral coil on the floor where the car is to be parked, and connecting it to the power supply. The alternating magnetic field induces an alternating voltage in the secondary coil fitted in the floor of the car, across the air gap.

The German luxury carmaker will be manufacturing the AI: RACE in a limited production run. There are 50 units expected to be produced in total and will be sold to exclusive customers.

Car Brands That Redefine Luxury

Automobiles have long been a symbol of wealth, with even the simplest of cars being the objects of pride. Over the years, the industry has evolved from limited and niche brands to full-blown luxurious pieces of art. While cars became available to the public and hence lost their exclusivity, car brands rose to make their products even fancier, even better and even costlier.

Luxury cars have always been kept apart from the general category, as a castle separates the king from his people. They have also been called special names– ‘auto di lusso’ in Italy or ‘voiture de luxe’ in France, both meaning luxury cars. The Germans call them Oberklasse which directly means “upper class”.

Many car brands across the world manufacture models across multiple segments. Automobile giants like Volkswagen and General Motors even have plants worldwide. In order to segregate the luxurious cars from the mass-produced models, many car brands often choose to sell their luxuries under a different banner. This has led to Toyota forming Lexus and Nissan forming Infiniti, among others. Even popular brands like Citroen, Ford and Geely have DS, Lincoln and Volvo respectively.

However, car brands have always competed to extend their luxuries to as many segments as possible, creating further division in luxury cars.

  •  There are entry-level luxury cars, also known as Premium compacts. These became popular in the mid-2000s after European manufacturers introduced a cheaper alternative to their bigger luxury cars. Some models in this category are the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X2, Lexus CT2000h and the Volvo C30. These cars might be smaller than their executive siblings, but they’re at par in luxury.
  • Then come the compact luxury cars that are also smaller than their executive siblings and can also be called compact executive cars. It includes Alfa Romeo’s Giulia, Tesla’s Model 3 and the Infiniti Q50, among others.
  • The Executives are bigger than the prior two and act as a gateway to ultra-luxury. Executive car is a British term for an automobile larger than a large family car. Jaguar XF and Volvo S90 are some examples in this segment.
  • Germany’s Oberklasse segment and Europe’s F-segment are reserved for full-size luxury sedans. Most of them are flagship models of the company and feature the newest technology that the car brands have to offer. Also called luxury saloon or luxury limousine, these include the BMW 7 Series, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Lexus LS and the Porsche Panamera, among others.

  • The Ultra-luxury segment is reserved for the elite, with all cars costing well above the Rs 10 crore mark. Here car brands offer models that will focus primarily on offering as much luxury as possible,making almost each piece unique to  its owner. Names like the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Maybach 57 and the Bentley Arnage are enough to tell people one thing: You got deep pockets.

These are the car brands that will help you redefine luxury. Each car falling under this segment has not only been manufactured to carry its passengers, it has been made to set standards of luxury and style.

Quattro – Audi’s Icebreaker

There was a time when Audi used to make cars that dominated the Group B rally in the early 80s. It was dangerous. Pure adrenaline. Something that did the round was that WRC was meant for boys and Group B was for men, that was the word. And quite rightly so. For Audi, however, there was a woman, too, more on that later. In those times the oil crisis had amputated the world of motorsports, and once it was over, Group B happened with revised rules.

The Sport Quattro had phenomenal power figures and reportedly produced 591bhp in those times

Only a genius could have thought of pitching the Quattro in rally racing. It was Audi engineer Jörg Bensinger’s idea to get the Quattro technology in a high-performance four-wheel-drive car when he found that the Volkswagen Iltis could outperform any car in the snowy terrain. That was in 1977, and a few years later, in 1980 in co-operation with Walter Treser, he developed the B2 that would later be used in the rallies. Anyone who followed rallying back in the days would recall Audi’s revolutionary Quattro technology. It is safe to say that Audi’s foothold in motorsport began with the introduction of Quattro. Well, and the rest is history. Let’s catch up on that bit, shall we?

In autumn 1981, Michéle Mouton created history for being the first woman to win a World Championship run at the Rally San Remo

Quattro Domination

Audi brought out the Group B versions of the car, first the A1 and the A2 and then the revolutionary Sport Quattro. At the Monte Carlo Rally in 1981, Audi celebrated a sensational debut with Hannu Mikkola, as he overtook a Lancia Stratos within 10 kilometres of the first special stage who had actually started one minute ahead of him. Such was the dominance of the Quattro technology. Still, the WRC manufacturers weren’t convinced as they thought the extra weight and the complex system would eventually be a burden. But when the original non-Group B Quattro debuted in 1980, it immediately showed that a well-sorted four-wheel-drive system was the business. Oh well, better late than never.

The dominance wasn’t restricted to just rallying. From 1984 to 1987, Audi won thrice at the traditional Pikes Peak mountain race. Also, in 1987, Walter Röhrl became the first driver to record a time under 11-minute mark with the Audi Sport Quattro S1. They were quite good on the circuits as well. For instance, the Audi 200 Quattro won the championship at the 1988 Tran-Am series and so did the Audi 90 Quattro at the 1989 IMSA GTO in the USA. At the German Touring Car Championship in 1990 and 1991, it won two championship titles with the Audi V8 Quattro and also with the A4 Quattro in the near-series super touring cars. In 1996, the Audi A4 Quattro won championships in seven countries. Between 2012 and 2016, all-wheel-drive returned to the racetrack as the E-Tron Quattro hybrid drive system in the Audi R18 LMP1 racing car.

In Modern Times

In 1986, Audi replaced the manually lockable first-generation centre differential with the Torsen differential, which could variably distribute the drive torques. The epicyclic gear with an asymmetrical-dynamic basic distribution of forces followed in 2005. To this day, the self-locking centre differentials at Audi are continuously being further developed and are regarded as the benchmark for traction and driving dynamics with, at the same time, very low weight. If it wasn’t for Audi’s remarkable Quattro technology, we would not have gotten cars with all-wheel drive. All the credit goes to the legendary ur-Quattro car from 1980.

Audi Q8 – Review | Quarter to 8

On 3rd March, it will be exactly 40 years for Audi since it first showcased the Quattro at the Geneva Motor Show. Till date, the Quattro remains to be an inspiration for the Ingolstadt brand. And in these four decades, a lot has changed in terms of design and technology. Call it great timing or a coincidence. In India, Audi will kickstart their 40 years of Quattro celebration with the launch of its flagship SUV, the Q8. Now, what could be better than the Q7, you would think? That depends on what aspect you are judging it on. Well, the Q8 is one class above and below. Is that even possible? Technically, yes.

The Q7 is longer and taller than the Q8 but falls short of Q8’s hunky wide-body and scooched stance. This also means that your extended family will have to trail in the less appealing family car on that road trip. Also, the Q8 like the Q7 does not get the space for your pets or kids when your extended family tags along. That’s where the Q7 scores big, it is both practical and easy on the pocket. Well, I think when Marc Lichte thought of designing Audi’s flagship SUV, he was looking for something more extravagant than the Q7. You can see it in the Q8’s coupé design that there’s some DNA present from the ancestral Quattro rally legend.

At the front, it’s got a wide-mouthed single-frame grille that proudly features the Quattro moniker, which is surrounded by the Mexican wave performing HD Matrix LED Headlights – when you unlock or lock the car, the indicators perform the Mexican wave dance. At the rear, it’s a bit different, a single uninterrupted line that will run from one taillight to another. It lights up beautifully when you tap on the brake pedal. And finally giving the Q8 a wholesome stance are the humongous 21-inch optional rims and wider tyre profiles. That’s a mighty upgrade from the Q7, but there’s more. 

For a car weighing over 2,000 kilograms, it is fairly quick. Very much in the Sportscar territory. Now, Audi claims the Q8 racks up to the 100 km/h mark in 5.9 seconds. We tested it and recorded 6.05 seconds. That’s still quick to round up an overtake in the city. But that’s not what it’s meant for. Of course, you do get a lot of driving modes to explore. But it is more of a sedate cruiser, gradually building up speed. And if you still want to go fast then the dynamic mode is where the power surge is quicker but lacks a little in that mid-range. You still manage to have fun shifting gears from the paddle shifters and to break it to you if you were expecting the V6 to crack up a roar, all you would hear is a mechanical burble. Before taking the Q8 on unpaved roads, we sent it around the bend to experience the Quattro all-wheel drive. It did help the rear wheels to steer in sync with the front wheels, generating more grip in and out of the cornet. With that, there was body roll but controlled. Now came the time to drive it on unpaved roads, carefully treading without scratching the 21-inch rims, it was comfortable at cruising speeds. In the city though, the 48V hybrid-assist system improves the Q8’s efficiency by aiding the stop-start operation. The process always seemed natural and was smoothly carried out every time the car idled for a long time. Also, driving it for long periods isn’t a problem as the seats have massage functions for your back, shoulder, but some customizations you can only change from one of the two screens in the centre. There’s a lot to talk about the screens inside the Q8.

When you sit inside the Q8, the infotainment setup looks familiar to the A6, but everything around it is a whole lot more premium. For instance, the luxurious bits like the soft-touch finishes, piano black treatment on the panels, inlays, the leather-wrapped seats, among many others. Right from the beginning, Audi has been very specific on their approach with the Q8, every unit that they sell in the country will be different than the other. And they are also going to sell only 200 of them. Talk about standing out from the crowd. This is one Audi that will grab all kinds of attention. Again, shifting focus on the two giant screens that Audi has mastered for a really long time. One — the virtual cockpit which is phenomenal and it is exceptionally uncomplicated. Also now you have a head-up display. Two — the infotainment touch screens that can control the Q8’s climate control, navigation, cooling and heating effect on the seats, select drive modes, adjust air suspension, change ambient lightings and a ton of features that you might not even use on a daily basis. But it’s there anyway. Personally, I didn’t enjoy the haptic feedback touch on the screen, and I’m glad that you get an option to turn it off. 

For passengers at the back, there are button controlled sunblinds, a huge panoramic sunroof, four-zone climate control, manually adjustable seats for recline angle, and of course a good amount of legroom and headroom. That’s after considering the fact it’s a coupé. It’s also practically possible to seat three at the back comfortably. And with the omission of the third row, you get a sizable boot size of 605 litres that’s wide and deep but isn’t tall to accommodate a large trolley bag. Again blame the coupé design. But you do get folding rear seats that fold almost flat making up for the short boot height.

It’s becoming a thing, ridiculously fast SUV coupés. Lamborghini nailed it with the Urus. And slowly everyone is catching up. Soon Audi will get the RS Q8 to India. It’s the fastest SUV in the world. Fastest 8th dimension in Audi’s words. To me though, the Q8 is still a quarter to 8. As the best is yet to come in some other form. And who would that might be? Keep guessing. 

Verdict: While the Q8 isn’t a record-breaker as compared to its wickedly faster RS cousin, its enchanting sight will, however, set you apart from the million others on the street. What it does is that it delivers exclusivity in your already extravagant backyard.

Specifications:

  • Engine: 3.0-litre, 48V mild-hybrid, V6 turbo-petrol
  • Power: 340 HP
  • Torque: 500 Nm
  • Transmission: 8-speed tiptronic/automatic

Price: ₹1.33 crore (ex-showroom, India)

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