Audi has proven itself to be a leading light thus far during this period of economic crisis. This has been evidenced by the best ever financial year the brand experienced in 2008 with over a million units being retailed, signaling the thirteenth consecutive year of growth. Adding to this phenomenal record is the fact that 2008 was the most successful fiscal year in the history of the company, making the Audi brand one of the most profitable players in the international automotive industry.

This success has been made possible by having the newest and most attractive model range in the premium segment of the market, with 17 new models having been launched last year alone. Audi has committed to continuing in the same vein in 2009, with investments continuing in new products, future technologies and growth markets. Audi is determined to maintain its target and existing goals, with the intention to increase the vehicle range from 28 models to 40 over the next seven years.

True to its commitment, the last two years have witnessed the arrival of some incredible products from the Audi stable, such as the Audi R8 4.2 V8, the successful Audi A4 Sedan and Avant, the beautifully designed Audi A5 and S5, not forgetting the beautiful Audi A3 Cabriolet. The market has also benefitted from the product improvement on the Audi A3 range, the introduction of the Audi S3 Sportback, the recently launched Audi Q5 and the impressive new Audi A6 range with the addition of a supercharged 3.0 TFSI and of course the powerhouse in the form of the mighty RS6.

So it has become almost a norm that we wait in anticipation for the next new arrivals. Some may create more anticipation than others of course, which is definitely the case when we refer to the Audi R8 V10 and the Q7 V12 TDI. The cars are now finally scheduled to arrive in South Africa and Audi of South Africa is pleased to announce that the order books are now officially open on these two stunning models.

The hype and anticipation surrounding the breathtaking Audi R8 V10 has been unbelievable not only in South Africa but in markets all around the world. This vehicle enters into the market on a platform that has been successfully set by it predecessor the Audi R8 V8. In its very short period of existence the Audi R8 V8 has received numerous accolades in validation of its design, performance and technology. Amongst many other the Audi R8 was named the 2008 World Performance Car and received the 2008 World Car Design award. In 2007 the Audi R8 was awarded one of the most sought after awards by the German car industry, “SportsCar 2007”. By internet poll votes the Audi R8 V8 was crowned the “Most Popular Car in Europe,” in 2008. Not merely by its accolades alone but by the numbers itself. In South Africa alone from 2007 to 2009, a total of 132 discerning drivers took ownership of the Audi R8 V8. Audi believes that history will repeat itself, and we are expecting nothing le! ss in the next chapter of the Audi R8 story.

The R8 V10 is the result of cumulative know-how from Audi’s string of Le Mans victories. Its 5.2-litre, ten-cylinder FSI engine churns out 386 kW and 530 Nm of torque, which makes for breathtaking performance. The V10 engine in the production sports car will be almost identical in construction to the one in the racing version and combined with its legendary quattro all-wheel drive, will rocket from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. In the version with the sequentially shifting R tronic it reaches 200 km/h in another 8.1 seconds. Even then its propulsive power hardly lessens: it’s sufficient to reach a top speed of 316 km/h.

For the discerning driver who is accustomed to having the latest with all the necessary trimmings the R8 V10 is going to be a dream come true. Its standard level of specification is extensive. The immense force, the spontaneity and the thrust of the acceleration, plus the sound of the engine – all these impressions coalesce into a breathtaking sports car, which is the Audi R8 V10.

There are a total of eight Audi R8 Dealers in South Africa who are currently taking orders for this new flagship model. Waiting lists are growing as production in Germany is limited. Indicative pricing for the Audi R8 V10 is R 2,000,000 with retail commencing in September, 2009.

From the Audi R8 V10 to the most powerful diesel-production SUV developed by Audi, the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro. Although the focus may be on its performance, which is amazing– the 6.0l V12 engine under the hood generates 368 kW of power and 1,000 Nm of torque.

Audi is very aware of the issues surrounding CO2 emissions and of being integral in its support for a greener future, which is why Audi has taken TDI technology to a whole new level with the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro. On average it requires just 11.9 litres of fuel per 100km. The twelve liter TDI uses significantly less fuel than any competing petrol engine in the high performance SUV sector, thanks to the efficient combustion and the complex exhaust emission control system, which contribute to ensuring that the Q7 V12 TDI quattro already complies with future emissions standards.

As in the R8 V10, the expectation of the driver of this vehicle will be to have a well specified vehicle and Audi does not fail to disappoint. One of the product highlights of this vehicle has to be the standard 20 inch ceramic brakes. The Audi ceramic braking system can be described as having racing caliber braking performance.

The 20” high performance braking system features carbon fibre reinforced ceramic brakes. The compound ceramic’s extreme strength guarantees excellent abrasion resistance, while the material’s thermal properties and a ventilation system with special cooling duct geometry that is integrated into the discs, and assure consistently high brake performance with no fading, even after repeated braking. The new Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro represents a combination of superior power and efficient fuel consumption, an Audi hallmark.

The Audi Q7 range was launched in 2006 and since launch Audi has achieved 2258 Q7 sales in the South African market, thus making this model a very popular choice. Indicative pricing for the Audi Q7 V12 TDI is R 1,500,000 with retail commencing in September, 2009. The Audi Q7 V12 TDI is available to order.