Audi recently introduced the high end variant of their flagship model, the Audi A8 L W12 quattro. This car is equipped with a petrol 6.3l FSI engine, and sets new luxury, efficiency and dynamism standards. With the new engine the car has an acceleration rate of 0 to 100kmph in just 4.7 seconds with a 250kmph top speed. The new car is priced around INR 1.26 crores according to ex-showroom prices in Maharashtra.
The head of the company, Michael Perschke, said that the new car has a great design and presence, derived from the genes of the brand is a high tech model, which confirms the company’s claim towards technical leadership in their motto – Vorsprung durch Technik. With the addition of the powerful engine, their position will only be further consolidated in the category of limousines. After having recorded an exceptional growth this year, he is confident that the new car will be able to set newer standards for engineering performance and luxury in India. In January 2011, a selected few had the chance of experiencing for the first time the W12 during the Davos World Economic Forum. Globally the A8 L W12 has witnessed an overwhelming response, with the first batch consisting of 20 new W12s almost sold out in India.
According to the company, the A8 L W12 is distinguishable by its subtle visual details from the other ones in this line up. The radiator grille that has a single frame with an integral grid structure that features a black high gloss paint finish, along with special chrome finished horizontal bars. It also features chrome inserts of the new design inside the air inlets, while the exterior mirrors also get chrome application. The single frame grille houses the W12 badge, which is also seen on the car’s rear. The 2 tail pipe trims have a trapezoidal pattern, and are perfectly integrated in the rear bumper. The car also boasts of LED standard headlights.
The car is built on an aluminum frame using the principle of the Audi Space Frame, so that the car weighs 40% less in comparison to a car built on a steel frame. The 6.3l 12 cylinder engine is capable of delivering 368kW or 500hp of max power and a peak torque of 625Nm at around 3,250rpm. Another great feature of this car is that is boasts of a longer wheelbase. The rear seats are reclining seats, which also have massaging function in the, a foot rest that is power adjustable located on the front passenger seats base.
Head restraint, ventilation and heating form an integral part of this car. It also features a refrigerator, additional leather and wood trim, a folding table and an entertainment system for the rear seat that consists of 10.2” two screens that make this car comfortable and entertaining to lounge in.
For transmission, this car features tiptronic 8 speed gears that shift quickly and smoothly, and aid in bring higher fuel efficiency. This car sits on alloy 19” wheels that have a specially reserved 15 spoke design and 255/45 size tyres.
Michael added that they adopted an aggressive product and growth strategy this year, by launching many class defining cars, starting with the A8 L, the R8 V10, the R8 Spyder, the RS5 Coupe and the A7 Sportback. They continue to lead the premium SUV category in India with their Q7 and Q5 models, and in the premium sports car market with their iconic R8. The company has also managed to maintain its lead position in global markets of China and Europe, while it is the fastest growing premium car brand in India and USA. China has also overtaken Germany, and is now their single largest market. They will be deploying a few proven strategies from their Chinese auto market to India, like their quality network growth, product offensive and their strong process of brand building.
The company managed to grow 100% from the January to June period this year, with sales of 2,802 vehicles in comparison to the 1,400 cars they sold in the January to June period in 2010. Last month alone, the company managed to sell a total of 408 cars, a 75% growth in comparison to the corresponding period in 2010, when it sold 233 cars.
