Audi shows new product line-up and slips in a surprise

Dubai: Audi has revealed its new product line-up at the 10th Dubai International Motor Show. The cars were the newly launched Audi A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet and Audi R8 V10 accompanied by the new Audi Q7, S5 and many others.

As a surprise, Audi presented the new Audi TT RS, a 340 bhp souped up version of the Audi TT, which was not expected to arrive in the region initially.

Jeff Mannering, managing director of Audi Middle East, stated in the official press conference: "Audi is investing two billion euros (Dh10.6 billion) annually into new product development, and the last months have shown clearly that this strategy has been successful.

"Not only is Audi making strong profits and continuing to hire during tough economic times, but has also become the leading premium brand in Europe and China and is on its way to becoming the hottest automotive brand in the Middle East region," he added.

The TT RS sports a turbocharged five-cylinder 2.5-litre engine, which has a long tradition of powering cars like the legendary "Ur-quattro" rally car.

The full potential of the Audi TT RS driving machine is obvious at first glance by distinct modifications to the front and rear skirts and the side of the car.

A stationary rear spoiler is standard, though customers can opt for one which auto-matically extends and retracts.

The dynamic image of the TT RS carries further into the interior with sport seats in leather, brushed aluminium inlays, a flat-bottomed leather multi-function sports steering wheel, a boost pressure indicator and a lap timer.

The standard equipment also includes automatic air conditioning, the Concert radio with a Bose surround sound system among others.