Dubai, July 25, 2011 - Having launched the new Audi A8 L with a 372 hp 4.2 FSI quattro engine, Audi is now adding a further engine to the Middle East portfolio of the Audi A8 L. The new 3.0 TFSI V6 engine provides 290 hp of power and 420 Nm of torque. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h. Audi's entry-level A8 L starts from USD 83,851 in the GCC.

The long-wheel base vehicle consumes only 9.3 liters per 100 km in the EU driving cycle. That corresponds to a CO2 emission rate of 217 grams per km. All engines of the A8 range have increased power and torque, while their fuel consumption has dropped by 13 to 22 percent, due to intelligent and efficient technologies like the recuperation system and innovative thermal management. The 8-speed tiptronic transmission finely graduates its eight gears while achieving a large overall spread and further increases efficiency. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive adds a distinct sporty and rear-end character. Thanks to the Audi Space Frame (ASF), its body weighs about 40 percent less than a comparable steel structure.

Like all of Audi's models for the Middle East, the Audi A8 L 3.0 TFSI was specially developed and tested for the super hot climates of the region.

Audi's flagship demonstrates the brand's proverbial Vorsprung durch Technik also with its new engine variant, which features the latest generation MMI operating system with MMI touch, new driver assistance systems including night vision assistant and an elegant interior with a craftsman's level of workmanship. The comfort on board is first class - from new, emotionally charged ambient lighting to the luxurious, power adjustable seats in the rear.

The top-of-the range Audi A8 L model, the A8 W12, is expected to arrive in the Middle East later this year.

-Ends-

The Audi Group sold around 1,092,400 cars of the Audi brand in 2010. The Company posted revenue of €29.8 billion and an operating profit of €1.6 billion in 2009. Audi produces vehicles in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm (Germany), Győr (Hungary), Changchun (China) and Brussels (Belgium). Aurangabad in India saw the start of CKD production of the Audi A6 at the end of 2007, of the Audi A4 in early October 2008 and of the Audi Q5 in July 2010. Production of the new Audi A1 has been running at the Brussels plant since May 2010. The Company is active in more than 100 markets worldwide. AUDI AG's wholly owned subsidiaries include AUDI HUNGARIA MOTOR Kft., Automobili Lamborghini Holding S.p.A. in Sant'Agata Bolognese (Italy) and quattro GmbH in Neckarsulm. Audi currently employs around 60,000 people worldwide, including around 46,600 in Germany. Between 2011 and 2015 the brand with the four rings is planning to invest around €11.6 billion, mainly in new products, in order to sustain the Company's technological lead embodied in its "Vorsprung durch Technik" slogan. By 2015, Audi plans to increase the number of models in its portfolio to 42.

Audi has long been fulfilling its social responsibility on many levels - with the aim of making the future worth living for generations to come. The basis for Audi's lasting success is therefore formed by environmental protection, the conservation of resources, international competitiveness and a forwardlooking human resources policy. One example of AUDI AG's commitment to environmental issues is the newly established Audi Environmental Foundation.

AUDI AG's commitment to the region was confirmed through the foundation of its fully owned subsidiary in 2005: Audi Middle East. The current Middle East model range comprises the A1, A3 Sportback and A4, the A5, S5 and RS 5, the A5 Sportback and A5 Cabriolet, the A6, TT Coupe/Roadster and TT RS Coupe, the A7, A8 L, Q5 and Q7, the R8, R8 V10, the R8 Spyder V10 and R8 GT.

Audi Middle East Communications
Karin Haferkorn
Tel.: +971 (0) 4 2045 888
Email: karin.haferkorn@audi.avme.ae

Grayling Momentum
Rami Joudi
Tel.: +971 50 759 0897
Email: extern.rami.joudi@audi.avme.ae

© Press Release 2011