Geneva Motor Show: Audi Brings Seven World Premiers

• Ben Williams


• 3 Mar 2015

After weeks of build up from automakers around the world, the 2015 Geneva Motor Show has finally opened its doors earlier today.  We can expect to see a lot from automakers over the rest of the week.  Audi, in particular, brought a lot to this Geneva this year.  Besides the new R8 making its public debut, Audi brought six more vehicles to show off for the first time.

The second generation R8, which we covered last week, made its public debut at Geneva.  The new R8 will come in a two different variations: the 540hp R8 V10 base model, and the 610hp R8 V10 plus, Audi’s most powerful production car ever.  Along side these two new models were the rest of the R8 family: the R8 e-tron, and the R8 LMS.

The new R8 e-tron, Audi’s electric sports cars, received the new, updated look and lightweight body of the new R8.The R8 e-tron also received some upgrades in power department.  The cars electric motors now produces around 456 bhp and 679 ft-lbs of torque, allowing for a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds.  The new, lighter R8 e-tron will, thanks to a new battery cells, have a much higher range than the first generation.  The range will be more than double to around an amazing 280 miles (450 km).

Arguably, the biggest announcement from Audi was the new R8 LMS race car.  Following the high success of the first-generation, the new R8 LMS will be feature more race car technology that will make the race car lighter and safer.   The new race car will feature a wide variety of lightweight materials, Audi’s space frame, a 583 bhp V10, new aerodynamic systems, and a new, high-speed MS 6.4 electronics that will control ignition, traction control and software for the electro-hydraulic gearshift.  According to Audi, the new LMS model already meets the new safety regulations for GT3 cars that will be implemented next year.  The new R8 LMS will make its racing debut later this year at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in May, and the 24 Hours of Spa.

Besides the 4 R8’s Audi also announced two hybrid models: the new Q7 e‑tron quattro, and Audi prologue Avant show car.  The Q7 e‑tron quattro is Audi’s second plug‑in hybrid drive system vehicle and is the world’s first plug‑in hybrid car with a six-cylinder diesel engine and permanent all-wheel drive.  The large SUV will only have a range of 35 miles (56 km) on electric power, but with the diesel engine the range extends to a claimed 876 miles (1,410 km).

The new Audi prologue Avant is designed to be both sporty as well as luxurious.  The concept has the same plug‑in hybrid drive system as the Q7 e-tron, but will have a 3.0 TDI engine that produces 455 hp and 553 ft-lbs. of torque that, in combination with the electric motor, will accelerate from 0-60 in 5 seconds.  The luxurious interior of the five-door car includes lounge like seating, and a variety of different touch screen infotainment systems.

Lastly, Audi introduced their new RS 3 Sportback. The new RS 3 Sportback has five-cylinder 2.5L TFSI engine that produces 367 hp which, in combination with its new seven‑speed S tronic transmission, will accelerate the car from 0-60 in 4.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 176 mph.  The RS 3 will also have progressive steering, the RS‑specific sport suspension and optional Audi magnetic ride adaptive damper control are designed specifically for the RS.  Audi boosts that this is the most powerful compact car, which, to be honest, is like saying that you are the best at Curling, not many people care.
Audi have been very busy when preparing for this years Geneva Motor Show.  The models will be on view in Geneva for the next week.