November 24th, 1999                                

S3+S4+S8 = power and performanSe

Audi in Australia this week launched its range of ultimate performance vehicles - the S3, S4 and S8.

The new variants represent the pinnacle of the company’s A3, A4 and A8 model range by providing high-performance motoring and premium quality with Audi’s stylish, yet subtle design.

According to Audi’s managing director, Matthias Seidl, the philosophy behind the superb S model series is to provide customers with an alternative to traditional sportscars.

"Audi’s S model line-up gives our customers the option of purchasing vehicles which are identifiable with European prestige and powerful performance, yet do not portray arrogance or aggression," Mr Seidl said.

"The S3, S4 and S8 all differ quite subtly from their A model siblings, however are easily recognisable by people who understand the ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ concept of Audi’s S models.

"This launch creates many new strategic opportunities for Audi in Australia with the consumer demand for high-performance niche models expected to continue its current growth pattern.

"The S model launch will also strengthen our high-technology, sporting image which has positive flow-on effects for our entire vehicle range," Mr Seidl added.

Audi S3
Priced at $69,900, the S3 is the baby of Audi’s S model line-up.

With its impressive performance figures of 154kW at 5800rpm and 270Nm from 2100 – 5000rpm, the S3 easily demonstrates the philosophy behind Audi’s S model badging – dynamic performance without arrogance.

The combination of the 1.8-litre low pressure turbocharged engine, six-speed manual transmission and quattro all-wheel drive propels the S3 from 0 – 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds.

Volume projections for the S3 from 1 December until 31 December 1999 is around 15 vehicles, and in 2000, around 100 units are expected to be retailed in the 12 month period.

Audi S4
The Audi S4 and S4 Avant are probably the most eagerly-awaited of all Audi’s impressive line-up of S models.

Both sedan and Avant variants feature an impressive 2.7-litre bi-turbo powerplant which releases 195kW at 5800rpm and 400Nm of torque from 1850 – 3600rpm.

Agile and fast, the S4 covers the sprint from 0 – 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds (5.7 seconds for the Avant), however it is the elasticity of the engine that is even more impressive. In top gear, the S4 accelerates from 80 – 110 km/h in a blistering 6.1 seconds, faster even than the Porsche 911, BMW 3 and BMW M5.

Priced at $113,800 and $116,600 respectively, the S4 and S4 Avant models have already attracted around 70 forward orders, with signed deposits from customers.

The S4 sedan will be available for delivery to customers from 1 December however supply is limited to 20 units for 1999. In 2000, sales volume is expected to be around 80 units for the S4 sedan and 20 units of S4 Avant. The Avant will be available for delivery to customers from early 2000.

Audi S8
Audi’s range-topping S8 has undergone a product upgrade for its release here in April 2000.

Sporting a new five-valves-per-cylinder engine, the 4.2-litre V8 Audi S8 now boasts 265kW of power at 7000rpm, compared with 250kW, and 430Nm at 3400rpm, an increase of 20Nm.

The S8 accelerates from 0 – 100km/h in just 6.6 seconds, thanks to the weight-saving benefits of Audi’s aluminium space frame (ASF) technology.

Priced at $228,000, the new Audi S8 will be available next year with both exterior and interior equipment upgrades, extensive engine modifications and an optimised exhaust system.

Other features will include the Navigation System Plus with 5-inch monitor, integrated TV reception and Concert stereo system; Tiptronic sports steering wheel, Audi’s Acoustic Parking System (APS) at both front and rear; SIDEGUARD head airbag curtains for front and rear passengers and a Nokia mobile phone.

A new S model dealer strategy has been defined for the launch with all metropolitan dealers nationally showing strong interest in the concept.

S model dealerships are required to have the full range of S models available for test-drive, including S6 and Allroad quattro in 2000.

"As part of our commitment to our dealer network and our performance profile, we have defined a support package for metropolitan S model dealers to assist them with the significant investment they are making to stock the full S model range as part of their floor plan," Matthias Seidl said.

As part of Audi in Australia’s marketing strategy, S model drive days are planned for S3, S4 and S8 customers and aspirants in 2000 and the company has applied to enter an Audi S4 in Targa Tasmania next year. Interest has also been shown by privateers to race the S4 in the GTP series next year.

The S models will all be launched with high-impact ‘signature’ colours, which includes Absolute Red for S3, Nogaro Blue for S4 sedan, Imola Yellow for S4 Avant and Brilliant Black for the S8.

With the launch of the S6 in July 2000, Audi will boast a high-performance representative in every segment of the luxury market.