AUDI FORECASTS CROSSING the 10,000 vehicles per annum threshold in the Middle East for the first time in 2013. While this year’s strategy focused on increasing capacity and quality across the region, the German premium car manufacturer continues its product offensive with a dynamic range of new models and technology at the 2013 Dubai International Motor Show from Nov. 5 to 9.The new Audi S3 Sedan, RS 6 Avant and RS 7, which were revealed at the press conference, showcase the company’s capability to transfer technology between motorsport and series production.

“Motorsport is an integral part of the Audi DNA - it is not an end in itself for our company. All three of our new models are prime examples. They are extremely sporty, but with engine downsizing and significantly less weight we are able to achieve lower consumption and CO2 emissions at the same time,” said Trevor Hill, MD, Audi Middle East.

Three-time Le Mans winner and Audi factory driver for 19 years, Rinaldo “Dindo” Capello, who was present for the official reveals, commented on the ‘6 hours of Bahrain’ of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) series slated for Nov. 30.

“This year’s race has been pushed back by two months, which will definitely help in terms of temperatures. The team now knows the track and we are in a strong position in the battle with Toyota,” he added.

Also present on the Audi stand at the Dubai Motor Show were the new Audi R8 Coupd V10 plus with 550hp, the Audi R8 Spyder V8 with 430hp and the Audi S8 with 520hp. Some of Audi’s classic best sellers are also on show including the A4,A5, A6 and A8 L W12 as well as the popular SUV range with the Audi Q3, Q5 andQ7.

With the reveal of the top-of-the-line version of the Audi A3 Sedan - the 280 hp S3 Sedan, Audi enters the world’s largest market segment — the class of compact sedans. The third model in the successful A3 model line impresses with ultra-lightweight excellence, strong and very efficient drivetrains, and a great many high-end infotainment and driver assistance systems.

The new Audi RS 6 Avant unites 560 hp of power and 700 Nm of torque with unrestricted practicality for everyday use and leisure. The high-performance Avant follows the Audi RS 4 Avant as the second estate model in Audi’s Middle East portfolio.

The new Audi RS 7 combines the power of a sports car with the elegance of a large, five-door coupe. Having made its first Middle East appearance at the 2013 Dubai International Motor Show, Audi’s latest RS model is set to arrive in regional dealerships in early 2014.