Cars & Autos | Thursday 5 February, 2015 3:19 pm |

As one of the key motoring events in the Middle East, the Qatar Motor Show is attracting car lovers and trade professionals alike and serves as a stage for Audi’s latest innovations. Over the past few years Audi has seen a steady momentum of growth in the Middle East and especially in Qatar. Representative of an entire new TT model lineup, Audi revealed the Audi TTS and surprised with the Middle East premiere of the brand new Audi Q7. This year’s Motor Show is taking place from February 6-10 at the Qatar National Convention Centre.

The Audi sport stand theme featured the Audi S3, Audi S6 and Audi S7 as well as customer favourite, Audi Q5.

“Audi has only recently announced another historic record year in terms of sales and intends to maintain the momentum with further model introductions in the region in 2015, explains Trevor Hill, Managing Director of Audi Middle East. “In 2014, we established our 9th straight record year here in the Middle East – with sales of 11,132 cars and here in Qatar, Q-Auto showed the biggest growth of all of our dealers with a 25% increase in sales over last year. “

With the reveal of the Audi TTS Audi introduced a modern classic and design icon of the brand. The exterior is streamlined and muscular, athletic and poised ready to jump forward – a car that is mesmerizing at the first glance. The designers of the compact sports car have reinterpreted the typical lines of the original TT from 1998 and enriched it by adding an array of dynamic elements.

Many details in the profile of the new Coupé are reminiscent of the first-generation design classic. The sill contour forms a strong line and the wide wheel arches form their own geometric body.

The 286 hp 2.0 TFSI engine, which powers the new TTS comes with the new Audi drive select system, while a sound actuator provides an even sportier sound. It takes 4.6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, while the top speed, which is electronically limited to 250 km/h, is just a formality.

The Audi virtual cockpit is a new electronic innovation, which replaces the analog instruments and the MMI monitor in the new TT range. It comprises a fully digital instrument cluster with versatile graphics and a highly detailed display.

A Middle East launch date is expected for March 2015 and August 2015 respectively. The new Audi TT will be available with a starting price of US$ $40,555.

The second regional premiere and only shown for the second time worldwide after the International reveal at Detroit Motor Show is the much anticipated and eagerly awaited new Audi Q7. The biggest selling model for Audi in the Middle East was revealed today by Mohamed Saadon Al Kuwari, Audi Brand Ambassador for Q-Auto.

The SUV is a major part of Audi’s success story. Nearly every third Audi is a Q model. The new Audi Q7 is a benchmark for the SUV segment - in terms of diversified drivetrain technologies, lightweight construction technology, path-finding efficiency, intuitive connectivity and comprehensive electronics features.

It is the most flexible and most spacious SUV of the premium segment for up to seven passengers. And, it is the lightest SUV of its segment. Thanks to a smart multi-material mix with aluminium and steel, we achieved a weight reduction of up to 260 kg. This is best-in-class and takes the new Audi Q7 to another superlative.

It is an extremely agile and sporty SUV with quattro drive and tiptronic transmission as standard. This car is a dynamic on-roader with great off-road qualities. And it is a shining example of how we harmonize performance, driving pleasure and efficiency.

From lightweight construction to innovative lighting: The Audi Q7 offers the latest light technology with LED and matrix-LED lighting for increased safety and comfort. And finally, the Audi Q7 is the SUV with a very innovative interior.

Based on the second generation of our modular infotainment kit, the driver and passengers will experience a new dimension of driving assistance and Audi connect features. Examples include natural voice recognition, haptic MMI, Audi tablet with Android operating system, smartphone integration and stunning 3D surround sound.

All in all, the new Audi Q7 represents everything a true premium automobile stands for. Premium performance, premium efficiency, premium connectivity and premium assistance systems.

German customers will be able to order the Q7 from the spring of 2015 and it will be arriving at the dealerships with a wealth of standard equipment features in the summer of 2015. In Germany the Q7 will be available starting at around 61,000 Euros. The planned market arrival for the Middle East is in the fourth quarter of 2015. Prices and specs for the Middle East have not been set yet.