The Germany based leading luxury car maker Audi launched an upgraded version of its super luxury coupe model R8 in the Indian market on Monday. The new R8 5.2FSI coupe sports an upgraded V-10 engine as compared to V8 engine of its previous models. The Audi R8 is one of the most popular cars in Audi’s Indian portfolio and the car was selected as "Supercar of the Year 2008". The car has been launched in India as a completely built unit (CBU).
Moreover, the company has announced to launch three newer versions of A8, A7 and A6 series in the Indian market within year 2011. "We will launch the A8 with a larger wheelbase by the end of January or beginning February. Then we will launch A7 in May-June and later in the fourth quarter of 2011 we will launch the A6," said Audi India Director Michael Perschke. He was speaking to the reporters on the occasion of launch of new Audi retail outlet "Jubilant Motors" in Chennai.
Audi India is currently the third largest luxury car maker in the country following BMW and Mercedes at first and second spots, respectively. With the help of these new launches, the company aims to take its market share to up to 25 percent. "In China and Japan, we are the number one (car maker). In India and in the USA, we are growing very fast. In India ... you (carmaker) need to be patient. We intend to reach 23-24 per cent market share this year of the targeted 30 per cent", said Mr. Perschke.
