Japan Premieres: Two High-Performance Models and a Hybrid

With just two weeks remaining until the opening of theTokyo Motor Show 2013", a stark contrast to the subdued atmosphere of theprevious show (41st).This year, 14 companies/15 brands from Japan and 18 companies/20 brands from overseas are participating. With 76 world premieres and 81 Japan premieres, the event is showing a momentum that seems to recapture its former vibrancy.



Audi Japan will exhibit a total of 10 models at this show. Among them, the "S8," "S3 Sedan," and "A3 Sportback e-tron" will be making their first appearance in Japan.



S8The "S8" is a high-performance model based on Audi's flagship "A8," but equipped with a 4.0 TFSI engine delivering a maximum output of 380 kW (520 ps) combined with the "quattro" permanent all-wheel-drive system. Achieving 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, it's a sports sedan that almost defies the label of "saloon." It was announced in Germany in August of this year.



Additionally, the sporty version of the "A3 Sedan", which made its world premiere in March as the first four-door sedan variant of the "A3", theS3 Sedan" will also be making its Japanese debut. With dimensions of 4,460 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,420 mm in height, it's a compact car, only slightly longer (135 mm) and wider (15 mm) than the previously introduced "A3 Sportback". As this model is well-suited to Japanese road conditions, there is considerable anticipation as to whether its domestic launch will be announced.

Audi S3 Sedan

Audi A3 Sportback e-tron

Also making its Japan premiere is the "A3 Sportback e-tron", Audi's first production plug-in hybrid. While its price in Germany was announced to be around 37,000 euros, an official price for Japan is expected to be revealed here.



The powertrain consists of a 110 kW (150 ps) 1.4 TFSI engine combined with a 75 kW electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. The total system output is 150 kW (204 ps) with a maximum torque of 350 Nm (35.6 kgm), achieving 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 222 km/h. Its average fuel consumption is 66.6 km per liter, meaning it can travel 100 km on just 1.5 liters of gasoline.



Amidst fierce competition among manufacturers in developing sustainable mobility, this model appears poised to offer a glimpse into Audi's future strategy in Japan.



Additionally, the Audi booth will feature seven other models: the "RS 4 Avant", "RS 5 Cabriolet", "RS 6 Avant", "RS 7 Sportback", "R8 Spyder", and "SQ 5".