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From YourSITE.com Industry News
The Paris Mondial de l’ Automobile comes around but once every other year, alternating on the world automotive show circuit with the Frankfurt IAA. For the industry, these September shows are both the largest and most significant. This is especially so for Audi, set to debut their much-anticipated R8 production sportscar. Looking back two years ago, Audi’s theme was a focus on their best-selling offerings. The B7 A4 bowed at the last Paris show, as did the A3 Sportback. This year, the focus is a little less on the mainstream facet of the Audi brand. Rather, the R8 takes Audi into uncharted territory. Its all-aluminum mid-engine architecture is shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo, and its performance levels are expected to be the most potent for any production car in Audi’s history. This week, Fourtitude staff are on the ground in Paris and set to cover the event in-depth. Several preview articles run on these pages have shown our best guess as to what to expect, though the real R8 and all its lurid details will be shared Wednesday evening at 8PM local Paris time in an evening debut event planned at Paris’ Quartier La Defense. Much of Audi AG’s management is expected to attend, along with Audi Sport boss Dr. Wolfgang Ulrich and seven-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen. And of course, there will be the new R8. A report with impressions, along with a gallery of the event will be available later that evening, along with all press materials released at the event. On Thursday, the show begins. Coverage will continue with further news from Audi, SEAT and Lamborghini, along with a general wrapup published by next week.
Much is expected to be revealed at Paris from the Audi brand group. In addition to the R8, Audi plans on showing the new Q7 V12 TDI, the new S3 for the first time at an auto show and several new engine offerings. The new TT S-line is also expected to appear on the show stand for the first time. At Lamborghini, a limited run and Darth Vader-inspired Gallardo Nera will be unveiled, while SEAT will show the Altea XL.
For those in the New York City area who would like to watch the unveiling live and listen to it via impressive Bang & Olufsen audio, consider visiting the Audi Forum New York City located at the corner of Park and 47th in Manhattan. The new forum, the official opening of which today corresponds with the R8 unveiling, will broadcast the R8’s unveiling live via satellite on its many large video screens. While in Paris, a visit to the local Audi Forum Paris is also planned. A short report and gallery will also follow early next week.
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