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Audi SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron Launched in Malaysia From RM519k

PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) today announced the addition of two new models to its fully electric Audi e-tron range – the SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron.

The two new high-performance models in the Q8 e-tron range of Audi’s electric SUV and crossover models are priced from RM519,990 for the SQ8 e-tron, and from RM529,990 for the SQ8 Sportback e-tron.

The overall design of the SQ8 in SUV and Sportback emphasises the higher performance thanks to the “S” trip. Bumpers are more expressive while widened, while flow-optimised wheel arch panels give a more muscular image. The rear end, underscored by an aerodynamic diffuser, has LED lamps which provide a distinct visual signature at night.

The signature Singleframe grille (with projector lighting) is flanked by Digital Matrix LED headlamps. These advanced lighting units have around 1.3 million micromirrors that can be individually angled up to 5,000 times a second. Depending on the setting, the LED light and its coverage can be constantly varied for optimised illumination while taking into consideration other road users.

Audi’s designers are pioneers in shaping bodies for the best aerodynamic efficiency and the SQ8 e-tron features include these details, to push the drag coefficient (Cd) down to between 0.24 and 0.27, depending on body style.

The proportions of the SQ8 e-tron models are similar to those of the Q8 e-tron but due to the more sports-oriented bodywork and aesthetics, the SQ8 e-tron models are 2 mm lower and 40mm wider. The 2928 mm wheelbase is similar, ensuring that interior comfort – especially rear legroom – and boot volume is generous. The SQ8 e-tron offers up to 569 litres of storage space while the Sportback unravels 528 litres in the boot.

Other features on the exterior are red-painted brake calipers, exterior mirror housings in carbon fibre, black roof rails and a black appearance plus package. Fitted as standard are Audi Sport 22-inch alloy wheels in the 5-arm ‘Interferenz’ style, finished in Titanium Gray and diamond-turned.

The SQ8 e-tron has three asynchronous motors, two of which are on the rear axle and powering each wheel separately. This is the first mass-produced Audi model with three motors. The front axle is driven by an electric motor with a peak output of 166hp. On the rear axle, there are two electric motors both with 131hp of peak output that separately power a rear wheel. In boost mode, the front motor produces up to 210hp, and the two rear motors up to 185hp each. This would add up to 580hp but the total system output is limited to 496hp by the 114 kWh battery pack.

Besides sportscar acceleration of 0 to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 210km/h, the 3-motor drivetrain also enhances handling on winding roads. Because the two rear motors are not connected and power each wheel independently, precise and varied torque levels can be sent to each wheel.

When not required for hard driving, only a fraction of the available output is used. The electric motors at the rear are used more to drive the vehicle in normal daily conditions. When more output is used, the torque shifts to both axles so the SQ8 e-tron can offer the legendary quattro characteristics, enhanced by electric torque vectoring.

The sophisticated electrical system in the SQ8 e-tron can handle charging supplies of up to 170 kW at DC charging points (where available) for a shorter charging period. Charging duration with a DC high-speed charging point can be as short as 31 minutes from 10% to 80% (SoC). WLTP range is up to 471km for the SQ8 e-tron Sportback and 458km for the SQ8 e-tron.

The charging socket can also accept a standard mode 3 charging cable for AC charging with a Wallbox at home or a public charging station. With AC charging, the time will be between 9.15 hours to around 11.30 hours, depending on the power supply. There is also an on-board charger that allows for charging at up to 22 kW from an AC outlet.

For convenience, the SQ8 e-tron has an additional charging socket on the other side of the vehicle. This will make it easier to connect in certain locations where the charging station may be situated by the roadside. The driver can control the charging schedule from within the vehicle via the Audi Multi Media Interface (Audi MMI).

In 90% of all braking situations, the SQ8 e-tron will not use its disc brakes. With an intelligent regeneration concept, the SQ8 e-tron system recuperates via the electric motors alone, without needing the conventional brakes which then work as generators, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy that is stored in the battery.

The MEB Evo electronic chassis platform of the SQ8 e-tron has adaptive sport air suspension with controlled damping for both the front and rear wheels. With precise and constant adaptation to varying road conditions, comfort and stability are maintained at their best at all times.

The ride height also adjusts automatically over a wide range of 76 mm. On the highway, the body can be lowered by 26 mm for enhanced stability and aerodynamic efficiency. When driving on rougher terrain (with Offroad mode selected), the ground clearance can be increased by 35mm to 50mm.

Despite being an SUV, the SQ8 e-tron has a low centre of gravity comparable even to a sedan. This is helped by the placement of the battery system in the floor between the axles, which also creates an axle load distribution that is almost the optimal 50:50. Sporty, luxury-class cabin.

The SQ8 e-tron has a cabin which is like that of the brand’s luxury-class models. In keeping with the sportier image of the model, the front sports seats are Valcona leather with the “S” badge embossed.

Combinations of leather in areas such as the upper part of the dashboard and lower interior elements with decorative inserts in carbon and aluminium look present the image of luxury as well as high tech. This is further enhanced by the Ambient Lighting Package plus and LED entrance lights at the front and rear doors.

The 4-zone climate control system ensures the distribution of cool and refreshing air to all corners of the cabin. Also included in the system is an air ioniser with aromatisation which the occupants can adjust in several stages for the best air quality.

The Audi Virtual Cockpit has a strong driver bias, with the instrument panel integrated into the wraparound dashboard and a sleek display standing visually free in space. A Head-Up Display is standard for enhanced driving safety. Besides the two MMI touch response displays angled in the driver’s direction, there are also Glossy Black operating buttons with haptic feedback.

A smartphone interface allows integration of most iOS and Android smartphones with the Audi MMI to control features such as navigation, music and selected apps.

The Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D allows music to be experienced exactly as recorded, with a spatial dimension of height as well. The system has a highly efficient amplifier driving 16 loudspeakers with 705 watts.

Besides the progressive elegance of the unified interior design, the cabin of the SQ8 e-tron also demonstrates Audi’s commitment to sustainability with the use of many eco-friendly materials. Many of the safety-relevant components used – for example, the plastic covers of seat belt buckles – have been produced in part from mixed automotive plastic waste.

In line with the brand philosophy, the body of the SQ8 e-tron has a mixed steel/aluminium hybrid construction which moderates the weight of the electric vehicle of this size with a powerful battery pack. In fact, the battery pack and body form a strong hybrid structure with 45% greater torsional stiffness than a conventional combustion SUV. This construction pays off in better handling as well as reduced noise levels.

The SQ8 e-tron has a range of advanced passive and active safety systems which include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, swerve assist and turn assist, and front and rear cross-traffic assist.

Other standard safety features include front side and rear SRS airbag systems, a child safety package with ISOFIX child seat anchors and top tether, and a direct tyre pressure monitoring system. For ease of parking, the SQ8 e-tron has a Park Assist package with park assist plus helps locate an available bay and then manoeuvres the vehicle in without any steering input by the driver.

The SQ8 e-tron is available with a wide range of exterior colour choices such as Magnet Gray, Ultra Blue, Chronos Gray, Mythos Black, Plasma Blue, Daytona Gray and Glacier White.

Both SQ8 e-tron variants can be purchased with the optional Audi Assurance Package (AAP) which extends the vehicle warranty period to 5 years, with free scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years and complimentary roadside assistance for the first 5 years. The battery system is covered by a separate warranty of 8 years or 160,000 km.

Edisi Akhir Audi R8 V10 – R8 Coupe Japan Final Edition

Pengeluaran Audi R8 akan tamat dan Audi telah mengeluarkan edisi istimewa – Audi R8 Coupe Japan Final Edition. Mereka hanya menghasilkan 8 unit kereta ini, dan ini adalah penghormatan istimewa kepada Jepun dengan warna seperti putih, merah, dan emas. Luaran kereta kelihatan menarik dengan penyelesaian putih khas, bahagian serat karbon, simbol Audi hitam, dan rim 20 inci berwarna bronze.

Di dalam kereta, ia selesa dengan tempat duduk hitam dan butiran putih. Setiap daripada 8 kereta mempunyai nombor masing-masing dan “Japan Final Edition” tertulis di pintu. Enjin menghasilkan kuasa sebanyak 612hp dan tork 580Nm, menggunakan gearbox seven-speed untuk untuk menghantar kuasa kepada semua empat roda.

Audi R8 Coupe Japan Final Edition berharga ¥35,080,000 (RM1,150,698). Harganya mahal kerana ia istimewa dan hanya dihasilkan beberapa unit. Mereka yang membeli edisi istimewa ini mendapat item istimewa dengan nombor kereta itu.

Walaupun V10 R8 mengucapkan selamat tinggal, ada spekulasi bahawa Audi mungkin akan membawanya kembali sebagai kereta elektrik. Audi dikatakan sedang mengembangkan platform elektrik untuk kereta sukan istimewa, memberi petunjuk bahawa mungkin akan ada Audi R8 elektrik pada masa depan.

Audi Bids Farewell to R8 with Limited-Edition “Japan Final Edition”

Audi has marked the end of an era for the R8 in most global markets with a special farewell edition limited to just 8 units—the Audi R8 Coupe Japan Final Edition. Based on the V10 Quattro, this model pays homage to Japan with its exclusive design featuring the country’s main colours: white, red, and gold. The exterior showcases an Ibis White Matte finish, carbon fibre aero components, black Audi emblems, and 20-inch alloy wheels in a matte bronze hue.

The interior is characterised by black upholstery with Alabaster White accents and diamond stitching. Each of the 8 units comes with individually numbered door sills and “Japan Final Edition” lettering. The V10 engine, likely making its final appearance, generates 612hp and 580Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic gearbox sending power to all four wheels.

The Audi R8 Coupe Japan Final Edition is priced at ¥35,080,000 (RM1,150,698), reflecting its exclusive status and limited availability. Buyers of this special edition will receive a commemorative piece of VIN Art, featuring the engraved chassis number of their respective cars.

Although the V10 R8 bids adieu, there are speculations about a potential return for the nameplate in the form of a high-performance electric vehicle. Audi is reportedly working on an electric platform designed for low-volume, purpose-built sports cars and supercars, suggesting the possibility of an electric successor to the iconic mid-engined R8 in the future.

The limited-edition R8 Coupe Japan Final Edition serves as a symbolic farewell to the V10-powered R8, offering a unique and exclusive model for collectors and enthusiasts. The anticipation of a potential electric successor aligns with the industry’s shift toward electrification, hinting at Audi’s commitment to high-performance electric sports cars in the future.

Audi E-tron GT Baru Mungkin Ada Varian RS 750bhp

Audi E-tron GT sedang menjalani peningkatan, dijangka dilancarkan menjelang penghujung 2024. Ini bertujuan untuk bersaing dengan Tesla Model S dan telah dikesan dalam ujian terakhir di Jerman. Redesign ini akan memberikan penampilan yang lebih serupa dengan Audi Q6 E-tron SUV yang akan datang.

Terinspirasi daripada Porsche Taycan, E-tron GT yang dikemas kini akan mempunyai bumper hadapan dan belakang yang lebih baik, gril baru, dan rim aloi yang baru. Lampu kekal sama, tetapi bahagian belakang akan mempunyai diffuser yang lebih ketara. Sisi akan melihat perubahan kecil, seperti side skirt yang baru.

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Audi E-tron GT Set for Mid-Life Facelift, Potential Arrival of 750bhp RS Variant

In an eagerly awaited mid-life facelift, the Audi E-tron GT is poised to undergo a series of eye-catching styling revisions, with speculation rife about the introduction of a high-performance RS variant boasting a staggering 750bhp.

Scheduled for launch towards the end of 2024, the electric powerhouse, aimed squarely at the Tesla Model S, has been recently reported undergoing final testing in Germany. Reports suggest that the design overhaul aims to align the E-tron GT with the upcoming Audi Q6 E-tron SUV, slated for release in February 2024.

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All Good Things Must Come To An End: The Final Audi TT

Audi has officially concluded the production of the TT sports car, marking the end of a 25-year career across three generations. The Audi TT produced a fair number of final editions in a number of regional markets before it was retired.

The final Audi TT rolled off the production line at the Gyor factory in Hungary. The occasion was commemorated with a flower-decorated third-generation TTS Coupe, escorted by the original TT Coupe and TT Roadster concepts from 1995, along with two second-generation models.

The lettering on the windshield indicates that a total of 662,762 units of the Audi TT were produced at the Györ factory between February 18, 1998, and November 10, 2023. The last Audi TTS produced was finished in Chronos Gray Metallic with Dark Chrome matt accents. It featured a 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder engine producing 315hp, making it the second most powerful version of the third-generation TT.

While the production of the Audi TT has come to an end, the remaining stock is still available for purchase. Audi has hinted at the possibility of the TT returning as an electric car in the future, but no official decision has been made.

The iconic TT has been a symbol of Audi’s design and engineering prowess, and its legacy will be remembered in automotive history.

Audi Bids Farewell To The Iconic TT With The Roadster Final Edition

Audi recently announced the end of an era for its beloved TT sports car, but not before giving it a grand send-off with the Audi TT Roadster Final Edition. This special edition model pays tribute to the TT’s legacy with a range of distinctive features.

The Audi TT Roadster Final Edition comes in Audi Exclusive Goodwood Green Pearl paint, a nostalgic nod to the first-generation TT, which offered this colour as an option. The roof is grey, a first for the TT Roadster. The matte grey bumpers and side profile accents complement the grey roof. Based on the S Line trim, this Final Edition features 20-inch wheels as standard.

Audi made subtle changes by removing most of the S Line badges on the exterior and interior. The brushed aluminium accents have been replaced with carbon fibre, adding a touch of sportiness. The seats are upholstered in Palomino Brown leather, described as a “modern interpretation” of the original TT’s baseball seats.

In terms of performance, the TT Roadster Final Edition boasts a base turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 228hp and 350Nm torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds and includes all-wheel drive and magnetic ride control as standard, which is part of the S Line trim and reduces the ride height by 0.3 inches.

This special edition is exclusive to the US, with only 50 units available. The Audi TT Roadster Final Edition is priced at $68,895 (RM325,838), providing a fitting farewell to this iconic sports car.

Audi Malaysia Expands e-tron Offerings with Exclusive Campaigns

In response to the growing interest in environmentally sustainable vehicles in Malaysia, PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM), the distributor of Audi in the country, is expanding its offerings for electric vehicles (EVs). The company is introducing retail specials and exclusive packages for the Audi Q8 e-tron 55 and e-tron GT, making it more accessible for Malaysians to own and experience the joy of driving an all-electric Audi vehicle.

The recently introduced “Go electric” campaign offers potential owners the opportunity to enjoy savings of up to RM93,000, in addition to the significant savings provided by government duty exemptions. The campaign aims to make Audi’s electric vehicles more attractive to environmentally conscious consumers in Malaysia.

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Audi Q3 Sportback: We Try To Justify Its Price

The Audi Q3 was introduced back in 2011 as a subcompact luxury crossover SUV for those who wanted an SUV but found the Q7 to be way too big and the Q5 to be better suited for families.

The Q3 went up against the likes of the BMW X1, Lexus UX, Mini Countryman and to some extent, even the Range Rover Evoque.

When first introduced, there were many criticisms levelled against it, alleging that it lacked space and imagination. And not having enough power.

But since its introduction, over a million units have found a home worldwide. Proving those criticisms to be unwarranted.

Closer to home, the Audi Q3 has enjoyed brisk sales as well. Whether bought officially or from parallel importers, it is easy to find a Q3 on the road as you go about your business in major Malaysian cities. And it is easy to understand why as well.

Over the years the car has grown in size, offering more interior room a comfortable interior and dare we say it – decent power. But other than all of that, it has even become quite efficient despite some models offering all-wheel-drive capabilities which inadvertently equals to increased fuel consumption.

The Audi Q3 Sportback that you see here though takes it all up a couple of notches and even warrants the use of the word stunning; a combination of the sports coupe bodyline and the intense blue colour which Audi calls Turbo Blue.

The colour does seem to suite the overall character of the Q3 Sportback. Afterall the Sportback is meant to appeal to those who wanted all the functions of a compact SUV but with a tinge of style and aggression sprinkled in either to match their age or personalities.

One thing for sure though, everywhere the Q3 Sportback went, people noticed. This was evident by the cringed necks as observers struggled to get one final look or with gawking looks and pointed fingers at traffic lights.

The Q3 Sportback is undoubtedly stylish and that’s saying the least.

But the Q3 Sportback is not exactly new. It has been in the market since 2020, launched by Audi Malaysia right before the pandemic at an eye watering RM360,223.60 with the Audi Assurance Package that provides for a five year warranty and three year maintenance package with unlimited mileage.

As what we have discovered before in our previous reviews of Audi cars in Malaysia, the fact that Audi cars are fully imported units means they are taxed heavily in every way possible. Hence the prices. And the lack of overall demand does not warrant a local assembly program – not yet at least.

You could buy a used one or an imported unit but that would deprive you of access to the official service centres and official Audi spare parts. Besides, a quick check on some of the leading used car websites shows there’s only a handful of units.

So why would you bother with an Audi Q3 Sportback then?

Because in all intents and purposes, the Q3 Sportback is a really nice car to drive and to cocoon yourself in on a day-to-day basis. Let us explain why.

But before that, let’s just make one thing clear, the interior – especially the back seats – are not very big. As we found out after latching on a child seat, there’s not much legroom for a three-year-old seated in his chair. And as soon as a six-footer takes the driver’s seat, there’s very little space left at the back seat directly behind the driver.

But that’s about it though. That is the only complaint we have about the interior. But that can be forgiven if you don’t have a family to transport and don’t intend on using the back seats much either.

Up front, the multi-function, flat-bottomed S-Line steering wheel greets you as soon as you take a seat. It has well placed buttons and dials that have a firm click and feel like they will last a long time.

Directly behind the steering wheel lays a 12.3-inch TFT digital meter panel that gives you multiple readouts and is capable of displaying the navigational map, the music and all of the onboard data, all at the same time.

This is part of the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus system and it is one of the best in the industry. The screen refreshes at a rate of 60 times per second; so fast that the human doesn’t even see it refreshing. Instead, what you see is an ultra-sharp display of all the important readings.

On the left of that is the Audi MMI system that is accessible via a 10.1-inch screen. Here you get access to all of the onboard systems such as Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The software that governs everything is arguably the best in the industry as well. The fact that it is simple and controls are not hidden deep in its programs makes it easy to use even when driving. Car makers like Mercedes, BMW and even Lexus could take a card out of Audi’s software book.

Besides all of those onboard gizmos, the real fun is how the Q3 Sportback drives.

Powering the car is the Volkswagen group’s famous 2.0 TFSI engine that can be found in cars like the Golf. However in the Sportback, the engine has been tuned to make 180PS from 3900rpm and 320Nm of torque from just 1400rpm.

It does the charge to 100km/h in about 7.3 seconds and maxes out at 220km/h. This is decent enough for your day to day business. And if you are the type that likes to attack some corners, the quattro all-wheel-drive system lets you dig deep for traction.

But you can’t rely on the suspension to match your intent though as it is comprised of a regular multi-link set up at the back and MacPherson struts up front without any adaptive capabilities.

If it were adaptive, it would respond to the selected driving mode and would have stiffened up in Dynamic mode for better control. In Comfort mode it would have calmed down and soaked up the roads for max interior comfort.

However, the Sportback is better suited for long distance drives, highway cruises, urban commutes and does an excellent job at isolating the cabin from the outside world. This results in a comfortable and even silent ride quality, which is what ultimately the Q3 Sportback is designed for.

The Audi Q3 Sportback is a fun car designed for daily drives with a focus on comfort, practicality and a tinge of power. It’s Sportback roofline gives an impressive 530-litres of luggage capacity which makes it ideal for small families as well.

Perhaps the only stumbling block may be the price. And the fact that competitors like the BMW X3 are newer and can be had from just about RM329,000. It may seem difficult to justify the asking price of the Audi Q3 Sportback, but there is no doubt that it has quite a lot to offer, but it all comes with a hefty price tag.