German luxury car maker Audi has launched the Audi R8, a mid-engine super sports car, in India. The snazzy Audi R8 comes at a cool Rs 1,17,00,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). 

"The Audi R8 is not only a strong statement about the brand, but also about Audi's direction for the future – to be the most successful premium brand by 2015. It embodies the philosophy of 'Vorsprung durch Technik'. It will revolutionise the Indian automobile space and will offer an experience of a lifetime to discerning customers in the country," said Benoit Tiers, Managing Director Audi India. 

The Audi R8 was officially unveiled at the German Embassy in New Delhi along with two Audi racing legends: Auto Union Type D and the Audi R8 Le Mans Prototype, both chosen for their link to ground-breaking technologies of their time. These cars were shown to the public in a rare display.

"We decided to launch the Audi R8 in the Indian market based on the enthusiastic response received from our select customers. India is a very crucial market for Audi and we are very keen to expand our presence in the country through expansion of the dealership network and bringing in our international range of models," added Tiers.
The Audi R8 4.2 V8-FSI is equipped with an engine displacement of 4,163 cc, a power output of 309 kW (420 hp) at 7,800 rpm and a maximum torque 430 Nm between 4,500 and 6,000 rpm.  It can attain a top speed of 301 km/h with 0-100 km/h in a stunning 4.6 seconds. 

The R8 has manual six-speed transmission or six-speed R tronic gears and an all-aluminum Audi Space Frame body.

The Audi R8 will be available along with other Audi models in India comprising the new Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi A8, Audi Q7 and Audi TT at 12 dealerships across the country – Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Ludhiana, Chennai, Kochi and Kolkata.

Audi India sales growth of 312 percent in October 2008

• Sales volume in the first ten months of 2008: up 203 percent
• Vehicle Sales in October 2008: 107 cars

Audi India announced today the sales figure of last ten months of 2008 which shows impressive progress to achieve its goal of record sales figures in 2008. In January to October 2008 Audi India increased its sales countrywide by 203 percent to 884 cars (January - October 2007: 292 units). In the month of October 2008 sales grew by 312 percent in comparison to October 2007.
 
The most successful models in October were the newly launched Audi A4 and the Audi Q7, underlining its leadership in the luxury SUV segment.
 
The Audi model range consisting of the new Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi A8, Audi Q7 and Audi TT is available in India at  present in twelve dealerships across the country: in Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad,  Ahmedabad, Ludhiana, Chennai, Kochi and Kolkata.