2016 Auto Expo: Audi to showcase new R8, A8 L Security and the new Audi Prologue coupe

One of the showstoppers at the 2016 Auto Expo will be the new Audi R8 sportscar. Faster and more agile than its predecessor, the new Audi R8 borrows over 50 percent of its parts from the Audi R8 LMS racing car. The production version of the new Audi R8 was first shown to the world at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show (Palexpo).

With sharper and more dynamic design, the new Audi R8 has quite a presence. The lightweight two-seater sportscar comes equipped with a single-frame front grille with honeycomb pattern, as seen on most Audi cars sold in India. Among the key features, the new Audi R8 will offer laser headlights as an option.

Staying true to its racing DNA, the new Audi R8 comes powered with a massive 5.2-litre V10 petrol engine, which comes in two states of tunes internationally. The standard car churns out 540PS, while the top of the line variant produces 610PS. Another highlight is the latest version of Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system which will make the new Audi R8 sharper than ever before. 

Along with the sportscar the Audi India pavilion at the 2016 Auto Expo will also showcase the A8 L Security armoured limousine, which will go up against the Mercedes-Benz S-Guard and BMW 7 Series High Security. The new Audi A8 L Security gets improved ordnance resistance with up to VR 9 protection standards, and is now able to protect the car’s occupants from light machine-gun firing and even withstand explosives charges. In spite of the heavy armour, Audi A8 L Security isn’t as heavy as most of its competition thanks to its light-weight aluminium construction. 

Another important car to be displayed at the 2016 Auto Expo will be the Audi Prologue concept. Designed by a team led by Marc Lichte, this concept coupe sheds light on Audi’s new design language and what future cars from the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer could look like. Apart from the design, the Audi Prologue coupe concept will also flaunt some innovative features which will be seen on new versions of the A6, A7 and A8. These include the next generation Audi Virtual Cockpit with three touchscreen displays, self-leveling air suspension, and four-wheel steering.

The Audi Prologue coupe has larger proportions than the current Audi A8 and, with its coupe-like design, could challenge the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe. Under the hood of the Prologue is a 4.0-litre V8 motor capable of producing 600PS and, like most premium Audi models, comes equipped with a quattro all-wheel drive system. On paper, the Audi claims to sprint from 0-10kmph in sub 4 seconds.

And apart from these, there will surely be plenty more to watch out for, so stay tuned to ZigWheels.com for all the live coverage from the upcoming 2016 Auto Expo.