MOTORING

THE new Audi Q8 is set to pull into showrooms this month, with a single derivative offered at launch.

The petrol-powered 55 TFSI variant will be available from the outset, while the diesel 45 TDI is expected to join the local line-up in August.

Priced from R1388000, the Q8 55 TFSI employs Audi’s turbo-charged 3.0-litre V6 (linked to a mild-hybrid system incorporating a 48-volt primary electrical system with a lithium-ion battery and a belt alternator starter), sending 250kW and 500Nm to all four wheels via an eightspeed automatic transmission. Audi says those outputs make for a sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.

The 45 TDI for the SA market, meanwhile, generates 183kW and

600Nm from its 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, which also benefits from a mild-hybrid arrangement, resulting in a claimed zero to 100km/h time of 7.0 seconds.

This variant is expected to be priced from R1439000 when it touches down in the third quarter.