All-new Audi Q8 highlighted at the 16th Enrique Zobel Memorial Polo Cup
AUDI Philippines and the Manila Polo Club hosted the much-anticipated 16th Enrique Zobel Memorial Polo Cup last February 3. This action-packed polo match is held annually in honor of the late Enrique Zobel, an avid polo player and former president of the Manila Polo Club from 1963 to 1964. The tradition is now being continued by his son, Iñigo Zobel, one of the finest polo players in the Philippines and the Chairman of E. Zobel Inc.
The afternoon festivities of the 16th Enrique Zobel Memorial Cup kicked off with the traditional parade of horses and the ceremonial throw-in by Mrs. Dee Zobel, the wife of Enrique Zobel and chairwoman of E. Zobel Foundation, joined by Audi Philippines Head Benedicto Coyiuto and Manila Polo Club General Manager August Samala. Everyone also witnessed the Philippine debut of the all-new Audi Q8, the official trophy car of this year’s Polo games.
“We are very proud to launch the bold, new face of the Audi SUV family — the all-new Audi Q8. It is the most advanced SUV from Audi, bringing together the characteristic design of a coupe and the comfort and safety of a large SUV. The Audi Q8 is also equipped with mild hybrid technology, resulting to a higher level of efficiency and excellent engine performance,” said Audi Philippines Head Benedicto Coyiuto during the reveal of the all-new Audi Q8.
The Polo games started with fourchukker low goal match where the Audi Reds went against the Audi Grays with the Audi Reds winning the match with a score of 8-3. For the four-chukker high goal game, the Audi Whites triumphantly emerged as victors in an intense bout against the Audi Blacks, ending the afternoon’s game with the final score of 8-7.
Guests were also invited to join the traditional champagne toast during the half-time period of the high goal match. The afternoon’s festivities drew to a close with the awarding of trophies to the winning teams and the parade of the all-new Audi Q8, the top model from Audi.
THE NEW FACE OF THE SUV FAMILY: THE ALL-NEW AUDI Q8
Richly equipped and tough enough for off-road duty, the all-new Audi Q8 is a confident companion for business and leisure. The drive systems are particulary efficient, thanks to the new mild hybrid technology (MHEV) incorporated in the all-new Audi Q8.
VERSATILE, SPORTY, ELEGANT: THE EXTERIOR DESIGN
The Audi Q8 exudes sporty dynamics and upscale prestige like no other SUV from the brand with the four rings. With the imposing Singleframe in octagonal design, the Audi Q8 is the new face of the SUV family. The brawny radiator grille stands upright and, together with the spoiler that has been drawn toward the front and the large, highly contoured air inlets, emphasizes the self-confident look.
Strong contours and athletically tight surfaces convey a feeling of power, sophistication and the special dynamics of the permanent all-wheel drive. The spoiler, wheel arch trims, door trim strips and diffuser are in a contrasting color, to further emphasize the off-road look.
Standard LED headlights illuminate the road, with HD Matrix LED technology. Here both the three-dimensional signature of the daytime running lights and the taillights have a digital character.
SPORTY DRIVING EXPERIENCE AND NEW MILD HYBRID TECHNOLOGY
Audi is quattro and quattro is Audi — of course this applies in particular to the Q8, the top SUV of the brand. The purely mechanical center differential transfers the forces to the front axle and rear axle at a ratio of 40:60 as standard. Audi offers the adaptive air suspension with controlled damping as a standard, with either comfort or sport setup. It adjusts the ride height depending on the driving situation and the driver’s preference by as much as 90 millimeters.
The all-new Audi Q8 is a powerful, yet efficient 3.0 TFSI that produces 335 hp. All drive systems are particularly efficient thanks to the new mild hybrid technology (MHEV). The 48-volt primary electrical system incorporates two important technology modules: a lithium-ion battery and a belt alternator starter. During braking, it can recover up to 12 kW of power and feed it back into the battery. The MHEV technology enables long coasting phases with the engine deactivated and a start-stop range that begins at 22 km/h.
CLARITY IS THE NEW PREMIUM: THE INTERIOR
Easy-to-understand symbols stand for the digital precision from Audi and for the high level of integration of architecture and operation. The central element is the top MMI touch response display. With the MMI touch response operating concept of the new Audi Q8, nearly every function can be accessed via two large displays. Operation is swift and simple: A tactile and acoustic click confirms when a finger activates a function. In addition to all this, the natural language voice control turns the Audi Q8 into an intelligent dialog partner. Drivers can word their commands freely.
The instruments are shown in the fully digital Audi virtual cockpit. Its highresolution 12.3-inch display can be switched between two views via the multifunction steering wheel.
The Audi Q8 is top-notch with respect to sound with the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System. It delivers fascinating 3D sound with height information to all five seats. The music unfolds exactly how it was recorded in the concert hall. Whether parking, in the city or on long journeys – the Audi Q8 supports its driver in many situations with the 360 degree cameras.
* * *
For more information, contact Audi Philippines at 7270381 to 85 or visit an Audi showroom in Greenhills, Global City, and Alabang, and SM Seaside City Cebu.