Stunning Audi RS models put metal gurus to the test
Prashirwin Naidu
One cannot get enough of driver safety tuition. It's much sweeter when you're behind the wheel of a vehicle sporting the iconic Audi RS badge.
My recent Audi Driving experience at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit (Gauteng) was riveting. Superlatives are aplenty for the RS.
While one was understanding defensive driving techniques, this was also paying tribute to a heritage spanning four decades. The RS badge is 40. Life, they say, begins at forty. One would not know just yet. But it was great learning – and playing with forty-year-old wheels.
We Sharpened (RS) sharpened our skills during the outing at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand, Gauteng. While they deliberate and dream of hosting Formula One at this circuit, at least we can play and understand how to drive safely using the track.
Getting behind the wheel of impressive RS models was an exhilarating experience.
From the powerful Audi RS 3 Sportback and Sedan which was Audi's performance-category winner at the 2023 South African Car of the Year competition to the versatile RS 4 Avant, RS 5 Sportback, RS 6 Avant and RS 7, we got to see the V10-poweredAudi R8 versus the Audi's fully electric RS e-tron GT, of course, the combustion engine was no match for the instant power that was delivered but still a great way to marvel and appreciate the last Audi R8 in history.
Mark Allison, a lead instructor from Audi's driving performance centre in Neuburg, Germany, led the programme. He shared expert knowledge that gives one confidence. Along with several other well-versed instructors and experienced motoring race drivers in their respective careers, the outing was rewarding.
What I managed to gather was to provide safe driving techniques and performance modules in a controlled environment.
The team took us through at the beginning with a safety briefing, followed by training sessions that allowed drivers to refine their driving skills on the track. The designed laps helped further enhance my understanding of cornering techniques, braking and acceleration, the ideal driving line and the impact of weight shifting on the vehicle.
While the reintroduction of the Audi Driving Experience is currently focused on delivering an unforgettable high-performance driving adventure, Audi has ambitious plans for expansion in the future.
Starting from 2024, the company aims to offer additional driving adventures to cater to a broader range of automotive enthusiasts. I would not hesitate to recommend this course to anyone behind the wheel. It's always best to sharpen up your sixth sense rather than be blunted through the lack of it. Safe Drive. Safe! RS is Special, too.
"We are thrilled to announce the re-launch of the Audi driving experience in South Africa," says Sascha Sauer, Head of Audi South Africa.
Sauer continues: "We're proud to offer a professional driving experience program focusing on speed, safety, and precision driving on some of the most thrilling and challenging courses this country offers. We are aiming our offering to the most discerning motorists, ambitious drivers and performance enthusiasts in South Africa and will further expand the portfolio in due time."
Mark Allison, a key member and lead instructor of the Audi driving experience team at Audi's driving performance Centre in Neuburg, Germany, will spearhead the driving programme, offering an exciting adventure for automotive enthusiasts.
"The Audi brand is about progress, and with the Audi driving experience, there is no better way to feel progress first-hand than a driving opportunity like this. We cannot wait for our customers and prospects to get behind the wheel and join us during one of the event days on either of the three tracks," adds Sauer.
The launch price for the track experience is set at R9,500 (inclusive of VAT). Customers can conveniently book their spots or learn more through the dedicated Audi driving experience website.
The skills that needed sharpening were precision cornering, braking, and acceleration techniques.
