Audi Launches Its Performance Driving Experience
BMW and Mercedes-AMG have always been the top choices for advanced driving courses and track experiences in SA. However, Audi has devised a package that offers customers the opportunity to experience its range of performance models.
Since everyone has their own preferences, choosing the vehicle you will drive in an advanced driving course is a major consideration. The Audi Driving Experience helps to take some of the strain out of the decision-making process by giving customers access to its full RS selection. The choices include the RS3 hatch and sedan, the RS4, RS5, the RS6 wagon, RS7, RSQ3, RSQ8, and the R8 V10.
Without a doubt, this selection is extensive compared to other academies and gives you a feel for different types of cars and their handling dynamics. This also allows for a better understanding of vehicle dynamics between the different classes.
Unlike the AMG Academy and BMW’s advanced driving offering, Audi doesn’t confine its courses to a set location, allowing participants to join from anywhere in the country. Audi makes use of Kyalami in Gauteng, Plaaspad in the Western Cape and Dezzi Raceway in KwaZulu-Natal.
From my experience, the team is knowledgeable, experienced, and friendly. The driving exercises, on the other hand, allow for enjoyment while also being conducive to skill building, and there’s no better place to hone your skills than at Kyalami.
The course is priced at R9,500 for a full day, and bookings can be made on the Audi Driving Experience website. This price is steep compared to other brands like Mercedes-AMG, but I would argue that it is well worth the money due to the seat time and variety of cars you will drive.
This particular event was special as Audi also announced the arrival of two special units of fan-favourite RS models: the RS6 Avant Performance and the RS7 Sportback Performance. Both models received a slight increase in power and decrease in weight, with a particular focus on the removal of sound deadening. This means these cars sound incredible.
These new models come with an increase in power of 22kW and 50Nm with a 0-100km/h time of 3.4 seconds 0.2 seconds faster than the standard units. This power increase comes from the addition of slightly larger turbos.
While these new RS models improve the driving experience by some margin, they come with a considerable price tag. The RS6 Avant Performance will set you back R 2,332,700, while the RS7 Sportback Performance will be priced at R 2,444,500.
Experiencing these monsters in action at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit was a treat, and Audi has created a good product with its driving experience. The selection of cars is impressive, and the team is friendly and enthusiastic making the experience that much more enjoyable.
