Audi India launched the Audi Sports Car Experience (ASE) at the Buddh International Circuit in Noida last week. IAB was invited to sample the program and we were among the first to do so.
The program focuses on making the company’s sports car, the Audi R8 V10, a sort of buzzword among those passionate about driving sportcars, and providing a playground for customers to understand their car and hone their driving skills with the help of an instructor.
The ASE is also available to customers at racetracks in Barcelona, Belgium, Germany and Dubai.
We drove the Audi R8 V10 around the track a couple of times and the experience, needless to say, was exhilarating. The R8 V10 is a very nimble and comfortable (you read it right) sportscar.
Even though our R8 experience was limited, we came away impressed, not only by its performance but the highly adjustable nature of seats that can suit just about anyone, and the quality of the fit and finish, which is second to none in its category. We didn't have a whole day behind the wheel to judge every aspect of the car, but we do have some findings to share.
The transmission in the auto/sport mode is very jerky but the manual mode with the paddle shifters is quick, fun and easy that even your mum will enjoy driving it!
Audi is able to cut down understeer and oversteer with the Quattro all wheel drive system. The power is sent to the correct side of the axle at the precise moment when the on-board computer detects a slip, even if the driver hasn't. The car is always trying to slip and slide, but once the driver assistance systems are on, it is unimaginably easy to control even at high speeds.
The brakes are made of carbon ceramic, so besides being sharp, they never fade. The brakes and the steering, unlike the Q3, a mainstream Audi we drove recently, are always communicating to the driver on the surface, traction and senses even the slightest change in direction.
For you to have a complete experience, there are two phases of this program available in India right now i.e. Audi Racetrack Program and Audi Racetrack Program Advanced.
The ASE calendar for 2012
- July, August & September - Audi racetrack experience
- October, November & December - Audi racetrack experience advanced
ASE package
- Only Experience (Price: 98,000 INR)
- Experience + local shuttle (Price: 1,10,000 INR)
- Experience + local shuttle + hotel stay (Price: 1,25,000 INR)
Audi Sports Car Experience Image Slideshow
[can't see the slideshow above? Head over to the Flickr page for direct viewing]
