LOS ANGELES - Bringing the latest in electrification, the all-new e-tron Sportback will make its global debut on the stand in Los Angeles. The first electric Sportback from Audi merges thrilling design with the excitement of electric driving in a five-passenger SUV package. Consumers will also be able to see the all-new 2020 RS models including the Audi RS 6 Avant, RS 7 and highlighted by the global debut of the high performance SUV, the Audi RS Q8. 2020 Audi S6, S7 and S8 models will further showcase Audi's performance lineup.

e-tron Sportback

The Audi e-tron Sportback, the next model in the Audi electric portfolio, combines the brand's innovations in electric driving with thrilling design cues that are distinctly Audi. The second fully electric model to bear 'e-tron' badging emphasizes emotional design that conveys a stylish presence on the road. The five-passenger SUV coupe is capable of impressive driving dynamics and is equipped with standard electric quattro all-wheel drive to help provide exceptional control and confidence in a variety of situations.

From the inside out, in keeping with the brand's e-mobility philosophy, the e-tron Sportback continues the approach of a design oriented toward repeatable performance, longevity and peak charging power. The second fully electric model from the brand provides the fit and finish that luxury buyers expect in the segment. Inside, the e-tron Sportback showcases features first introduced in the e-tron SUV, including smartphone-like MMI touch response1 infotainment systems paired with built-in Amazon Alexa integration2 and distinct e-tron family characteristics.

2020 RS models

The highly-anticipated Audi RS 6 Avant will take the stand in Los Angeles for its auto show debut in North America. The high-performance wagon offers visceral design, exhilarating driving dynamics and everyday functionality for the driving enthusiast. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine in the RS 6 Avant delivers 441 kW (600 PS) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque, capable of sending the Avant from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds3. The iconic enthusiast's car is expected to arrive in the U.S. in 2020 and will be available for customer orders, subject to a later announcement. U.S. power and performance specifications will be available closer to market introduction.

The second generation of the RS 7 Sportback returns to the U.S. with stunning performance and the striking design of the all-new RS design language. The most powerful expression of the Audi Sportback body style will be offered exclusively in a wide-body configuration, a first for the model. More pronounced wheel arches on the five-passenger, five-door coupe emphasize a lowered stance and captivating design. The RS 7 Sportback will be equipped with a V8 bi-turbo engine and standard performance hardware to ensure maximum performance and precise driving agility.

Audi RS Q8: performance SUV

Invigorating the performance model line, the Audi RS Q8, the first RS SUV in the U.S. will make its global debut at the LA Auto Show. Powered by an eight-cylinder twin-turbo engine, equipped with quattro sport differential, all-wheel steering, and electromechanical active roll stabilization, the Audi RS Q8 recently became the fastest production SUV to lap the renowned Nurburgring racetrack with an official time of 7 minutes and 42.2 seconds.

Future premium, future performance

The 2020 Audi S6, S7 and S8 further showcase the brand's performance credentials on the stand in Los Angeles for their U.S. debut. Available on the S6 and S7, and standard on the S8, a combination of innovative systems that includes dynamic all-wheel steering, a sport differential and quattro all-wheel drive ensure outstanding vehicle dynamics on all three S models.

2019 RS 5 Panther edition

The RS 5 Panther edition makes its public debut at the auto show, limited to just 100 available units, of which 75 are sportbacks and 25 are coupes. The RS 5 Panther edition has been configured to further emphasize design elements of the high performance and distinct RS model. The special edition is treated with Audi exclusive Panther Black crystal effect paint and 20-inch 5-twin-spoke edge design bi-color wheels, recognizable from the RS 4 Avant offered in Europe. For the first time in the U.S., an RS interior design package adds black Alcantara elements including the steering wheel and sides of the center console, fine Nappa leather interior in black with crescendo red stitching, and black seatbelts with a red edge.

The RS 5 Panther edition will begin arriving in dealerships in December with an MSRP of $88,000*.

*Starting MSRP of $88,000 for a 2019 RS 5 Panther Edition. Price excludes destination charge ($995), taxes, title, other options and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

Leadership debut

Daniel Weissland, president, Audi of America, will make his U.S. auto show debut in Los Angeles. Weissland, 46, most recently lead VW Group and Audi in Canada, where he achieved record growth for the business. Weissland, a competitive and driven leader, is known for operationalizing plans, mobilizing organizations and engaging people to consistently deliver results.

Experience e-tron

Los Angeles Auto Show attendees will have the opportunity to test drive the fully electric Audi e-tron SUV on the road through the duration of the show. Audi will host customer ride and drives from Nov. 22 to Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 28. The drive experience will take place on West Pico Boulevard adjacent to the venue.

For more information, visit www.media.audiusa.com

End -

ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICA

Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands, delivering about 1.812 million vehicles globally in 2018. In the U.S., Audi of America sold nearly 224,000 vehicles in 2018. 2019 marks 50 years for the brand in the U.S. Visit audiusa.com or media.audiusa.com for more information regarding Audi vehicles and business topics.

This information and any vehicle specifications are preliminary and subject to change.

(1)	When using the MMI touch response system, always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted. See Owner's Manual for further details, and important limitations.
(2)	Amazon Alexa function requires trial or paid Audi Connect PRIME subscription.
(3)	Always obey local speed and traffic laws.

(C) 2019 Electronic News Publishing, source ENP Newswire