Upcoming New Performance-Oriented Cars in 2025

A total of 4 new exciting cars will be launched, which will target performance car enthusiasts in India. While Audi will launch the updated RS Q8 Performance, Skoda will introduce the new Octavia RS. Volkswagen also plans to introduce its globally-renowned Golf GTi in the country, While Mercedes-Benz's AMG division will introduce the CLE 43 AMG. Let's talk in detail about these 4 upcoming performance-oriented cars in India. 

Audi RS Q8 Performance

The performance oriented version of the Q8 SUV, called the Audi RS Q8 will be launched in its facelift avatar on February 17, 2025. The SUV comes with subtle design changes in-line with the revised Q8 SUV. The company is likely to launch the Performance variant of the RS Q8, which is the quickest production SUV around the Nürburgring in Germany.

Powering the new RS Q8 Performance is a 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 631bhp and 850Nm of torque. It is claimed to achieve 0-100kmph in just 3.8 seconds before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 250kmph. It comes with adaptive air suspension with controlled damping, active roll stabilization, all-wheel steering and high-torque spindle drive.

Mercedes-AMG CLE 53

Mercedes-Benz will launch the AMG CLE 53 Coupe in the second quarter of 2025. This will replace the E53 Coupe in the brand's lineup. It gets the aggressive AMG styling elements such as Panamericana radiator grille, a large air intake at the front and signature AMG flat-bottom steering wheel. It will be powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six engine supported by a 48V mild-hybrid system. This engine produces 449hp of power and 560Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the wheels via a 9-speed gearbox. It is claimed to achieve 0-100kmph in just 4.2 seconds before hitting a top speed of 250kmph.

Skoda Octavia RS

Skoda Auto India has showcased the new Octavia RS at the 2025 Auto Expo. This performance-oriented sedan will arrive as a CBU (completely built-up) unit in limited numbers. It is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine that produces 261bhp and 370Nm of torque. It is coupled to a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. It is claimed to achieve 0-100kmph in just 6.6 seconds before hitting a top speed of 250kmph. The sedan comes with an electronic limited-slip differential on the front axle and features a sports exhaust system with black tailpipes as standard.

VW Golf GTi

Volkswagen will finally introduce the Golf GTi in India by August 2025. It will come under Government's homologation-free import route, which allow brands to import 2500 cars without going through homologation process. The VW Golf GTi is powered by a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine produces 265hp and 370Nm of torque. The engine is paired to a 7-speed DCT that sends power to the front wheels. It is claimed to achieve 0-100kmph in just 5.9 seconds before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 250kmph.

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