Audi is winding up to unleash three range-topping S derivatives at the Frankfurt motor show, now less than two weeks away - the S6 (sedan and Avant), S7 and a kick-ass new S8.
Let's start there, because the S8 boasts an all-new, four-litre TFSI V8 (which it will share with future Bentley models) for which the Four Ring Circus is quoting 382kW and 650Nm from 1700-5500rpm.
That's delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed double-clutch gearbox, and self-locking centre and limited-slip rear differentials, taking the two-ton S8 from 0-100 in just 4.2 seconds; top speed is electronically capped at 250km/h.
It uses stop-start, energy recuperation and a newly-developed “cylinder on demand” system that runs the engine as a two-litre four under light load, to bring fuel consumption down to a claimed average of 10.2 litres per 100km - largely dependant, we suspect, on the weight of the driver's right foot.
Specially-tuned adaptive air suspension with variable damping can switch between three ride heights and the dynamic steering system gently nudges the car back on to the chosen trajectory to stabilise the handling at the cornering limit.
It runs on 20” rims (21” optional) and 265/40 rubber and stops courtesy of 400mm ventilated discs with special, black-painted callipers emblazoned with the S8 logo.
The S8 looks pretty special too: the single-frame grille is grey, with eight double bars in chrome, there's an aluminium-look blade in the front bumper and a twin-blade diffuser between the dual oval tailpipes.
The cabin has all the S styling accents, with special power-adjustable sport seats, optionally available in quilted silver leather, with grey stitching and piping. Carbon-fibre trim and grey instrument faces with white needles are standard.
AUDI S7:
The S version of Audi's new “five-door coupé” uses a detuned, 309kW/550Nm version of the new four-litre V8 - which raises the intriguing possibility of a full-monty, 382kW RS7 further down the line. As it is, 309kW is good enough for 0-100 in 4.9 seconds, and the 250km/h limited top speed is just a formality. “Cylinder on demand” brings fuel consumption down to 9.7 litres per 100km.
A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission directs power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with a self-locking centre diff and torque vectoring. Adaptive air suspension, tunable dynamic and 19” rims are standard, 20” hoops, dynamic steering and carbon-ceramic brakes are options.
Inside, the height-adjustable S sport seats have power lumbar supports, while the footrest and pedals are made of stainless steel.
AUDI S6 SEDAN AND AVANT:
The S6 and S6 Avant use the same 309kW version of the new 4.0 TFSI as the S7, and Audi quotes 0-100 in 4.8 (sedan) and 4.9 (Avant) seconds; top speed is limited to 250km/h, fuel consumption averages 9.7 (sedan) and 9.8 (Avant) litres per 100km.
A sound actuator, flaps in the exhaust system, a “tuned” engine cover and a new dual-mass flywheel contribute to an authoritative soundtrack.
The seven-speed dual-clutch 'box and quattro all-wheel drive are as per the S7, a limited-slip rear diff is an option. Audi's drive select driving dynamics system, with five on-the-fly settings, is standard.
Sport-tuned adaptive air suspension with variable damping lowers the body by 10mm compared to the A6, and 19” rims (20” optional) run on 255/40 rubber.
Chromed horizontal double bars make the single-frame grille special; the sedan has a spoiler on the bootlid, while the Avant's is on the roof. Each has a grey diffuser with aluminium trim and four chrome-tipped tailpipes.
Standard kit includes xenon plus headlights with all-weather running lights, LED tail lights, an electromechanical parking brake, driver information system with colour display, and an MMI radio with Bluetooth interface and 10 speakers.
Everything on the bewilderingly comprehensive A6 options list will also be available for the S6 when it makes its South African debut in the second half of 2012.