Frankfurt show: Audi slams down four new S models

UNDERLINING the embarrassment of niche model riches it now has to offer, Audi will resort to unveiling not one but four new S-badged performance models at this month’s Frankfurt motor show.

Headlined by a cracking new twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre petrol V8 that was co-developed with Bentley, Audi’s S-car assault will include the new S6 sedan and wagon, new S8 super-limousine and all-new S7 Sportback.

All four all-wheel drive models are a little over 12 months away from Australian showrooms, with an official ETA in the fourth quarter of 2012, following a global launch in the second quarter.

Top-billing in terms of both price and performance will be the redesigned S8, which will replace the previous-generation S8 that was last sold here at $264,100 and powered by a naturally aspirated 331kW 5.2-litre V10.

While Audi will also debut its all-new A8 Hybrid and pint-size Urban Concept at Frankfurt, the new S8 will top the redesigned A8 flagship sedan range that arrived here first with 4.2-litre V8 petrol power in August 2010, before 3.0-litre V6 and (twin-turbo) 4.2-litre V8 diesel models were added in February.

The top-shelf S-tuned A8 packs an astonishing 382kW/650Nm version of the VW group’s new 4.0 TFSI engine, which in the 1975kg S8 – with reworked Torsen torque-sensing all-wheel drive system featuring a self-locking centre differential and torque vectoring - delivers claimed 0-100km/h acceleration in just 4.2 seconds (down from 5.1 seconds).

Despite the extra 51kW of peak power, Audi has restricted the new S8’s average fuel consumption to 10.2L/100km – a 23 per cent improvement over the previous model, thanks in part to idle-stop and regenerative braking systems, a variable-displacement system that deactivates four of the engine’s eight cylinders on part-throttle loads, and a uniquely adapted eight-speed automatic transmission.

The new A8 chassis also gains specially tuned adaptive air suspension, massive 20x9.0-inch alloy wheels and the option of carbon-ceramic brake discs, while standard equipment will include LED headlights, massaging leather seats, double glazing and a 19-speaker 1400-Watt Bang & Olufsen 'Advanced Sound System'.

Still inside, an eight-inch high-definition display integrates the MMI Navigation Plus system, Bluetooth internet connectivity and 360-degree four-camera parking program with top-down view.

Left: Audi S7 Sportback. Below: S8.

Also new to the S8 will be an active noise cancellation (ANC) system, which analyses what Audi describes as “intrusive elements” using four headlining-mounted microphones that constantly record cabin noise levels. When required, an “anti-phase” sound is played through the speakers to cancels them out.

Along with cylinder shutdown technology, ANC will also be standard in both new S6 models and the all-new S7, which will join 3.0-litre V6 petrol and diesel versions of the A7 Sportback launched here in March.

Instead of the S8’s eight-speed torque-converter auto, however, the lower-output (309kW/550Nm – the latter from just 1400rpm to 5300rpm) twin-turbo V8 in the new S6 and S7 will be matched with a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission.

That means the new S6 sedan and S6 Avant – which is also expected to join the new-generation A6 sedan launched here in July, despite the fact the garden-variety A6 wagon is not yet available in Australia – will be 11kW less powerful than the 520kW 5.2-litre V10-powered S6 it replaces.

However, peak torque is up 10Nm from 540Nm and is now developed 1600rpm lower in the rev range, while the seven-speed S-tronic auto replaces the six-speed auto in the old S6.

Representing a formidable rival for BMW’s all-new M5 and Mercedes’ upcoming E63 AMG upgrade, the new S6 sedan is claimed to accelerate to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds (Avant: 4.9 seconds), while reducing fuel consumption by 25 per cent – to 9.7L/100km in S6 and 9.8L/100km in S6 Avant.

Both S6s ride on 19x8.5-inch alloys with 255/40 series rubber, but 20-inch wheels will be option for both models, along with a sports differential for the quattro AWD system, carbon-ceramic brakes and adaptive air suspension featuring variable dampers and a 10mm lower ride height.

Naturally, all four new S models will come with a sports bodykit including specific grille and bumper treatments, plus an upgraded interior - in this case comprising a leather sports steering wheel with coloured stitching, aluminium paddle shifts, illuminated door sills and aluminium-look pedals.

All high-end A6 options will also be available in the new S6, while decorative inlays will be offered in a choice of four materials alongside three complementing upholstery styles.

Finally, the inaugural S7 five-door employs the same 4.0 TSFI engine to blast to 100km/h in a claimed 4.9 seconds while consuming 9.7L/100km, thanks to the same fuel-saving technologies fitted across the latest S models.

Adaptive air suspension and Audi's direct select dynamics system will be standard in the S7 Sportback, which rides on 19-inch alloys and will also come with Xenon Plus headlights, LED daytime running lamps and a colour driver information display.