Audi Unleashes S6, S7 and S8 ahead of Frankfurt Debut

Quite a while ago, we heard that Audi and Bentley were working on a new twin-turbocharged V8 engine together. Ever since that day, we've been looking forward to start seeing new cars with the fresh powerplant under the hood. Well, it is now time to rejoyce, as Audi is preparing a "S" models storm for the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show, with the thunder being the new downsized 4.0 TFSI.

To put it shortly, the Germans will treat us with no less than four new models with the "S" badge: the S6 sedan, S6 Avant (station wagon), S7 and S8.

We'll start with the S6 and the S7. Under their hoods, the mill will deliver 420 hp and a peak torque of 406 lb-ft (550 Nm), which are offered between 1,400 and 5,300 rpm. Channeled through a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and Audi's quattro system (you can have an optional sport rear differential), the output will result in a 0 to 62 mpg sprint of 4.8 (S6) and 4.9 seconds (S6 Avant and S7).

The new powerplant promises to cut fuel consumption by around 25 percent, using technologies such as cylinder deactivation (it will also come with Active Noise Cancellation for when running in "4 cyl." mode) and start-stop. This can be translated into an average efficiency of 9.7 liters/100 km (24.25 US mpg) in the S6 and S7 and 9.8 liters per 100 km (24 mpg) in the S6 Avant.

However, the new eight-pot unleashes more of its potential when it is used on the S8. Here, we get 512 hp and a peak torque of 650 Nm (479 lb-ft), delivered between 1,700 and 5,500 Nm. Using a Tiptronic automatic gearbox and the quattro system, the S8 manages to leave the 62 mpg mark behind in an impressive 4.2 seconds, while averaging 10.2 liters per 100 km (23 mpg).

Be sure to look them in their LED eyes if you happen to attend the event.