S stands for performance
Audi has unleashed a trio of new performance S models
AUDI has launched the latest additions to its S-model range, the most notable of which, at least by reputation anyway, is the mighty S8. This model was made famous by movies such as Ronin and regardless of the generation, it always provides that perfect blend of luxury and missile-like performance.
The other S models are always a bit more tricky to assess. After all, they live in the shadow of their more potent RS brethren. They are traditionally good performers on their own, but let’s be honest, they tend to be seen as the slightly less interesting cousin that is always largely ignored at a wedding. However, at a time when the price of cars and fuel is rising, they make more sense as petrolheads seek slightly more performance than average but don’t want to break the budget.
So what has the company added to its sporty line up? Well, the S6 and S7 Sportback employ a twin-turbo V8 engine which delivers 309kW from a displacement of four litres, while transmitting 550Nm of torque between 1,400 and 5,200r/min. The S8 employs a more powerful version of the same engine, which transmits 382kW of power and generates 650Nm of torque.
The S6 is claimed to accelerate from 0- 100km/h in 4.6 seconds, while the S7 Sportback takes just one-tenth of a second longer. The Audi S8 is said to need only 4.2 seconds to reach the same speed.
A cylinder on demand system, which switches off four of the eight cylinders in many driving situations, is a major contributor to the claimed consumption figures of 9.6l/100km on the S6 and S7 models and just 10.2l/100km on the S8. The system deactivates four of the eight cylinders at low load, reducing fuel consumption at moderate highway speeds by up to 10%. When the V8 switches into V4 mode, the active noise control system counteracts unwanted noise by broadcasting targeted cancellation sounds into the interior via the sound system’s loudspeakers.
The transmission on the S6 and S7 Sportback is a seven-speed S tronic dualclutch unit, while the S8 uses an eightspeed Tiptronic. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive is standard on all three while the S8 is offered with a sport differential as standard, which actively distributes power between the rear wheels.
Black brake callipers with S6/S7/S8 logos encircle the front disc brakes. The single-frame radiator grille and exhaust tailpipes in particular, as well as exterior mirrors featuring an aluminium look, confirm the status of the new S models.
Xenon Plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights are standard for the S6 and S7 Sportback, while full LED headlight technology is offered as standard on the S8.
The interiors of all three models feature dials in grey with white needles. Trim parts are in aluminium-look, plus door sill trims and bezels are made of aluminium.
Electrically adjustable sports seats are standard equipment for drivers and frontseat passengers in the S6, while the S7 Sportback has S sports seats with integrated head restraints. The S8 offers power-adjustable sport seats which have been exclusively designed for this model.
Audi connect is also standard across all three. Audi connect is enabled through the MMI Navigation Plus system with Bluetooth car phone online and an MMI touchpad, allowing passengers to enjoy unrestricted online connectivity turning your vehicle into a WLAN hotspot.
Pricing:
Audi S6 R834,600 Audi S7 Sportback R919,600 Audi S8 R1,219,500 Pricing includes all taxes and the fiveyear/100,000km Audi Freeway Plan.