Audi S to power of four

HIGH performance Audi enthusiasts could be spoilt for choice by four formidable new S models all benefiting from a new eight-cylinder bi-turbo engine delivering up to 520PS and 29mpg.

The all-new S6, S6 Avant, S7 Sportback and S8 open for UK order this month (May) ahead of first deliveries in July – on-the-road prices range from £53,995 for the S6 to £77,900 for the S8.

The new V8, incorporating cylinder on demand technology and a host of other advances, replaces the naturally aspirated V10 FSI engine in the all-new S6, S6 Avant and S8 models, and in the process improves economy by as much as 25 per cent.

In the S6 and S6 Avant the V8 delivers ample power with real world fuel economy. It appears here in 420PS form, and provides a constant 550Nm of torque from 1,400 to 5,300rpm, enough to catapult the S6 from 0 to 62mph in 4.6 seconds and the S6 Avant in 4.7 seconds, and to spur them on to an electronically governed top speed of 155mph.

A number of technologies contribute to this impressively uncompromising performance, including the familiar recuperation and start-stop systems, and also a new “cylinder on demand” cylinder management system which deactivates four of the engine’s eight cylinders under part load to conserve fuel and improve efficiency.

These models are also fitted as standard with adaptive air suspension in its firmer Sport configuration. The tautly tuned set-up with variable damping lowers the body by 10mm, and provides for highly precise handling without compromising comfort.

The cabin continues the sporting theme in an equally understated and elegant way - S6 badges on the key, the leather sports steering wheel and the instruments.

In the Audi S7 Sportback the engine powers the five-door coupé from 0 to 62mph in 4.7 seconds, and on to a limited top speed of 155mph, with combined economy of 29.4mpg.

It is fitted as standard with adaptive air suspension sport and the Audi drive select dynamics system. Inside, there are S badges, the red ring on the start-stop button, the S7 logo in the illuminated door sill trims, the aluminium strip on the S tronic selector lever and the aluminium shift paddles.

The Audi S8 is the new head of the Audi S model family – a large and luxurious saloon that generates 520PS and delivers a constant 650Nm of torque between 1,700 and 5,500rpm. The result is outstanding performance: the sprint from zero to 62mph takes just 4.2 seconds, and it averages 28mpg on the combined cycle, equating to CO2 output of 235g/km - a considerable gain over its competitors, and its predecessor.

The new Audi S8, via its eightspeed tiptronic transmission, also unites sportiness and efficiency.