- The revamped Audi S6, S7 and S8 all are slated to arrive in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2012, a company spokesperson tells Inside Line.
- A new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 replaces the previous naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10.
- Acceleration and fuel economy both are enhanced.
INGOLSTADT, Germany — Audi will bring its new S6, S7 and S8 performance models to the U.S. in the third quarter of 2012, a company spokesperson told Inside Line. In addition, a brand-new Audi Allroad wagon, based on the A4, will arrive at U.S. dealers next fall, most likely as a 2013 model.
The latest-generation S models will debut in two weeks at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show and will go on sale in Europe next spring.
The big news is under the hood, where a new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, with stop-start and cylinder-deactivation technologies, replaces the previous naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10.
In the S6 and S7, the 4.0 TSFI is rated at 414 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, compared with 435 hp and 398 lb-ft in the previous S6. With power delivered to all four wheels through a seven-speed S tronic gearbox, 0-60 acceleration is trimmed to less than 4.8 seconds in the S6 sedan and to less than 4.9 seconds in the S6 Avant and the S7. Top speed, as usual, is electronically governed to 155 mph.
In the flagship S8, the 4.0 TSFI is boosted to 512 hp and 479 lb-ft, compared with 450 hp and 398 lb-ft in the previous S8. With power flowing through an eight-speed Tiptronic, 0-60 acceleration is slashed to less than 4.2 seconds, from 4.9 seconds for the older 5.2 V10 version.
Performance isn't the whole story either. Average fuel economy climbs to 24 mpg in the new S6 and S7 and to 23 mpg in the S8.
The S models share some common elements, notably sport-tuned adaptive air suspension with variable damping, larger wheels and tires (19- and 20-inch rims on the S6/S7, 20s and 21s on the S8), subtle visual enhancements and an array of cutting-edge driver-assistance systems.
Among the options are a rear sport differential (standard on the S8), carbon fiber-ceramic brake discs and high-end Bang & Olufsen audio systems.
The cockpits also receive special treatment, with generous applications of leather and brushed aluminum, as well as a choice of real wood inlays.
Audi says all of the options on the standard A6, A7 and A8 also are available on the S versions.
Inside Line says: Leave it to Audi to figure out how to improve performance and fuel economy — a conundrum that many other automakers are still trying to sort out.
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jane8668 says:
06:21 AM, 11/17/2011
watch my exclusive collection of S7 gallery during LA Auto Show
http://www.wisecarshopper.com/2011/11/17/2011-la-auto-show-audi-s7-close-view/
smallfield says:
04:01 PM, 09/01/2011
But if you can't get refinement, 556hp wagon with a 6 speed is a pretty good concession prize.
smallfield says:
03:56 PM, 09/01/2011
@awbmw6spd1
Even though I've never had an automatic car, I'll accept a DSG instead of 6MT to get the Audi. The M3 DSG box is amazing. Audi's probably will be similarly sorted.
The interior and features available for the A6 is far superior to the V-wagon making the decision more than MT v. DSG. I also have a minor issue with a car that gets worse mileage than our M3's 14cty 20hwy. An average of 24 combined economy would make me feel better about my insane grocery getter.
awbmw6spd1 says:
02:44 PM, 09/01/2011
smallfield
you want a manual transmission and are waiting for the A6/S6 avant? They dont build it that way so go put your deposit on the CTS-V wagon.
truecarfan says:
12:03 PM, 08/31/2011
ctk4949 - the "all Audi's look alike" joke is getting lame. if you can't tell the difference between the three cars then that is pretty sad. Almost all luxury makers purposely make their cars look alike. At least the TT - R8 and A7 have different faces. Mercedes SLK - SL - CLS - SLS.... all share the same face... but I don't hear anyone complain about that.
ctk4949 says:
10:01 AM, 08/31/2011
uhh which one is which?? They all look the same!!
4everrs says:
09:34 AM, 08/31/2011
And yes, I want the Avant as well.
4everrs says:
09:32 AM, 08/31/2011
I don't get the difference in output between s6/7 and the s8. I bet the only difference is a change in the tuning map.
As a current c5 rs6 owner, I am not sure I will wait for the next rs6 which the US is supposedly getting. If they are just changing the tune, I mine as well get the s6, and buy a tune. The new rs6 is likely to come with the dreaded DRC suspension as well, and I don't want it. Worst choice they ever made for my car. Sure, I would like the RS models looks better, but I'm not sure if it would be worth the premium over the S.
We'll see.
sturgl says:
08:38 AM, 08/31/2011
Agreed. Bring the S6 Avant! (or for that matter the S4 Avant too)
truecarfan says:
06:37 AM, 08/31/2011
Cylinder deactivation in high performance vehicles is a good idea. Audi has done a great job as the article states in lowering weight and fuel consumption - which don't have to be contrary to increasing performance.
Lowering the weight from generation to generation also improves handling. Making the engine smaller also helps with Audi's especially because of the drivetrain layout (which is why the 6cylinder S5 handles better than the 8cylinder version).
I have one gripe though... I went and read the official press release and on the S8 the sport differential is standard... but on the S6/7 it is an option. WHY???? I can understand keeping it an option on the S4/5 because they are more price sensitive... but what's 1k more on an S6/7. It should be standard on those two like the S8