Audi unveils high-performance S models

Audi will launch high-performance S6 saloon and Avant, S7 Sportback and S8 luxury car at the Frankfurt motor show next month.

The cars all feature a new V8 4.0-litre TSI engine, with the S6 and S7 getting a 414bhp version, while the flagship S8 comes software upgrades that boost power output to 513bhp.

Despite an increase in performance over the existing S models, Audi says fuel consumption has improved by as much as 25%.

The performance models all have what Audi calls 'cylinder on demand' technology which helps fuel economy. Four of the engine's eight cylinders can be deactivated therefore use less fuel under certain conditions. Audi says this is most pronounced at 'moderate highway speeds'.

To counter any refinement issues from deactivating four cylinders, Audi says it has a package of acoustic measures including its Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system.

Four microphones record the noise in the cabin which is analysed by a computer. If the computer detects unwanted noise, it broadcasts an 'antiphase' sound through the stereo speakers which in theory cancels out the intrusive sound.

There's no word yet on prices or on-sale dates for any of the models, but order books should open by the end of the year.

See also
Audi S6 and S6 Avant uncovered
Audi S7 revealed
Audi S8 at Frankfurt motor show

Audi 'S' gallery