Audi S6,S7 Sportback and S8

• High-performance models models
• New eight-cylinder 4.0-litre engine
• On sale at the end of the year

Audi has launched a range of high-performance models at Frankfurt: the Audi S6 saloon and Avant, Audi S7 Sportback and Audi S8 luxury car.

Each has a range of sportier interior and exterior trim. The new models all feature a new V8 4.0-litre TSI engine, too. The S6 and S7 have 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.