Year: 2011

Anyone who buys a new Audi S6 and doesn’t choose the Avant model needs a damn good talking to. Yes, we’re going to bore you all once again with our Euro wagons are the coolest mantra; for the simple reason it cannot be denied.

Powered by the same 309kW 4.0 litre V8 TFSI found in the S7 Sportback, the S6 can despatch 100km/h in 4.8 seconds (add 0.1 seconds for the Avant). This is achieved largely due to the 7-speed S tronic and quattro combination.

The quattro all-wheel drive system features a self-locking center differential and torque vectoring. We suggest ticking the optional sport differential, too, which better distributes the power between the rear wheels.

We’ll take our A6 Avant in Estoril Blue thanks. Oh yeah, we’ll flick the standard 19” alloys for the optional 20” rims too, please.

The A7 Sportback is perhaps one of the most striking automotive design executions money can buy. Well, let’s add a caveat to that statement and assume we’re talking to buyers who want an executive saloon that’s not a run of the mill sedan.

In the S7 trim you see here, the largest Sportback model on Audi’s books is, naturally, the pick of the x7 lineup. Powered by what will soon become Audi’s ubiquitous 4.0 litre V8 TFSI it has 309kW (420hp) and can knock off 100km/h in 4.9 seconds. Fitted with a 7-speed S tronic we’re sure that power will be delivered to the quattro all-wheel drive system with a minimum of fuss, as well.

We’re not sure if the quilted stitching on the seats is the coolest thing we’ve seen inside a car in 2011, or, well, just a horrible faux pas. One thing is sure, we’d be unlikely to choose the lunar silver colouring shown in the pics below.

Audi has released brief details on its new range of S models ahead of their public debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Let’s start with the new S8. Well, it does have the most powerful engine of the S range, after all.

At the heart of the S family lies a newly developed 4.0 litre V8 TFSI. In the S8 it’s good for a healthy 382kW (520hp), thanks to a couple of eager turbochargers. Should be plenty for a highway blast.

Indeed, the S8 can reach 100km/h in 4.2 seconds for those who like their highway drives in express mode. The new V8 features ‘cylinder on demand’ as well as start–stop technology and those willing to relax a little can sleep easy knowing they’ll sip fuel at around 10.2l/100kms.

Either way you’ll learn to appreciate the car’s 8-speed tiptronic transmission and quattro drivetrain. The quattro system includes a self-locking center differential with the sport differential at the rear axle.

The A8/S8 really is a classy looking large saloon. Its proportions hit the spot very well. It’s large, but doesn’t look too overt. Well sized 20” alloy wheels help complete the look; 21” alloys are available as an option if you feel the a need for more bling.

The S8 goes on sale in Europe in the second quarter of 2012. We’ll have more info on the Australian launch as it comes to hand. For now, there’s more pics and press guff from Audi after the break.

Audi has released new images of the ‘urban concept’ model ahead of its Frankfurt debut. There’s no new text, just the five images. What we see though, is the urban concept in a more real-world context, even though the images are still computer-generated.

Take a look inside and you’ll get a better insight into the 1+1 seating layout. Audi has cleverly saved space by having most controls mounted on the steering column.

The urban concept really is a nifty looking bit of kit. It’s grabbed the city-car idea and given it a whole new life. In five, 10, 20 years time, will we really see our streets populated with these stylish buzzboxes?

UPDATE: 17 new images added, click to load 2000px super image sizing. The Spyder is our pick, which one would you choose?