Audi calls its new S models - released in South Afrca this week - “sports cars for everyday life,” laying emphasis on a combination of performance, dynamics and practicality.
So let's start with performance: the Audi S6 and S7 Sportback share a twin-turbo, four-litre V8 for which Ingolstadt quotes 309kW and 550Nm from 1400-5200rpm, while the S8 has a tweaked version of the same engine, good for a claimed 382kW and 650Nm.
That'll get the S6 from 0-100 in 4.6 seconds while the S7 Sportback takes just 0.1sec longer - and the S8 needs only 4.2!
IOL Motoring Editor Jason Woosey drove the S6 and S7 in Germany in April.
“Flattening the right pedal,” he said, “I found it hard to believe these figures until I looked at the speed I was doing.
“The accelerator pedal is responsive enough but you really don't feel yourself being pushed back into your seat and the four-litre V8 has a wickedly throaty gargle, but it's just so muted by the time it infiltrates the cabin.
“Here's an understatement - the S6 and S7 are deceptively fast.”
Yet Audi would have us believe the S6 and the S7 each average 9.6 litres of fuel per 100km, while the S8 burns 10.2 litres per 100km, partly thanks to the cylinder-on-demand system, which deactivates four of the eight cylinders at low load, reducing fuel consumption at moderate highway speeds by up to 10 percent - but which can make some rather uncivilised noises.
So, when the V8 switches into V4 mode, active noise control is activated.
“Like its namesake,” explained the Editor, “the ANC device is not quite capable of muting Juju, but it does get rid of other unwanted sounds via a 3D ultrasonic pattern that mimics the targeted noise - when two waves of the same frequency overlap, their amplitudes can cancel each other out.”
The S6 and S7 each have a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.
“It feels good.”
“The DSG is smooth yet apparent in the way it goes about businesses,” said our launch-man, “and it does permit a slight blip from the V8 when you hit the down-change steering wheel paddles prematurely.”
The S8 has an eight-speed Tiptronic, and all three Esses have Quattro permanent all-wheel drive as standard. The S8 comes with a sports differential that actively distributes power between the rear wheels.
“Suspension is comfy, but it's not floaty and in the twisties the cars are as agile as could be expected for their size thanks to quattro all-wheel drive and advanced suspension via a five-link front end and trapezoidal link rear axle,” was the editorial verdict from Germany.
“The new electromechanical, variable-assist power steering has a pleasant, weighty feel at all but parking speeds, but it still feels more artificial than communicative.”
STAND-OUT STYLING
Subtle exterior details - such as the bold single-frame grille, aluminium-finish exterior mirror housings and black callipers with S6/S7/S8 logos on the front brakes - signal the S models’ premier position in the Audi range.
Xenon Plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights are standard on the S6 and S7, while the S8 comes with full LED headlight technology.
The interiors of all three S models reflect their sporty persona with aluminium trim elements, including bezels and door sills; the instrument dials are and elegant grey, the needles white
Electrically adjustable front sports seats are standard on the S6; the S7 gets S sports seats with integrated head restraints and the S8 has specially designed power-adjustable deluxe sport seats.
Audi connect is also standard across all three S models, via the MMI Navigation Plus system with touchpad, and Bluetooth connectivity to turn the car into a WLAN hotspot and provide unrestricted online access.
PRICES
Audi S6: R834 600
Audi S7 Sportback: R919 600
Audi S8: R1 219 500
All three new Audi S models are now available to order in South Africa . Pricing includes all taxes and a five-year or 100 000km service plan.