Audi presents new S family at Frankfurt show

Sep 7, 2011, 4:06 GMT

Frankfurt - Audi is presenting its new S line family at the Frankfurt Motor Show this month with engines that combine more power with lower fuel consumption, light body and many sporty features.

The 4.0 TFSI engine in the S6 with an output of 309 kW/420 horsepower has a fuel consumption reduced by as much as 25 per cent compared to the predecessor model with an average consumption of 9.7 litres per 100 km, according to the car maker.

Several technologies have been employed to reduce consumption like lower body weight, start-stop systems as well as the new 'cylinder on demand' cylinder management system. Power flows through a fast-shifting, seven-speed S tronic transmission. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system uses the self-locking centre differential and torque vectoring.

The S6 and S6 Avant come standard with cast aluminium wheels in a five parallel-spoke design. The S6 sedan has a spoiler on the trunk and the Avant a roof spoiler. With both models, the diffuser on the rear bumper is platinum grey with an aluminium-look offset edge.

All of the high-end options in the model series are also available for the new S models. These include LED headlights, adaptive lights, the ambient lighting package, a convenience key, a head-up display, the parking system plus with 360-degree camera, a power rear hatch, optionally with sensor control, and climate-controlled deluxe seats with massage function.

Driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, side assist, active lane assist and night vision highlighting detected pedestrians.

The Audi S7 Sportback uses the same engine as the S6 and S6 Avant. Lightweight components include a long rear hatch that opens and closes electrically as standard. Beneath it is a luggage compartment with a volume of 535 litres with the rear seat backs folded down.

The design of the Audi S7 Sportback is seamless. A low, dynamically tensioned roof line gives the five-door model the character of a coupe. At highway speeds, a rear spoiler extends from the rear hatch to improve stability.

The top of the line Audi S8 comes with a power unit that generates 382 kW/520 hp. Fuel consumption however averages just 10.2 litres per 100 km, according to the manufacturer.

A newly developed 'cylinder on demand' technology deactivates four of the eight cylinders for an efficiency gain that is particularly pronounced at moderate highway speeds. A package of acoustic measures including the Active Noise Cancellation system suppresses intrusive noise and vibrations.

One of the chassis features is a specially tuned adaptive air suspension with variable damping which harmonizes with dynamic steering that adapts its steering ratio and boost to the vehicle's speed. It uses slight, nearly imperceptible steering corrections to stabilize handling at the cornering limit.

Subtle design details set the S8 apart in the range. The single-frame grille is platinum grey and its eight double bars are covered in chrome. An aluminium-look blade makes the bumper appear sharper, and there are high-gloss black slats and aluminium-look ribs in the side air intakes.

For the interior power-adjustable comfort sport seats have been designed exclusively for the S8.

Customers can choose from a wide selection of interior colours, inlays and seat upholstery. These include soft Valcona leather and seats with ventilation and massage functions. The leather package, a DVD changer, the convenience key with sensor-controlled lock for the trunk and the ambient lighting package round out the list of standard interior equipment. The Audi S8 is also equipped with LED headlights and double glazing.

New to the A8 family is the parking system with 360-degree camera. Four small cameras record images of the sedan's immediate surroundings and a computer splices them together. The driver can call up a variety of views on the MMI monitor, including a virtual top-down view. The system enhances safety while manoeuvring and in narrow driveways. Special views allow the driver to see cross-traffic.

The new S range is available on European markets early next year. Prices have not yet been announced.