But, the R10 isn't exactly a viable option for a daily driver. It's worth millions of dollars, though it's not for sale. Even if it were, it's got a cramped interior, no cupholders, no windsheild no trunk, and rides low enough to the ground to bottom out on an anthill.
So, for drivers with deep pockets and a desire to experience a taste of Audi's racing success on the daily commute, two new "S" designated models were on display, packing serious firepower from a 5.2-litre V10 engine featuring the FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection) technology initially developed for racing. The new V10 powerplants have their roots in Italy, the home country of supercar maker Lamborghini, which is owned by Audi.
Matt Bryanton of Audi Canada tells me: "the engine shares a lot with the Lamborghini. The block is the same as the Gallardo, while other parts are shared technology."
The net result of the Italian and German merger under the hood of the new Audi S6 and S8 is colossal. Displacing 5.2 litres, the mill generates 450 horsepower which is dispensed to all four wheels via Audi's race-bred Quattro drive system and managed by a six-speed automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Pricing is currently not available for either the S6 or S8 model, though both are scheduled to arrive in showrooms in the near future.
Interested buyers should make their deposits soon, as the first units scheduled to arrive on our shores are likely already sold.
The largest of the "S" models, the S8 represents a full-sized sedan that takes luxury and performance to a new high. Although the ten-cylinder orchestra bellowing underhood will satisfy most audiophiles, a stunning new stereo system is also available. Made by Bang and Olufsen, the 1100-watt, 14-speaker system puts occupants onto centre stage any time they play a CD. After boarding the S8, sealing the windows and inserting my Rush CD, it was hard to not imagine Geddy Lee and the rest of the band in the car with me. As the sound begins to fill the cabin, directional tweeters finished in aluminum rise from the dashboard to further enhance the effect. The Bang and Olufsen stereo system delivers drivers a true degree of world class performance--both from their vehicle's driving and listening experiences.
In addition to both of the new "S" models, the Audi RS4 also took a place in the spotlight.
"The RS4 is all about extremes" said Audi Canada's director of PR and marketing Doug Clark.
Extremes indeed.
A considerably smaller machine than the S6 or S8, the RS4 features a 4.2-litre V8 engine that spins up 420 horsepower on the way to its irate 8,000-RPM redline. A six-speed manual gearbox routes power to an upgraded
Quattro system. Visual upgrades include larger diameter exhaust outlets, widened fenders, massive wheels, carbon fibre parts and a unique interior. Pricing for Audi's all-wheel drive rocket-ship starts at $94,000 CAD.
Keep and eye on Auto123.com for future Audi racing developments and test drives of the hot new "S" models which promise unmatched German luxury and track-proven performance.
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
Matt Bryanton of Audi Canada tells me: "the engine shares a lot with the Lamborghini. The block is the same as the Gallardo, while other parts are shared technology."
The net result of the Italian and German merger under the hood of the new Audi S6 and S8 is colossal. Displacing 5.2 litres, the mill generates 450 horsepower which is dispensed to all four wheels via Audi's race-bred Quattro drive system and managed by a six-speed automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Pricing is currently not available for either the S6 or S8 model, though both are scheduled to arrive in showrooms in the near future.
Interested buyers should make their deposits soon, as the first units scheduled to arrive on our shores are likely already sold.
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
In addition to both of the new "S" models, the Audi RS4 also took a place in the spotlight.
"The RS4 is all about extremes" said Audi Canada's director of PR and marketing Doug Clark.
Extremes indeed.
A considerably smaller machine than the S6 or S8, the RS4 features a 4.2-litre V8 engine that spins up 420 horsepower on the way to its irate 8,000-RPM redline. A six-speed manual gearbox routes power to an upgraded
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
Keep and eye on Auto123.com for future Audi racing developments and test drives of the hot new "S" models which promise unmatched German luxury and track-proven performance.
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