Audi has lifted the lid on the sports variants of its flagship large cars, with official details and images of the Audi S6, S6 Avant, S7 Sportback and S8 revealed ahead of the vehicles’ unveiling at next month’s 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Audi Australia’s Anna Burgdorf today confirmed the S6, S7 and S8 would all go on sale in Australia in the near future.

“All three models are definitely on the radar for next year,” Ms Burgdorf said.

She said the Audi S6 Avant was also under consideration, despite the fact its base vehicle – the A6 Avant – is not yet available in our market.

Ms Burgdorf said Audi Australia was targeting a fourth quarter 2012 launch for each of the new S models, but admitted it was hard to give precise timing details, as the vehicles are still more than 12 months away.

Audi S6 and S6 Avant

Both S6 variants are powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. The 4.0 TFSI produces 309kW of power and 550Nm of torque (between 1400rpm and 5300rpm). The S6 accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds while the S6 Avant is just one-tenth slower at 4.9 seconds.

Compared with the previous models’ naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 engine, fuel consumption and emissions have decreased by up to 25 per cent. The S6 uses 9.7 litres on the combined cycle while the S6 Avant is 0.1 adrift at 9.8 litres/100km.

Both models incorporate brake energy recuperation, start-stop systems, a cylinder-on-demand management system and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). A seven-speed S tronic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system complement the technically advanced mechanical package.

Adaptive sports air suspension is standard, along with Audi’s drive select driving dynamics system and 19-inch alloy wheels. Optional features include carbon fibre ceramic brake discs and seven different 19- and 20-inch alloy wheel designs.

The exterior scores the usual S design enhancements, including a unique grille and bumpers, aluminium-look side mirror housings, grey rear diffuser and quad elliptical chrome-tipped tailpipes.

The cabin scores a number of sporting highlights, with aluminium splashed across the shift paddles, gear level, pedals and other panel inlays, and S6 badges scattered throughout. Three leather options are available for the electrical height- and lumbar-adjustable sports seats.

Other standard features include Xenon Plus headlights, 10-speaker audio system with MMI Radio Plus and Bluetooth connectivity.

Audi S7 Sportback

The S7 Sportback features the same 309kW/550Nm 4.0-litre V8 engine as the S6 variants. Its sprint time (4.9 seconds) matches the S6 Avant while its average fuel use (9.7 litres/100km) is on par with the S6 sedan.

Like the S6 variants, the seven-speed S tronic transmission, quattro all-wheel drive system, adaptive sports air suspension and 19-inch alloys are standard.

The S7’s exterior styling tweaks are more subtle than the S6, highlighted by a unique front grille and larger front bumper openings.

The S7 Sportback’s interior benefits from more lashings of aluminium and can be optioned with a range of materials and trims to change the cabin’s mood.

Like in the S6, Xenon Plus headlights with LED running lights and the MMI Radio Plus audio and operating system is standard, while a number of driver assist and infotainment systems are available optionally.

Audi S8

The flagship S8 scores its own unique tune of the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. The sports limousine produces 382kW of power and 650Nm of torque (between 1700rpm and 5500rpm).

The S8 completes the 0-100km/h sprint in an Audi R8-rivaling 4.2 seconds, and yet uses just 10.2 litres/100km on the combined cycle (a 23 per cent improvement compared with the old S8).

Like the S6 models, the S8 incorporates energy regeneration, start-stop, cylinder-on-demand, and ANC to ensure an efficient and refined engine operation.

An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels, while a specially tuned air suspension system integrates with the dynamic steering to stabilise the vehicle’s handling at the cornering limit. Drivers can fine-tune the S8’s dynamics by selecting between five driving modes: Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Individual and Efficiency.

Massive 20-inch alloy wheels are standard, while the grille, sills, door handles and other exterior elements are finished in chrome and aluminium.

The aluminium theme continues into the cabin, where a range of inlay materials and upholstery colours are again available.

An eight-inch high-definition display integrates the MMI Navigation Plus system, Bluetooth internet connectivity and 360-degree four-camera parking program with top-down view.

Rounding out the cabin is a benchmark 1400-watt, 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System.