Audi avalanche continues

FRESH from launching the A6 V8 and TT Roadster, Audi is gearing up for a further model assault later this year.

The first newcomers to join the line-up will be the S6, revised S8 and a long-wheelbase version of the A8 - all due in September.

The S6 is essentially a "hotted-up" version of the A6 V8, using a tweaked version of the latter's 4.2-litre powerplant.

A handful of modifications lift the V8 powerplant's outputs to an impressive 250kW and 410Nm, making it a serious alternative to the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E55.

Expect it to be priced just under $160,000, meaning it will be much cheaper than the $198,500 M5 and $196,100 E55.

In keeping with the rest of the S range, external modifications will be kept to a minimum and only keen car spotters will pick it from the A6 V8.

Audi's range will be further supplemented in November by the Allroad and fire-breathing RS4.

The Allroad could be viewed as Audi's rival - albeit a more expensive one - to the Volvo V70 Cross-Country.

It uses the same basic mechanicals as the A6 2.8 Avant quattro but has increased ground clearance and greater suspension travel.

Like the V70 Cross-Country, it will not be an off-roader in the true sense of the word, but able to tackle rutted bush tracks and snow-covered roads.

Expect it to cost just around $115,000.

The RS4 will be a different sort of wagon altogether.

Based on the S4 Avant, the RS4 is propelled by a heavily worked-over 2.7-litre, twin-turbo V6 that generates 280kW at 6100rpm and 440Nm between 2500rpm and 6000rpm.

The standard S4 generates 195kW and 400Nm and already offers eye-watering acceleration, so the RS4 should deliver genuine supercar performance.

As in the S4, power is relayed to all four wheels by a six-speed manual gearbox.

A revised front spoiler, flared wheelarches by 35mm front and rear and RS4 badging will provide the main visual clues to the car's extra performance.

It rides on huge 18-inch wheels shod with super-low profile tyres to maximise its cornering capabilities.

Audi is remaining tight-lipped about pricing but the wagon may cost around $135,000.

The German car-maker's model line-up will be further boosted next year with the launch of an all-new A4 and the A2 - a Mercedes-Benz A-class rival.