Audi sports set to star in Melbourne

Audi will start the Aussie motor show year with a bang in February, with the Australian debut of its new high-performance limousine, the S8, as well as a reappearance of the RS4 super sedan, at the Melbourne Motor Show.

Due for local launch around October 2006, the new Audi S8 is powered by a V10 FSI petrol engine that shares common architecture with Lamborghini's Gallardo supercar. The 5.2-litre powerplant delivers 331kW (450hp) at 7000rpm and 540Nm of torque -- the latter available from 3500 rpm.

This sort of oomph sees the S8 capable of 0-100km/h in 5.1sec. And while it is electronically limited to 250km/h, unfettled the car has already topped 280km/h in overseas testing.

The S8 gets all the mod cons including Audi's new ‘Advanced Sound System’ created by icon Danish home entertainment brand, Bang & Olufsen. Inside there's lashings of leather and real alloy highlights, custom instruments and unique surface treatments. Outside bespoke alloys and low profile tyres compliment the performance-orientated quad pipes and subtle body changes and badging.

Already released in Europe, the A4-based RS4 super sedan returns to Melbourne, this time just months away from its local release in April 2006. Powered by a 420hp 4.2-litre V8 FSI engine that boasts a 8250rpm redline, the RS4 has the likes of BMW's M3 centred in its sights.

Moved to an early February date to escape the clutches of the Commonwealth Games, the Melbourne Motor Show opens on February 9, 2006. Look out for more Melbourne Show news on CarPoint later in January.