2007 Audi S8

World Premiere of Spectacular Audi Vehicles at the NAIAS in Detroit

Spanish singing sensation Carla Vallet set the stage for the thrilling vehicles to come from Audi with 'Streets of Tomorrow,' the song specially created for the Audi Q7. Performed live against a backdrop of the Audi Q7 and Audi S8, the song perfectly captures Audi's progressive and sophisticated approach to automobiles - the epitome of Never Follow.

First up: the Audi S6, in its international debut. This stunning sports version of 2005's World Car of the Year, the Audi A6, features sleek lines and a powerful crouching stance. The ultimate performer in the A6 line, the Audi S6 includes all the luxurious amenities and technological innovations of the Audi A6, and is powered by an all-new V10 engine boasting 420 hp that sprints from 0-60 in 5.1 seconds. Únique to the vehicle: 10 LED running lights for outstanding visibility. Watch for more news of the Audi S6 throughout the upcoming months.

Not to be outdone, the even more powerful 2007 Audi S8 appeared next on the platform. Scheduled to launch in Fall 2006, this version of Audi's ultimate luxury car sports a racer's heart: a 450 hp V10. Coupled with generous use of weight-saving, light yet strong aluminum, the Audi S8 makes the 0-60 leap in just 4.9 seconds. Inside, the sumptuous, class-leading interior that is the envy of the industry - including, new to this car, the optional Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, which turns the Audi S8 into a concert hall on wheels.

Poised on the other side of the Audi S8, the highly-anticipated 2007 Audi Q7 continued to intrigue the gathered crowd. With its elegant, coupe-like lines anchored in a powerful, sculptured base, the Audi Q7 is a truly show-stopping vehicle that brings dynamic performance, rugged elegance, and sports-car handling to the SÚV category. Featuring class-leading room and unparalleled versatility, the Audi Q7 has already won two prestigious German awards prior to its launch: the Golden Steering Wheel and the Alpha Trophy. It will debut in North America with a 4.2 V8 engine with FSI in June of 2006, and a V6 version will follow in September.

Following this powerful line-up, Audi had one more surprise in store: the unveiling of its latest concept car, the Roadjet. Sized in between the Audi A4 and Audi A6, the Roadjet features a distinctive profile that exemplifies Audi design with its muscular, sweeping lines and racer's stance. The Bang & Olufsen sound system is onhand yet again, as are separate MMI terminals for driver, front passenger, and rear passengers. The interior sets new standards in comfort, with outstanding head and shoulder room and seats that balance comfort and safety, and an easy-loading luggage compartment. Únder the hood, the award-winning 3.2 FSI engine (currently available in the Audi A4 and Audi A6) has been upgraded to 300 hp, yet is still designed for fuel efficiency. A new feature, Audi Drive Select, allows the driver to choose between three different modes for three distinctive driving experiences: comfort, dynamic, and sport. And, if occupants want their own added performance boost, an espresso machine is on hand inside the car. Expect the Roadjet to enter into production in the future.

The NAIAS provides irrefutable evidence of Audi's continued ascendance as a maker of outstanding luxury vehicles with the hearts and souls of performers. It's no wonder that, with other carmakers' sales declining, Audi's North American sales were up 7% last year - marking the company's 12th consecutive record year. Audi: the living, breathing example of Never Follow.

Source - Audi USA