Car Throttle

Some manufacturers would choose to space their introductions of performance cars out a bit.  Maybe one or two at Frankfurt, and another at Detroit.  Not Audi - they're bringing four all-new S models to the Frankfurt show this fall: the S6, S6 Avant, S7 Sportback, and the S8. The big trend with performance cars is obviously engine downsizing.  The BMW M5 went from 5.0L and ten cylinders to 4.4L and eight (gaining two turbos and 60 horsepower or so in the process.)  Mercedes' AMG Division has shrunken their thundering 6.2L V8 down to 5.5L, but added twin turbochargers.  The new Focus ST is dropping a cylinder and gaining direct injection for more power.  This comes from a seemingly contradictory pair of needs: meeting rising fuel economy

In terms of insane sports sedans, Audi's RS6 sedan would have to rank around the top of the list. Unfortunately, those of us in the United States aren't able to experience it. Instead, we get the more sedate S6 model that packs 435 horsepower from its V-10 versus 580 (!) hp for the RS6. As if it weren't exclusive enough, Audi has announced two new, limited-edition packages for the RS6. The packages are dubbed Sport (now seriously Audi, a sport RS6?!) and Audi exclusive. They are restricted to just 500 examples of each. The models have a top speed of 188 mph and feature a Carbon design package for the engine compartment, 20-inch wheels, and sports suspension plus (again, as if they weren't already!)  Each will have