New Audi S6, S7, S8 and RS6 to get Bentley V8

The 2012 Audi S8 will get power from a Bentley V8

We reported back in October that Bentley and Audi were working on a new V8 that would power future models from both marques, and we asked if that would mean the end of the W12 in the Bentley.

Because although it was claimed that the V8 being developed would be used as an entry-level lump for the Continental GT – a nod to more frugal times – we did think it likely it would be more than that. And now we’re convinced.

Auto Bild are reporting on the upcoming quick Audis – the S6, S7, S8 and RS6 – and have some very interesting output figures, which would suggest that the Bentley W12 will soon be surplus to requirements.

The Audi S8 will be the first of the new Audis to arrive – this September at Frankfurt – and will get the new 4.0 litre, twin turbo V8 with around 495bhp, an 8-speed ‘box and quattro 4WD.

Following on from the Audi S8 at Frankfurt will be the Audi S6 and S7 which will debut at Los Angeles. Both cars will get the new V8, with the 434bhp in the S6 and 464bhp in the S7.

But the really interesting one – certainly from the Bentley W12 perspective – is the Audi RS6, which won’t arrive until later in 2012 (perhaps as late as Paris). The 2013 Audi RS6 will also feature the new 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8, but in the new RS6 it will sport 572bhp, which is within a gnats of the current Bentley W12.

Not only will the new V8 be just as powerful as the current W12 – certainly in standard tune – it is a lot smaller, lighter, less emitting and substantially more frugal.

So it looks like hello new, quick Audis and goodbye Bentley W12.

By Cars UK