1 best of : Audi RS 7 Performance, S8 Plus Coming to U.S.

Envy Europe no more; the Audi RS 7 Performance and S8 Plus will make their way to the U.S. market. But before they do, the high-performance cars will head to the Los Angeles auto show alongside the 2017 Audi R8.

The Audi RS 7 Performance, which debuted in Europe last month, boasts a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 with 605 hp. The more powerful model gives buyers an alternative to the traditional 560-hp RS 7 already available here in the ‘States. When it debuted overseas, Audi estimated a 0-62 mph time of 3.7 seconds for the RS 7 Performance, ahead of the 3.9-second time estimated for the standard RS model.

Audi said earlier this summer that it would “likely” bring the S8 Plus to the U.S., and lo and behold, here it comes. The Audi S8 Plus uses the same 600-hp+ engine as the RS 7 Performance, but is estimated to reach 62 mph in 3.8 seconds. But that number could be a bit too conservative, considering the last S8 we tested completed the task in 3.5 seconds. Along with the new engine, the S8 Plus that debuted for global markets also included a unique gloss black grille, an optional carbon fiber rear spoiler, and other upgrades. We’ll learn more about the U.S.-spec version at the Los Angeles auto show later this month.

At the upcoming show, the automaker will also showcase a new R8, which it calls the “fastest and most powerful Audi of all time.” Developed alongside the R8 LMS race car, the road-going 2017 R8 now makes the exact same power output as the Lamborghini Huracan. One of the available engines is a 5.2-liter V-10 with 540 hp. The upgraded Audi R8 V10 Plus model delivers 602 hp, and the Euro-spec model we tested rocketed to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. The R8 goes on sale in spring 2016.

All three models will be on display at the Los Angeles auto show, which begins November 17.

Source: Audi