#audis8

It’s the sixth day of AutoGuide’s Dream Car Garage list. Now it’s Associate Editor Craig Cole’s turn to share his 10 favorite vehicles, an eclectic, unexpected rundown of cars and trucks.

Looking to beat out its chief rival, the BMW M5, Audi’s RS6 will get its power from a 4.0-liter turbocharged V8, capable of making 572 hp.

For 2013, Audi is introducing a new 4.0T twin-turbo V8 engine into the S6, S7, and S8 models, as well as bringing the RS5 across the pond to the American market.

Considering their prevalence today, it’s easy to forget that just five years ago we saw our first set of LED headlights on a production vehicle. Even back then car makers were putting LEDs on concept cars to dazzle show-goers and catch the eyes of the media. But today, LED (light-emitting diode) lights are no longer isolated to just one-off concepts or premium luxury vehicles.

According to findings from a 2009 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, Audi’s S8 ranked as the most stolen car in the United States, with theft rates of some 8.81 per 1000 vehicles produced.  It was followed by the Shelby GT 500, with rates of 8.61 per 1000, the BMW M5 (7.58 per 1000);  Dodge Charger (6.47) and Honda S2000 (5.6).

Set for its official reveal at the Frankfurt Auto Show in just two weeks time, Audi will launch an all-new S8. Discontinued in 2010 with its Lambo-s0urced V10, the 2012 model trades displacement for turbochargers, with a new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 making an impressive 520-hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, an improvement of 70-hp and 80 lb-ft.

At this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi will unveil four new S performance models, all packing a version of the brand’s new turbocharged V8 engine. Displacing 4.0-liters, this V8 can deliver up to serious power with improved fuel economy over past S versions.

We can expect some powerful figures for the next round of Audi’s S and RS models, thanks to the miracle of turbocharging in motion.

Destined for dealers some time in 2012, the Audi S8 could debut as early as the Frankfurt Auto Show this Fall. Along with what will no doubt be the largest grille ever fitted to a production car, the S8 will be powered by the company’s new turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine making an impressive 520-hp.

With Audi having just launched its all-new 2011 A8 luxury flagship sedan and fuel efficient diesel and hybrid models put on display at last week’s Geneva Auto Show, the next step for the big grilled saloon will be a high-performance model. That’s right, the S8 is set to return.