Beauty is as beauty does, they say.

Well, Audi's new S5 coupe is a whole bunch of beautiful, and those who've driven it has a lot going on performance-wise, too.

The S5 is a high-performance luxury coupe powered by a 354-horsepower V-8 that will send to 60 faster than you can blink -- about 5.1 seconds. Mileage figures are unavailable, and prices have not been released.

The S5 will be joined in 2008 by the A5, which, though not quite as fast as the S5, certainly can move when the pedal is pushed. Look for a somewhat tamer engine -- probably a 3.2-liter, 265-horsepower V-6, to be the powerplant of choice for the A5.

The S5 is an all-wheel-drive car, not surprising because all-wheel drive is Audi's claim to fame and is considered a must for high-performance cars these days. This car has classic, voluptuous lines with an understated character line along the lower ridge of the body. And there's that bold Audi grille.

There are other Audis to take a look at, too. You can start your search with the Audi A3, a luxurious hatchback compact powered by either a 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, or a 250-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6.

Quattro all-wheel drive is available on the V-6, and there's an interesting S-Line package that includes a sports suspension and lots of other sporty goodies. Fuel economy ratings range from 23/32 to 25/32 depending on engine and transmission combination. Starting prices range from $26,705 to $35,690.

The A3 is what I'd call a premium compact; just because it's small doesn't mean that you'll be lacking anything. They are lusty performers on the road with strong acceleration and handling.

All the usual equipment is standard, including side and side curtain air bags, as well as stability and traction control.

The A4 is Audi's bread-and-butter car, listing for between $29,675 to $69,785 for the scorching RS4 AWD sedan. Suave and sophisticated, with a modest size that makes it a treat to drive in the city, the A4 is a trendsetter each time a new styling cycle comes out.

With supportive seats, a thick steering wheel and the Quattro all-wheel drive that comes with most models, the A4 is the perfect companion for winding roads.

Powertrains include four engines ranging from a 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower four, to a 4.2-liter, 420-horsepower V-8. Mileage ratings range from 12 to 21 miles per gallon in the city and 19 to 29 miles per gallon on the highway.

Also new for Audi this year is the TT, but don't despair. It still has its Bauhaus classic look that has been refined just enough to be new, and it has improvements such as a space frame construction style, and options including Audi's magnetic ride control, an S-line package, and two types of leather seating.

Prices range from $35,575 to $46,675. Fuel mileage ratings are 17 to 23 in the city and 24 to 31 on the highway.

There also is the fabulous R8, an exotic, $100,000 supercar powered by a 420-horsepower V-8. Its lean, low-to-the-ground fastback looks will be the stuff of dreams for years to come.

You will also want to check out the imposing Q7 luxury crossover. It comes in five-, six- and seven-passenger versions. You can buy one for about $49,900, and it's powered by a 350-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8 rated at 14 mpg city and 19 highway. A 3.6-liter V-6 (rated 16/20) starts at $39,900.

Standard equipment is generous, including full-power equipment from windows and locks to steering, leather seats, cruise, air and just about every kind of air bag you can think of.

Driving this car off road couldn't be simpler -- or more fun. You set a button on the console, dial in the right road height and you're off, with the Q7 sticking like tar paper to whatever course you're on. It includes Quattro all-wheel-drive, too.

The interior is absolutely beautiful, but then again, that's what I've come to expect from Audi, one of the world's foremost interior design teams. Colors are soothing earth tones, with beautiful stitching and chrome and wood accents, and the very best construction to boot.