Looking for some special twists on Audi's popular A4?

You may want to consider Audi's all-new 2008 A4 Special Edition. This model will have a new standard 17-inch set of alloy wheels, leather heated seats, metallic paint and a one-year subscription to Sirius Satellite radio and some other exterior variations to set it out from the crowd. Mileage and price aren't known yet.

Another all-new upcoming product will be the new A4 Avant, or station wagon. It will include a new high-powered, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine, the details of which were slated to be released at press time.

That new engine will be part of a lineup of five engines -- two gasoline engines and three diesel engines -- assuring that buyers will be able to tailor their motoring needs to fit them precisely. And more good news -- the United States will have an exclusive version of the A4 Avant equipped with Audi's quattro all-wheel drive. More details on the A4 Avant will be announced later, and the car will go on sale in the fall.

Already on the showroom floor are Audi's pair of showstoppers -- the new A5 and S5 coupes. Both are lean, spare looking, muscular two-doors with a breathtaking shape and design. Power comes from a 265-horsepower V-6 with Audi's famed quattro all-wheel drive system. Either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox are available. Base price is $39,900 for the manual transmission version and $41,200 for the automatic gearbox equipped version. Mileage figures aren't available.

The S5 is a high-performance luxury coupe version of the same car. It's powered by a 354-horsepower V-8 that will send you to 60 faster than you can blink -- about 5.1 seconds. Mileage figures are 14/21, with a base price of $50,500. A six speed manual is the only transmission available.

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.