While the V8 is in no danger of being redundant, there are some sixes out there behaving as if they have a couple of extra cylinders. Coaxing V8-like performance from a V6 is not simply science, it's art. New for 2006, Audi's A3 3.2 four-door hatchback and the Lexus GS 450H, the next in this maker's fuel-stingy lineup, are both powered by V6S that could be easily confused with a V8. Full-bodied, high-performance engines, these powerplants dazzle with their blatant overachieving.

The 250-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 percolating under the hood of the Audi A3 3.2 Quattro can take it to 60 mph from a standstill in less than six seconds. Contributing to this athletic acceleration is the DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) six-speed automatic. Using a two-clutch technology, this tranny picks the next gear before shifting from the previous one, making for seamless and rapid-fi re shifts. Combining this asphalt-chomping acceleration with the A3’s fi nely tuned four-wheel independent suspension and all-wheel drive, gives birth to a sporty performer that belies its luxury lineage. Fuel economy for a hot-shoe AWD vehicle is decent with an EPA grade of 21 mpg in town and 27 on the open highway.

With its transversely-mounted V6, wheels pushed to the far corners and four-door hatchback design, the A3 offers generous passenger and cargo room for its class. In addition to 17-inch alloy wheels, the A3 3.2 features all the usual luxury content such as dual-zone automatic climate control, Bose premium audio system and leather seating.

A driver’s car at heart, at $34,700 the A3 3.2 is reasonably priced for entry-level luxury and certainly near the head of its class in sporty performance and pure fun-to-drive excitement.

Not only is the GS 450h the first hybrid- powered luxury sedan, it’s the first rear-wheel-drive hybrid sedan. Not only are hybrids fuel effi cient, they tend to outperform their conventional gas-only counterparts. It’s not just the 450h’s fuelsaving technology, but its aggressive road manners that have earned it the fl agship spot among GS models. While delivering the power of a 4.5-liter V8, the 450h’s 3.5- liter 292-horsepower hybrid setup manages fuel effi ciency like a 2.5-liter four. It’s a balance of a 5.2 second 0-to-60 mph time with an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway.

This is basically the same hybrid technology found in the Toyota Prius and Lexus RX 400h, though there are a few improvements in the components. It represents cutting-edge technology without sacrifi cing the comfort, luxury or acute handling associated with the V8-powered GS 430. The only noticeable difference is a 40 percent loss in trunk spaces. Otherwise the 450h has all the amenities of the other GS models in addition to some standard features such as rain-sensing wipers, headlamp washers and rear backup camera.

Only 2,000 are being produced for the North America market. The price with shipping is $54,900.