Sportiness is to be found in the genes of all Audi models. In the case of the S models, however, it is a declared principle, combined with comfort, aesthetics, elegance and uncompromising quality. The Audi S8 with its mighty V10 FSI engine pumping out 331 kW/450 bhp combines all these characteristics to produce a high degree of passion and supremacy.
The new Audi S8 will be available in Australia around the end of November 2006, priced at $259,900.
Concept and design
A glance at the outside is enough to see that the S8 gives an unmistakable promise of performance. At the front, the single-frame grille is presented in Platinum Grey and its vertical struts have a chrome-look finish. Three flat air inlets accentuate the front apron; the large inlets under the headlights feature a honeycomb grille. The xenon plus headlights are equipped with static turning lights and cornering lights and coupled with LED daytime running lights.
Down the sides, door handles with aluminium trim strips, aluminium-look mirror housings and V10 emblems indicate the exceptional status of the S8. With its 20-inch wheels, the sporty flagship of the brand sits firmly on the road.
An integral rear spoiler, a subtle light edge in the apron and an exhaust system with four oval tailpipes round off the modifications.
Thanks to ASF aluminium construction the S8 boasts the lightest bodyshell in the entire luxury segment – it weighs only around half as much as a conventional steel structure.
Aluminium also defines the character of the interior. The door sill trims are adorned with S8 emblems, as are the instrument panel and leather sports steering wheel. The inlays are in brushed aluminium and carbon. The leather multifunction sports steering wheel features colour-contrasting seams and aluminium-look shift paddles. The instrument needles are in white, the dials light grey. The electrically adjustable sports seats are finished in two-tone leather; the seats are heated and can be adjusted in numerous directions.
Over and above the luxurious standard equipment on the A8, the S8 offers an array of additional high-tech options. These include the convenient access system advanced key, the Bang & Olufsen sound system, an on-board computer, double glazing and a navigation system with DVD.
Drivetrain
The first ten-cylinder engine in the history of the Audi brand is found under the bonnet of the S8. It utilises the expertise of the Lamborghini Gallardo super sports car, but as a member of the current V engine series, has been reengineered by Audi in key areas. It has an included angle of 90 degrees between cylinder banks and a spacing of 90 mm between cylinder centres and is extremely compact and light.
With its crankpin offset of 18 degrees, the V10 fires at the ideal spacing of 72 degrees crankshaft angle. A balancing shaft ensures smooth running characteristics. The two-stage variable intake manifold and the four continuously variable chain-driven camshafts optimise filling of the combustion chambers. FSI direct injection technology, which uses the principle of homogeneous combustion, enables a high compression ratio of 12.5:1.
With a displacement of 5,204 cc, the V10 produces 331 kW (450 bhp) of power at 7,000 rpm and 540 Nm of torque, the latter on tap at 3,500 rpm. The luxury saloon consequently achieves the road performance of a high-calibre sports car. The Audi S8 sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, and effortlessly reaches a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).
Despite its sporty characteristics the ten-cylinder power plant, which is started by a button in the cockpit, runs smoothly and with great refinement. The V10 exhibits spontaneous throttle response and under load it also produces sonorous acoustics, as befits a dynamic car.
The S8 is equipped with a 6-speed tiptronic transmission, the final ratio of which is lower than on the A8; its management is optimised to change gear more dynamically. In typical Audi style, the new S8 also transmits its power to the road by means of quattro permanent four-wheel drive. The new generation featuring asymmetric-dynamic torque distribution gives the luxury saloon even more agility – the slightly rear-biased layout ensures particularly dynamic handling.
The chassis
Like the A8, the S8 also relies on adaptive air suspension including variable height levels, adaptive damper control and aluminium chassis components. However in this case the system is exceptionally sporty in terms of elastokinematics and setup – somewhat firmer than on the optional sports suspension for the A8, which lowers the body by up to 20 millimetres.
The steering, too, is more direct and ensures enhanced agility and improved handling. The Audi S8 is fitted as standard with 20-inch cast aluminium wheels of S design. The four discs of the 18-inch brake system are ventilated and generously dimensioned. The brake callipers are painted black, and adorned with a titanium grey S8 badge at the front.
The optional ceramic brakes are a special feature of the S8 – they are extremely light, have a long operating life and are largely insusceptible to fade and wear.