Audi S8

The Audi S8 combines irresistible sportiness with exceptional luxury. Immediately following its appearance on the market, Audi’s new saloon rose swiftly to the pinnacle of the luxury car sector. It is a luxury vehicle of the very highest grade.

The new V10 engine

The S8’s new 5.2 litre, V10 petrol unit has been finely tuned to produce a performance which befits its host vehicle. It is smaller and lighter than its 12-cylinder cousins, and produces a maximum output of 450 bhp at 7,000 rpm. Maximum torque is 400 lb/ft at 3,500 rpm, and 0-60 mph is achieved in 5.1 seconds. An electronic limiter holds the top speed at 155 mph.


Based on the 5.0 litre Gallardo’s engine (a joint project between Audi and Lamborghini), the Audi S8’s powerhouse includes a myriad of advanced features. These include a direct injection FSI system, making the engine more responsive and efficient, and an engine refining balancing shaft.

At a relatively modest weight of 485 lbs, the engine’s carefully crafted, lightweight construction reflects the unscrupulous attention to detail exhibited by the S8’s body shell. An overall weight of 4276 lbs (and a power/weight ratio of 232 bhp/ton) is achieved by full aluminium panels, mounted over an Audi Space Frame (ASF), also in aluminium.

Air suspension

The groundbreaking V10 engine is supported by a chassis featuring air suspension technology and the latest permanent 4x4 quattro setup. A torque ratio of 40/60 (front/rear) optimises axle weight distribution and heightens steering accuracy and vehicle agility. This same air suspension system is available in the Sport option throughout the A8 family, but has been refined for the S8 quattro to reflect its sporting pedigree. The Servotronic power assisted steering has also been revised through a reduction in lock-to-lock turn distance, giving it a sharper, sportier feel.

Exterior styling

The new S8 features 20-inch alloy wheels with 265/35 ZR20 tyres, housing enormous 15-inch front and 13-inch rear disc brakes which effectively counteract the engine’s massive power. Optional ceramic upgrades are available, offering a lifespan of around 186,000 miles. This represents four times the average operating life of steel discs.

The exterior of the S8 also carries V10 motifs on the wheel arches, door mirrors in aluminium effect, an elegant, unassuming boot spoiler and quadruple tail pipes set in a distinctive S8 rear apron. The xenon headlamps house extra turning lights and dynamic cornering lights. These react to driver input, pivoting through each corner as the wheel is turned.

Interior refinement

The Audi S8’s cabin features full leather seats in three tones, a three-spoke steering wheel, and aluminium effect gear paddles. It comes with the recently upgraded, standard A8 specification. This features DVD satellite navigation, Audi Advanced Key system, voice control technology and rain and light sensors. Other standard features include a six CD changer, electric seat adjustment, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, climate control, and the well-known Multi Media Interface technology, which facilitates the automated control of many of the S8’s functions.