Audi S8: complete deets
Newswheel staff :: 19 October 2005 :: Filed under Saloon, Audi, Audi A8, Audi S8, Europe & UK, US,
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Lambo lump for awesome Audi
The new S8 may not be the fastest uber saloon in the world, but it’s probably the coolest. And it’s definitely the only one any self-respecting car junky should lust after.
The new S8: surely the ultimate getaway car
The big news is under the hood in the form of a revised version of the Lamborghini Gallardo’s V10 powerplant. The basic architecture of the engine seems to have been carried over, including the 90 degree angle between the cylinder banks. Enlarged slightly to 5.2-litres, the new unit has been retuned to meet the marginally more retiring needs of the S8. Also new is the appearance of Audi’s FSi direct injection tech. Peak output drops by 50bhp to 450bhp compared with the Gallardo, though the 7,000rpm crank speed required proves this is still an engine that thrives on revs. That said, only 3,500 rpm is needed to hit the maximum torque of 398 lb/ft, so there’s plenty of bottom end punch. All in, the V10 weighs a relatively sprightly 220kg. To put that in perspective, BMW’s state-of-the-art ultralight N52 3.0-litre inline six tips the scales at around 160kg.
Lambo-derived 5.2-litre V10 adds FSI tech and pumps out 450bhp
As for performance, Audi is claiming 0-62mph in 5.1 secs with the top end limited to the customary 155mph. Clearly, the new S8 lacks the insane sledgehammer performance of Merc’s twin-turbo V12 limos (the S65 AMG packs 604bhp and a ridiculous 738 lb/ft of torque). But we don’t doubt the new V10 will provide anything other than an electrifying drive.
There are few surprises in the drivetrain and chassis departments. Quattro four wheel drive is present as usual, while the A8’s adaptive air suspension has been firmed up and slammed by 20mm all round. Wheels are huge 20-inch items with 265/35 boots all round and the brakes are 385mm steel discs up front, and 335mm at the rear. Carbon ceramic rotors are optional. The only slight disappointment is the absence of a DSG dual-clutch gearbox. The S8 makes do with a traditional torque converter slushbox and Tiptronic control.
Huge 385mm steel stoppers are standard, carbon ceramic discs optional
Together, this mountain of kit weighs in at 1,940kg. While that’s very competitive for such a large and powerful car, we can’t help feeling a little disappointed given the advanced aluminium spaceframe chassis. Still, the side window double glazing can’t help…
As for the styling, it’s the usual low-key Audi S series affair, although one or two dodgy details have squeaked into this latest effort including a pair of very nasty V10 badges on the front wings and fussy aluminium lips on the door handles. But in the context of Audi’s recent defenestration of effortless understatement in favour of gaudy and garish, we’re not complaining. This is still a pant-soilingly desirable car and probably the only car in its class that doesn’t look pimped out and faintly ludicrous. Where the AMG’ed Merc S-Classes are ultimately rather embarrassing cars probably driven largely by wealthy German businessmen with tassled leather loafers and Arab princes of dubious provenance, the S8 is the sort of hard-hewn autobahn stormer that genuine car lovers can appreciate.
Not just for Germans
The new S8 hits showrooms in mid 2006 with Euro pricing kicking off at €97,600. UK pricing has yet to be announced, but we doubt you’ll see any change from £60k.
That’s all folks
