| Audi S8 | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Audi S8 at the2013 Tokyo Motor Show | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Audi Sport GmbH |
| Production | 1996–present |
| Model years | 1996–present |
| Assembly | Germany:Neckarsulm |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-sizeluxury car (F) |
| Body style | 4-doorsedan |
| Layout | LongitudinalF4 layout (quattro) |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group D platform MLB |
| Related | Audi A8 Bentley Flying Spur V8 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | (D2)V8 4.2 L. (Volkswagen Group) (D3)V10 5.2 L. (Lamborghini) (D4/D5) V8 4.0 L. (CTGA) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Audi V8 |
TheAudi S8 is afull-sizeluxury car produced by theGerman automakerAudi AG, manufactured byAudi Sport GmbH at theNeckarsulm plant, and part ofAudi's S model range. The S8 is the high-performance version of theAudi A8, fitted standard with Audi'squattro all-wheel drive system, and was only offered with a short-wheelbase for the first three generations, being joined by a long-wheelbase variant option for the fourth generation.
TheAudi S8 (D2) was produced from 1996 to 2003. It is powered by a 4.2 literV8 with 340 PS (250 kW; 335 hp), allowing it to accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.2 seconds. It has a curb weight of 1,730 kg (3,814 lb). In 1999, the car was updated with a power increase to 369 PS (271 kW; 364 hp), which brought the 0–60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration down to 5.6 seconds. Top speed was electronically limited to 155 mph (249 km/h). It has a curb weight of 1,845 kg (4,068 lb).[1] An Audi S8 (D2) was chosen as the car of the protagonists of the filmRonin.[2]
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Audi S8 (D3) was produced from 2006 to 2010. The car was powered by a modified version of theV10 engine found in the Lamborghini Gallardo of the same years. It produces 450 PS (331 kW; 444 hp), detuned by 50 PS (37 kW; 49 hp) from the Gallardo's power output of 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp) with the purpose of increasing itsfuel efficiency.[3] The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (249 km/h) and acceleration from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) takes 5.1 seconds. It has a curb weight of 1,940 kg (4,277 lb).[4]
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Audi S8 (D4) was produced from 2012 to 2018, with a mid-facelift in 2015. It was powered by a 3,993V8 TFSI that produces 520 PS (382 kW; 513 hp). It can accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.6 seconds, complete the quarter mile in 11.9 seconds at 118 mph (190 km/h) and reach a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h).[5] Curb weight is 2,050–2,065 kg (4,519–4,553 lb).
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In 2016, theS8 plus version was launched with engine power increased to 605 PS (445 kW; 597 hp). Acceleration from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) takes 3.3 seconds and with the Dynamic Package it can reach a top speed of 190 mph (306 km/h).[6][7] Unlike the regular S8 which was built by Audi on the regular assembly line alongside other A8 variants, the S8 Plus was built by Audi Sport (formerly Quattro GmbH) and has a VIN that starts with WUA to identify it.[8]
The release of the fourth generation S8 was planned to begin in 2019–2020.[9] For the first time, it was to be offered in both short and long-wheelbase versions, with the long-wheelbase S8 (i.e., an S8L) being the sole variant offered in North America.[10] The S8 is now the flagship of the Audi A8 range, since the nominally higher-end A8 L W12 was no longer offered after the 2018 model year.[11]
TheAudi S8 (D5) produces 563 hp (420 kW) and 590 lb⋅ft (800 N⋅m) of torque from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8.[12] A 48-volt mild hybrid system will allow for stop-start use and coasting.[13] Compared to the S8 plus (D4), the S8 (D5) has 34 hp (25 kW) less but 37 lb⋅ft (50 N⋅m) more torque.[14]
