The Audi S8 is a full-size luxury car of the Audi S models produced by the German automaker Audi AG, manufactured by Audi Sport GmbH at the Neckarsulm plant. The S8 is the mechanically-upgraded, high-performance version of the Audi A8, fitted standard with Audi's quattro 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.

(D2) First generation

Audi S8 (D2) was produced from 1996 to 2003. The car featured a 4.2 liter V8 with 340 PS (250 kW; 335 hp). The D2 S8 could 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). An Audi S8 (D2) was chosen as the car of the protagonists of the film Ronin.

(D3) Second generation

Audi S8 (D3) was released from 2006 to 2010. The car was equipped with a modified V10 engine shared with 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 its fuel efficiency. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (249 km/h). Acceleration from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) takes 5.1 seconds. It has a curb weight of 1,940 kg (4,277 lb).

(D4) Third generation

Audi S8 (D4) (2012–2015, facelift 2015–2018) 3,993 V8 TFSI. It produces 520 PS (382 kW; 513 hp). It accelerates from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.6 seconds, bests the quarter mile in 11.9 seconds at 118 mph (190 km/h) and reaches a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h). Curb weight is 2,050–2,065 kg (4,519–4,553 lb).

In 2016, the S8 plus version was launched with an increased engine power of 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). 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.

(D5) Fourth generation

The release of the fourth generation S8 was planned to begin in 2019–2020. 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. 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.

The Audi S8 (D5) features 563 hp (420 kW) and 590 lb⋅ft (800 N⋅m) of torque as a result of its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. A 48-volt mild hybrid system will allow for stop-start use and coasting. Compared to the S8 plus (D4), the S8 (D5) has 34 hp (25 kW) less but 37 lb⋅ft (50 N⋅m) more torque.

See also

References

External links

• Autobild.de Audi S8