Car
March 2, 2015
Audi S8: A New Standard for Large Sedans
Audi S8
The High-Performance Model That Redefines the Large Saloon: The S8 Arrives!
Audi has revealed details of the new S8, which will be presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show and is scheduled for launch in spring 2012.
By Dai Matsuo
527ps and 650Nm Output from a 4-Liter V8!
Ahead of its unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show, details have emerged about the S8, the high-performance version of Audi's flagship A8. According to Audi's German headquarters, the new S8 will abandon the 5.2-liter V10 engine found in the previous S8, adopting a newly developed 4-liter V8 twin-turbo.
Despite a displacement reduction of approximately 1.2 liters, its performance is said to have significantly improved. The previous model, based on the V10 used in the Lamborghini Gallardo and incorporating Audi's FSI direct injection system, delivered a maximum output of 331kW (450ps) at 7,000rpm and a peak torque of 540Nm (55.0kgm) at 3,500rpm. However, this new V8 twin-turbo far surpasses that, generating a massive power output of 382kW (527ps) and 650Nm of torque between 1,700-5,500rpm.
The previous S8
While the top speed is limited to 250 km/h by gentleman's agreement, the 0-100 km/h acceleration is a mere 4.2 seconds, an improvement of 0.9 seconds over the previous model. Remarkably, despite this immense power, fuel consumption is 10.2 l/100km (approx. 9.8 km/l), an improvement of over 23 percent compared to the predecessor. This is attributed to the adoption of an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission (two more gears than before), an idling stop system, and a "cylinder on demand" feature that deactivates four of the eight cylinders at medium to high speeds.
The drivetrain is, of course, Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system. The rear features a sport differential, and the tires are 265/40 R20 as standard, with 21-inch options available. The brakes are four-wheel ventilated discs, with large 400mm rotors at the front and 365mm at the rear. Carbon-ceramic disc brakes are also available as an option, reducing weight by approximately 5kg when fitted.
The chassis employs an air suspension system with variable damping. Furthermore, the Audi drive select dynamic system controls not only the suspension and steering but also the engine management and transmission. Drivers can choose from five modes, ranging from Comfort to Dynamic.
The body utilizes Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction, with aluminum used for almost all components except for the B-pillars, which are made of high-strength steel. Despite its substantial length of 5,150mm, the weight is kept down to 1,975kg. This is only a 3kg increase over the A8 4.2 FSI quattro.
The S8 promises driving performance that overturns conventional notions of large saloons. While the Japanese debut date has not been announced, it is expected to be around a year from now.