Audi Japan announced on August 25 that the "S8," a high-performance model of the flagship A8 sedan series, would go on sale that same day.

The S models are Audi's sporty designation, combining advanced engines that balance immense power with environmental performance with the quattro all-wheel-drive system, offering robust performance, superior dynamics, and high practicality. The S8 stands as the flagship model in Audi's lineup.

The powertrain features a 4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine generating a maximum output of 571ps and 800Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission and the quattro all-wheel-drive system. A mild hybrid drive system (MHEV), centered around a 48V lithium-ion battery and a Belt Alternator Starter (BAS) connected to the crankshaft via a belt, is installed. Leveraging the 48V system, the energy recovery system achieves high energy recovery efficiency. Furthermore, during deceleration and coasting, Cylinder on Demand (Cod) deactivates the engine to improve fuel economy.

The exterior boasts S8-exclusive front and rear bumpers, oval quad exhaust finishers, and 9Jx21 five-double-spoke aluminum wheels. The interior features carbon decorative panels that achieve a high level of sportiness and refinement, along with sports seats upholstered in Valcona leather.

The chassis is equipped with Predictive Active Suspension, which uses laser scanners and camera sensors to anticipate road surface irregularities and actively control suspension travel. Below 65 km/h, the rear wheels can steer up to 5 degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels via electronic control, reducing the minimum turning radius for enhanced maneuverability in urban environments. At medium to high speeds, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front wheels, improving directional stability with Dynamic All-Wheel Steering. Additionally, the Rear Sport Differential is combined with quattro to achieve a comfortable yet dynamic driving performance.

The body structure of the new S8 embodies Audi's brand slogan, Vorsprung durch Technik (Advancement through Technology), utilizing the ASF (Audi Space Frame) that has evolved since its introduction in the first-generation A8. By strategically combining materials such as aluminum, steel, magnesium, and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), the high-strength, high-rigidity body ensures precise handling and exceptional quietness. The price is 20.1 million yen.