Audi has released the brand new 2012 Audi S8 ahead of the official debut at the IAA in September. The Audi S8 will be launched on the market in Spring 2012, and is the new head of the Audi S model family.
The large, luxurious sedan packs a new 4.0 TFSI twin-turbo V8 engine generating no less than 520hp and a constant 650Nm of torque between 1,700 and 5,500 rpm. The engine is linked to an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox. A sprint from zero to 100km/h takes just 4.2 seconds, and top speed is electronically capped at 250km/h.
The new Audi S8 offers Audi’s modular efficiency platform, including the recuperation and start-stop systems. The newly developed “cylinder on demand” technology plays a particularly large role. Under part load, it deactivates four of the eight cylinders for an efficiency gain that is particularly pronounced at moderate highway speeds. A package of acoustic measures including the Active Noise Cancellation system suppresses possible intrusive noise and vibrations.
A specially tuned adaptive air suspension with variable damping can vary the ride height of the body between three levels. The Audi drive select dynamics system encompasses these two systems as well as engine management, the eight-speed tiptronic and the sport differential. The driver can determine the function of these components by choosing between the five modes comfort, auto, dynamic, individual and efficiency.
The standard, S-specific wheels measure 9Jx20 and are shod with 265/40-series tires. Audi offers five additional wheels as options, four of which have a 21 inch diagonal. The four internally ventilated disc brakes measure 400 millimeters in diameter up front and 365 millimeters at the rear. The matt black calipers up front bear S8 logos. Each of the optional carbon fiber-ceramic discs saves over five kilograms of weight. Their calipers are anthracite gray.
Exterior differences with respect to the normal Audi A8 models are easily visible for a trained eye. The single-frame grille is platinum gray and its eight double bars are covered in chrome. An aluminum-look blade makes the bumper appear sharper, and there are high-gloss black slats and aluminum-look ribs in the side air intakes. On the sides, body color trim strips on the sills, door handles with strips of aluminum and polished aluminum-look mirror housings are outfitted to the luxury saloon car. The diffuser insert at the back of the car includes a blade with a two-layer aluminum-look finish offset with parts in platinum gray. The exhaust system ends in two oval dual tailpipes in a chrome-look finish. S8 or V8 T badges can be found in the front, on the back and on the sides.
Multi-way, power-adjustable comfort sport seats have been designed exclusively for the S8. They are optionally available with exclusive seat upholstery in quilted lunar silver. The leather multifunction sport steering wheel has color-contrasting stitching and an S8 emblem, which can also be found on the instruments.
Pricing is not yet available at this stage.
