AUDI
S8 PLUS
Audi
is making a strong statement with the new Audi S8 plus. With a power output of
445 kW (605 hp) and a top speed of up to 305 km/h (189.5 mph), the new Audi S8
plus delivers even more enhanced driving performance. The new top model is reinforcing
the brand's position in the segment of premium class sedans.
"We
have further sharpened our large sport sedan," says Prof. Dr. Ulrich
Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG; he continues
"The new Audi S8 plus has a substantial gain in power and defines the
pinnacle of sporty performance in the segment. That is why 'plus' appears in
its name."
One
strength of the large sedan is its lightweight design. Its body is made almost
entirely of aluminum. Its design is based on the Audi Space Frame (ASF) and
weighs just 231 kg (509.27 lb) - which is the lightest among the competition.
Audi
engineers have further advanced the development of the 4.0 TFSI engine for the
new S8 plus. The sonorous V8 biturbo engine now has a power output of 445 kW
(605 hp) and a maximum torque of 700 Nm (516.3 lb‑ft); in overboost mode, it can
even produce 750 Nm (553.2 lb‑ft).
The large sport sedan - whose power was boosted 63 kW (85 hp) compared to the
S8 - accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.8 seconds, and its governed
top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph) can optionally be increased to 305 km/h
(189.5 mph).
Audi
and Quattro GmbH bundled their expertise in engine development to attain these
top figures. Modifications made to the 4.0 TFSI range from its special engine
control with speed and charge pressure boosting to its modified exhaust valves
and the inner geometry of the turbocharger that was optimized for efficiency.
An
eight-speed tiptronic distributes the forces that are generated by the power-boosted
V8 engine to a quattro drivetrain with a sport differential. Chassis highlights
include the adaptive air suspension sport and dynamic steering, both of which
chassis experts tuned specifically for the Audi S8 plus. In Germany, the car
comes with 21‑inch
wheels that were specially designed for the S8 plus and size 275/35 tires.
The
increase in top speed to 305 km/h (189.5 mph) is part of the dynamic package,
which is a standard feature in Germany. In addition to carbon-fiber reinforced
ceramic brakes with anthracite-gray brake calipers and the Audi ceramic logo,
the package also includes a sport exhaust system modified by quattro GmbH. It
gives the Audi S8 plus an unmistakably sporty V8 sound characteristic.
The
new S8 plus reveals its position as the sportiest top model of the model series
in its design detailing. The standard spoiler lip on the rear lid catches the
eye. It is painted in the exterior body color, and it is also available in
carbon fiber as an option. The flaps in the side air inlets and the blade on
the front apron are made of carbon fiber. The mirror housings in body color are
optionally available in gloss black or carbon. The Singleframe grille and
double bars are in gloss black, while the honeycomb structure of the side air inlets
and radiator screen are in matt black. The trim strips on the side windows and
at the rear are gleam in black. Distinctive design characteristics of the Audi
S8 plus also include darkened tail lights and a gloss black diffuser insert,
which has an additional carbon surround. The dual-branch sport exhaust system
branches into two oval gloss black tailpipes on the left and right. As an
alternative, customers can choose the S8 styling package.
It
features S8 logos at the front and rear and V8 T badges on the front fenders.
The matt-effect paint finish floret silver is exclusively available on the S8
plus. All of the colors offered on the S8 are also available on the S8 plus.
The
headlights feature Matrix LED technology as standard equipment in Germany; they
come with dynamic turn signals. The extremely precise high-beam units each have
25 small, individual LEDs that can be individually switched on or off or dimmed
as needed. They illuminate the road superbly without causing glare to oncoming
traffic.
The
interior of the S8 appeals with numerous sporty details, the authenticity of
its materials and generous interior space. Contrasting stitching in Arras red
is used throughout the black full-leather interior. Piping, also in Arras red,
trims the comfort sport seats as well and emphasizes the stylish side of the
sport sedan. The headlining and rear parcel shelf are designed in black
Alcantara.
A
contrasting red thread is woven into the upper inlay. The lower inlay is
designed in brushed aluminum. Black piano paint trims the gear selector lever
of the tiptronic and the center console. Characteristic of the interior of the
S models are the round instruments with gray dials, white pointers, dynamic
startup and an S8 logo on the tachometer. The pedals and footrest shine in
stainless steel. There is a decorative red ring on the start-stop button, and
an S8 logo adorns the three-spoke sport leather steering wheel.
Audi
delivers the new S8 plus with the normal wheelbase and offers extensive
standard features that include ambient lighting, a convenience key with
sensor-driven luggage compartment locking, full-leather interior package,
Alcantara package, power-assisted door closing and a DVD/CD changer. In
Germany, standard features - in addition to the dynamic package - also include
the assistance package with Audi pre sense plus, four-zone deluxe automatic air
conditioning system, Bose surround sound system and MMI navigation plus with
MMI touch. The new Audi S8 plus will be available at the end of November 2015
for a base price of 145,200 euros.