• HOME
• 
• AUTO LISTINGS
• 
• FINANCE
• 
• NEWS
• 
• DIRECTORY
• 
• REVIEWS
• 
• FORUM
• 
• BLOG
• 

2007 Audi S8 Preview

A German Performance Limo with the Power of a Bull

As if the technologically advanced and ultra-luxurious A8 W12 isnt an adequate range topper, Audi has decided to raise the bar in the exclusive high-performance luxury sedan market segment. How, you may ask? Theyve done it by shifting the A8s exquisite balance of luxury and performance towards the performance end of the spectrum with the all-new S8.

After developing and producing the new supercar-bashing RS-4 sedan, quattro GmBH, Audis in-house tuning firm, promptly turned its efforts towards a new project; transforming the highly dynamic, three-year old A8 into a large vehicle capable delivering the thrill

Audi has shifted the A8s exquisite balance of luxury and performance towards the performance end of the spectrum with the all-new S8. (Photo: Audi of America)

of a sports sedan and true driving enjoyment in a vehicle often used to chauffeur others around - and to do so without sacrificing an ounce of comfort.  I dont know about you, but this challenge seems as difficult - if not more - than those outlined for the RS4.

With millions upon millions of dollars poured into its flagship sedan, the A8 benefits from unique technologies

Aside from the small-series production A2 subcompact, no other Audi features lightweight ASF (Audi Space Frame) aluminum construction and adaptive air suspension. (Photo: Audi of America)

limited to this top-tier model. Aside from the small-series production A2 subcompact, no other Audi features lightweight ASF (Audi Space Frame) aluminum construction and adaptive air suspension. Of course, the sublime Quattro all-wheel drive system and a full range of gasoline and diesel engines cant be forgotten. Combining these elements together, Audis performance team couldnt have asked for a better base to start with.
The biggest news to come with the announcement of the S8 is its

The upcoming S8 features a reworked V10 engine borrowed from Italian subsidiary and supercar-maker, Lamborghini. (Photo: Audi of America)

motor. As much of a mechanical masterpiece as the 6.0-liter W12, including the potential in twin-turbocharged form as noted by applications in the Bentley Continental series, Audi has opted for a different engine altogether. Under the hood lies, not an upgraded version of the RS4s 4.2-liter FSI V8, nor a biturbo V8 engine as with the RS6, but rather a V10 engine borrowed from Italian subsidiary and supercar-maker, Lamborghini.

A significant number of changes have been made to this thoroughbred ten cylinder, giving it a completely new set of characteristics; after all, an executive sedan is vastly different than a sports car, with priorities centering

Enlarged bore and stroke increases displacement to 5.2 liters (up from 5.0 liters), satisfying the requirement for more torque, while the addition of FSI direct injection bumps the compression ratio to 12.5:1. (Photo: Audi of America)

on refinement and ease of operation. Enlarged bore and stroke increases displacement to 5.2 liters (up from 5.0 liters), satisfying the requirement for more torque, while the addition of FSI direct injection bumps the compression ratio to 12.5:1, improving efficiency while reducing emissions and fuel consumption. The engine also includes two-stage variable valve timing on intake and exhaust manifolds.

Despite the countless advancements that normally yield a greater horsepower count, the outcome is the opposite, a horsepower drop from 500 to 450. Instead, the gains are in torque, where a useful increase of 22 lb-ft of torque is seen, making for a total of 398 lb-ft compared to 376 lb-ft in the Gallardo. Furthermore, different internal components and governing

Having learned a thing or two about improving dynamics from the RS4, the S8 features a revised version of the quattro AWD system with an asymmetrical torque split. (Photo: Audi of America)

electronics have been added so that the car now produces peak pull at a less peaky 3,500 rpm, as opposed to the baby bulls 4,500 rpm. To boot, the S8 features a linear torque curve, with 90 percent of max twist accessible from 2,300 rpm.

Page:  1

AUTOMOBILE REVIEWS BY MAKE

Acura  Audi   Bentley   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Daewoo   Dodge   Eagle   Ferrari   Ford   Geo   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   Kia   Lamborghini   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Maserati   Mazda   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Oldsmobile   Plymouth   Pontiac   Porsche   Saab   Saturn   Scion   Subaru   Suzuki   Toyota   Volkswagen   Volvo