Full-size luxury with the heart of an exotic.
The Audi S8 was already ahead of the game in the high-performance, premium class sedans but now it’s getting even better. A luxury car this big isn’t supposed to have 605 horsepower, a 190 mph top speed, nor a 3.8-second 0-62 mph time, but the Audi S8 Plus does. It’s a cunning wolf in a sheep’s soft clothing.
“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 of the more overlooked aspects of the Audi S8 that contributes to these eye-popping figures is the fact that it’s based on the innovative Audi Space Frame (ASF) that tips the scales at 509.27 lbs. Throw in the fact that almost the entire body is aluminum and you’ve a perfect starting point for performance.
The real star of the show here is the twin-turbocharged 4.0 TFSI V-8 engine. Audi and quattro GmbH engineers collaborated to push the engine even further than the standard S8. A new engine software control, modified exhaust valves, and modified inner geometry of both turbochargers added on an additional 85 horsepower and more boost pressure. In total, 605 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of toque are on tap – with 553 lb-ft. of torque available in overboost mode for a period of time.
That type of power gives the Audi S8 Plus a 0-62 mph acceleration time of only 3.8 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, but that can be removed as an option, giving the super sedan a limit of 189.5 mph.
All that power is sent through an eight-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox to all four wheels of the Audi S8 Plus. An adaptive air suspension, sport differential, and dynamic steering add to the overall athleticism for the full-size luxury performance sedan. German models will come standard with a set of 21-inch wheels with 275/35 tires. The optional Dynamic Package on the Audi S8 Plus tacks on a new quattro GmbH sport exhaust as well as carbon fiber-reinforced ceramic brakes.
Visually, the Audi S8 Plus separates itself subtly from the rest of the pack. Carbon fiber flaps on the side air inlets and front apron blade work to optimize aerodynamics while the Singleframe grille and double-bars wear a gloss black finish. Black also adorns the side window trim strips and radiator screen, the latter in a matte finish. Darker-tinted taillights, a gloss black diffuser insert, and rear trunklid spoiler all add to the sportier nature of the beast.
Inside, driver and passengers benefit from a full black leather interior with contrasting Arras red stitching and piping while a black alcantara headliner and rear shelf sit above. Audi S8 Plus-specific gauges, dashboard panel, trim pieces, and more give it a more high-end, athletic feel over the standard S8.
The new Audi S8 Plus will be available as a standard-wheelbase model. No pricing or availability information is available at this time.
Audi S8 Plus Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 4.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 605 / 445 kW
Maximum Torque: 516.3 lb-ft. / 700 Nm (553.2 lb-ft. / 750 Nm with overboost)
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.8 seconds
Top Speed: 155 mph (limited) 189.5 mph (without limiter)
Audi S8 Plus Gallery
Source: Audi
Is the Audi S8 Plus the ultimate high-performance luxury sedan?
