Audi

The 2012 Audi S8 and 4.0 TFSI Exposed

By Ryan Konko

Posted on September 1, 2011

Executive power.

At the 2011 IAA in Frankfurt, Audi will unveil the 2012 Audi S8 alongside the new Audi S6 and Audi S7 models. The new Audi S8 is the king of all S-models from Audi, boasting the most powerful version of the 4.0 TFSI engine, sumptuous luxury, and superb driving dynamics.

The new 2012 Audi S8 will be powered by a more powerful version of the 4.0 TFSI engine used in the S6 and S7 models. In the S8, the 4.0 TFSI will produce 100 more horsepower than the S7 and S6, and still achieve first-rate economy. The 4.0 TFSI twin turbocharged V-8 produces an astonishing 520 horsepower and a plateau of 479.42 lb-ft. of torque from 1,700 to 5,500 RPM. Even though the 4.0 TFSI makes 70 more horsepower than the outgoing 5.2-liter V-10, consumption was decreased by 23 percent to an average of 23.06 US mpg thanks to new stop-start, regeneration, and Audi “cylinder on demand” systems. The power is sent to all four wheels through a new eight-speed Tiptronic transmission, sending the S8 to 62 mph in just 4.2 seconds and to an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.

The new eight-speed Tiptronic transmission gives the 2012 Audi S8 4.0 TFSI the perfect balance of sport and fuel economy. To save fuel, taller gears are used whenever possible to keep the engine at lower revolutions. The transmission can seamlessly shift out of the tall gears at the press of the throttle. The standard Quattro all-wheel drive system uses a self-locking center differential and rear sport differential to ensure all of the power of the 4.0 TFSI is transferred to the road.

Playing a large role in the athleticism of the large executive sedan is the Audi S8’s light chassis. The S8 was built using the ASF (Audi Space Frame) made almost entirely out of aluminum to bring the overall weight down to just 4,354 lbs; competitive with any BMW or Mercedes-Benz model. To ensure that the 2012 Audi S8 remains composed, Audi has tuned the standard air suspension and equipped it with variable damping and height. New five double-spoke wheels measuring 9 J x 20 with 265/40 R 20 tires come standard along with 15.75 inch front and 14.37 inch rear internally ventilated brake discs. Customers have the option to upgrade with seven different wheel styles, four of which measure 21 inches in diameter, and carbon fiber ceramic brake discs that save 11 lbs. of weight.

The 2012 Audi S8 is big and bold, just like the top-of-the-line S-model should be. At the front the performance sedan wears a single-frame grille with eight chrome double bars, an aluminum-look front bumper blade, and high-gloss black slats with an aluminum-look finish in the side air intakes. Each side of the Audi S8 wears new side sills with body color trim strips, polished aluminum-look mirror housings, and “V8T” badges on the front fenders. At the rear is a new spoiler atop the trunk and bumper with integrated diffuser and quad exhaust tailpipes.

The interior of the 2012 Audi S8 is a combination of rich luxury and sport. Exclusive multi-way power seats can be optioned with Lunar Silver quilted inserts and come in a range of colors, soft Valcona leather, and contrasting stitching and piping. Greeting passengers are illuminated door sills bearing the “S8” logo and embossed “S8” logos on the seats. The logos can also be found on the leather steering wheel with contrasting stitching, bespoke gauges, MMI greeting screen, and analog clock. For a sense of sport, the shift paddles and pedals are finished in aluminum. Other high-tech options for the S8 include a new 360-degree camera system with four small exterior cameras, and a 19-speaker, 1,400-watt Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System.

The new 2012 Audi S8 4.0 TFSI will make it’s debut at the 2011 IAA in Frankfurt alongside the new Audi S6 and S7. The Audi S8 will arrive in dealerships in the spring of 2012 and be available in nine different colors including the exclusive Daytona Gray and Prism Silver. Pricing has not been released.

2012 Audi S8 4.0 TFSI Specifications

Engine:
Type: 4.0 TFSI
Displacement: 4.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Twin turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 520 (382 kW)
Maximum Torque: 479.42 lb-ft. (650 Nm) from 1,700 to 5,500 RPM

Transmission:
Type: Eight-speed Tiptronic
Drive: Quattro all-wheel
Standard Differentials: Self-locking center and rear sport differentials

Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.2 seconds
Top Speed: 155.34 mph (250 km/h)

Wheels, Tires, and Suspension:
Wheels: 9 J x 20 five double-spoke design
Tires: 265/40 R 20
Optional Wheels: Five styles, up to 21-inches in diameter
Brakes: 15.75 inch front and 14.37 inch rear internally ventilated discs, matte black calipers with S8 logo
Optional: Carbon ceramic discs with anthracite Gray calipers; save 11 lbs. of weight
Suspension: Sport tuned air suspension with adjustable damping and height settings

Exterior:
-Single frame front grille with eight double horizontal chrome bars
-Front aluminum-look spoiler
-Front air intakes in high gloss black with aluminum-look
-Side sills with body color trim
-V8T front fender badges
-Aluminum-look side mirrors
-Rear trunk spoiler
-Rear bumper with integrated diffuser and quad exhaust tips