Audi S8
The Audi S8 skillfully combines both in one package, supercar performance and luxury limousine and are apparently mutually exclusive qualities, however, A 520-horsepower twin-turbo V8 provides acceleration rocket-grade, while one of the best interiors of Audi makes this range-topping Audi A8 full-size sedan an excellent way to travel long distances in comfort version. Audi S8 has been updated for the latest model year, adding refreshed with new interior options style and technology. Like the Audi A8 standard based on the Audi S8 is constructed almost entirely of aluminum, which helps keep the weight on performance and efficiency-undermining to a minimum. The two are also closely related exterior, with a handful of details like a sports phasic front, unique grille, rear diffuser and 21-inch wheels set of Audi S8 apart.
Under the long hood of the Audi S8 is a V8 4.0-liter engine that more than makes up for its relative lack of movement with a pair of turbochargers and direct injection. The output to 520 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque from 1700-5500 traded, although both figures are probably conservative. In independent testing, the Audi S8 has ran from zero to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, suggesting that the sedan can packing more ponies than advertised. Power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed with paddle shifters and Audi quattro four-wheel drive system, which in this application has a 40:60 front / rear torque split. A set of standard rear torque vectoring can send power to the outside wheel to minimize under-steer or over-steer in corners.
The Audi S8 rides on an air suspension with adaptive shock absorbers, and the settings can be adjusted to suit the driver’s preferences with unit selection system also controls the throttle response, steering effort and change the calibration. With unit selection in its sporty setup, the S8 is remarkably agile for such a large machine with precise steering and well-controlled body motions. Move the system in comfort mode, and Audi S8 adopts the role of pampered luxury sedan with softer, more deliberate responses and the relaxed ride.
Despite its performance credentials, the Audi S8 is no fuel consumption – is a power of 15/26 mpg, due to a cylinder deactivation system that essentially turns into a V4 engine in highway driving under the accelerator . Known as cylinders on demand, active configuration uses noise cancellation technology and active engine mounts to eliminate any problems that would be rude NVH in a vehicle such premium.
Audi S8 Interior
Impeccable craftsmanship and a stylish design define the cabin, with rich details like the quilted leather, real metal ornaments and the buyer’s choice of wood or carbon fiber accents. Well-reinforced sports seats keep the driver and front passenger in place during driving, while a three-spoke steering wheel and aluminum pedals are model specific touches. There is plenty of room for five to sit in perfect comfort, and the plethora of optional luxuries make the experience truly first class cabin: heating, ventilation and massage for the rear-seat entertainment system for the rear seat with double front and four-zone automatic climate control, ten-inch screens, an amazing 19-speaker, 1200-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system with speakers that rise from the dashboard on startup on a clean piece of theater.
Navigation features and entertainment is accessed via Audi MMI system, including the innovative touch panel to enter destinations or other written numbers and letters with a finger. It is one of configurations of information and entertainment most intuitive on the market, although some users find, their location at the base of the center console requires a bit of a reach. The Audi S8 navigation system incorporates Audi Connect with Google Earth integration of in-car connectivity and Internet industry offering panoramic, high-resolution 3D satellite / aerial imagery view.
Audi S8 Features
The Audi S8 is equipped with padded leather upholstery, heated front seats with electric adjustment of 22 tracks, a navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic, 14 speakers, 630-watt AM / FM Bose / CD / SiriusXM / radio HD Surround Sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, sensors front and rear parking, a bird camera system 360, a rear parking camera, sunroof, power rear side / rear sunshades, four-zone automatic climate control, LED taillights , full LED headlights and alloy wheels of 21 inches.
Several packages of different options available. Driver Assistance package brings the adaptive cruise control, the Audi pre-sense plus, Audi side assist and lane assist, and auto-dimming headlights. Cold Weather Package includes heated steering wheel and rear heated seats with ski bag. The Audi Design Package adds heated Selection rear seats, balsamic brown fine inlaid natural wood grain ash, alcantara head poster, Valcona leather seats with diamond-stitched sport look and comfort front seats. The stand-alone options include night vision with pedestrian detection and Animal Detection Wizard, sound system Bang & Olufsen, and a rear entertainment system. A head-up display is newly available, as is a Vermont Brown leather inlaid copper twill.
Audi S8 Safety
All Audi S8 models come standard with double-length curtain airbags front side, front knee, the front side and rear, plus traction and the stability control. The Audi S8 optional safety features include active lane assist, which alerts the driver when the S8 is wandering in an adjacent lane and even can gently steer the car back into the original lane. There are also Audi pre-sense, can detect obstacles in front of Audi S8 and apply the brakes to avoid an accident or mitigate its severity.
Audi S8 Competitors
The closest competitor to the Audi S8 is the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, which offers a similar blend of luxury and performance. The Jaguar XJR and the BMW 760Li V12 engine used comparable power but otherwise no sport more open approach to the Audi.
Audi S8 2014
