Audi has revealed a new performance saloon - the S8 'plus'.
Audi's engineers have further advanced the 4.0 TFSI engine for the new S8 plus, with the V8 biturbo engine now pumping out 445 kW (605 hp) - a 85 hp increase - and a maximum torque of 700 Nm in overboost mode. Audi says it can even produce 750 Nm. Accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, the S8 plus can optionally be increased to 189 mph.
"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." says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG.
Another reason for the performance figures is the S8's lightweight design, with the body made almost entirely of aluminium. Based on the Audi Space Frame (ASF) and weighing just 231 kg (509.27 lb), Audi says this is the lightest among the competition.
Modifications made to the 4.0 TFSI range from a special engine control with speed and charge pressure boosting to its modified exhaust valves and the inner geometry of the turbocharger that was optimised 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 S8 plus. UK specification models are fitted with 21-inch alloy wheels in a unique high-gloss black double-spoke design shod with specially designed size 275/35 tyres.
Upon choosing the optional dynamic package, top speed increases to 189mph, and fade-resistant carbon-fibre reinforced ceramic brakes are added, featuring brake calipers finished in anthracite-grey with the Audi ceramic logo.
Styling wise, the new S8 plus features a standard spoiler lip on the rear lid, painted in the exterior body colour, which is also available in carbon fibre as an option. The flaps in the side air inlets and the blade on the front apron are made of carbon fibre. The mirror housings in body colour 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. Distinctive design characteristics of the S8 plus also include darkened tail lights and a gloss black diffuser insert, which has an additional carbon surround. The standard dual-branch sports exhaust system opens out into two oval high-gloss black tailpipes on the left and right giving the S8 plus a 'sporty V8 sound'.
The interior of the S8 includes numerous sporty details, with contrasting stitching in Arras red used throughout the black full-leather interior. Piping, also in Arras red, trims the comfort sport seats as well and 'emphasises the stylish side' of the sport saloon. The headlining and rear parcel shelf are designed in black Alcantara.
A contrasting red thread woven into the upper inlay can also be specified in favour of the carbon atlas inlays fitted as standard. Black piano paint trims the gear selector lever of the tiptronic and the centre console. Characteristic of the interior of the S models are the round instruments with grey dials and white needles and the stainless steel pedals. 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.
The new Audi S8 plus will open for ordering in October, priced from £97,700 OTR, with first UK deliveries expected to commence in January 2016.
