Best Car Models & All About Cars: Audi 2012 S8

Audi 2012 S8 Interior

The biggest, baddest, fastest and lightest modern S8 nevertheless has arrived - filling each the role of the high A8 model and prime S model for the Audi luxury lineup. For the latest generation this full-size performance sedan puts a brand new, downsized and uprated V8 to task along with a lightweight aluminum body for optimal performance and economy.

Powertrain

The S8 is powered by an all-new engine within the Volkswagen family, a four.zero-liter twin-turbo TFSI V8 that turns out 520 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque (from 1,700 to five,five hundred rpm).

Over and above being incredibly powerful despite its relatively small size, the engine also brings potency to the table thanks to several fuel-saving technologies including "cylinder on demand," a recuperation and a start-stop system. Cylinder on demand works underneath half load by deactivating four of the eight cylinders for an efficiency gain that's significantly pronounced at moderate highway speeds.

A package of acoustic measures including the Active Noise Cancellation system suppresses possible intrusive noise and vibrations that result from the utilization of only four cylinders.

Shifting duty is handled by an eight-speed tiptronic transmission that's tuned for each fuel economy and performance, helping the S8 to achieve about 23 miles per gallon – compared to a figure of only 17 mpg within the previous V10-powered S8.

0-to-60? Just 4.2 seconds with a high speed of 155 mph.

Chassis

As spectacular as the S8's powertrain is, the German automaker is simply as proud of the chassis that underpins the all-new S8. Features embrace a uniquely-tuned adaptive air suspension with variable damping, permitting up for to three inches of variation in ride height, adjusting together with the adaptive electronic steering as well.

Drivers can choose one of five different driving modes: comfort, auto, dynamic, individual and potency, every of which delivers a unique setup aimed at maximizing its respective qualities.

Moving toward the pavement, one will realize 20X9 wheels wrapped in 265/40/R20 tires as customary, with five different optional wheels – four of that come back in an exceedingly 21-inch diameter. The disc brakes hiding behind the wheels are a large 15.75 inches in the front and 14.thirty seven inches within the rear, grabbed by matte black calipers with S8 brand imprinted on them.

There are optional carbon-fiber ceramic discs, shedding eleven lbs of total weight and improving stopping power.

Body and style

The S8 options the Audi Space Frame (ASF) body that is created almost entirely of aluminum. As a result, despite its size and extensive list of luxury features, the S8 weighs in at a comparatively low four,354 lbs. The body itself contributes just keep of 510 lbs to that total, which is concerning 220 lbs less than a comparable steel-body.

Stylistic details embody one-frame grille in platinum gray with eight double bars coated in chrome. Audi also makes use of an aluminum-look blade to form the bumper design seem sharper, whereas high-gloss black slats and aluminum-look ribs within the facet air intakes add touches of style.

Wrapping around to the edges, one can realize door handles with strips of aluminum and aluminum-look mirror houses, in addition to body color trim strips on the sills. Out back, the S8 features a diffuser insert with a 2-layer aluminum-look end that is offset by platinum grey and frames two oval dual exhaust tips finished during a chrome-look finish.

The S8 can be had in 13 colors, with Daytona Grey and Prism Silver distinctive to the S model.

Luxury inside

As one would expect from a flagship Audi sedan, the S8 comes complete with an impeccable fit and end – says the automaker – that includes luxury bits with sport-minded driving at heart throughout. Seats return wrapped in leather, but are sporty in their form and vogue, complete with multi-method, power adjustability and are exclusive to the S8 model. Stitching and piping return in steel grey for added distinction, while the instrument panel higher inlays and tiptronic gear selector lever are finished in Carbon Atlas.

The S8-exclusive steering wheel comes wrapped in leather and contains a multi-function style with sporty driving at the core of its form. Looking past the steering wheel the driver can take notice of the ancient gray dials and white needles on the gauges, that is extended to the analogue clock in addition.

The door sills are illuminated with the S8 emblem, while different night-time illumination can come from the motive force data system and MMI monitor – every of that feature special S8 screens. Shift paddles and peddles are finished in an aluminum-look end.

Interior technology and features abound, ranging from a vast selection of interior colors, inlays and seat upholstery selections, to soft Valcona leather and seats with ventilation and massage functions. There is additionally a leather package, DVD changer, convenience key, LED headlights with double glazing and the ambient lighting package – all standard on the S8.

Optional options are also extensive, with multiple driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, which includes the stop and go perform, Audi side assist, Audi lane assist, night vision assistant with pedestrian highlighting and a lot of.

The S8 conjointly options a replacement Audi technology which utilizes a 360 degree camera for the parking system with four small cameras, allowing several views for the driver from inside the car.

A high-end Bang & Olufsen 1,400 watt sound system with nineteen speakers is also offered for the audiophile-grade speed junkies.

Audi 2012 S8 Engine