RE: Frankfurt: Audi S8 And Friends
Wednesday 14th September 2011
The Audi S models are strange beasts. On paper there are very PH-worthy power outputs and lots of technical intrigue but on the road it rarely adds up. Perhaps the flurry of new S Audis comprising S6, S7 and S8 here at Frankfurt will convince us.
Joining the S8 is an all new S6 (saloon and Avant) and S7. They're losing the Lambo V10 as well and get the same 4.0-litre V8 in a lower state of tune.
Frankfurt: Audi S8 And Friends
Audi reveals a whole range of new S expresses
Audi has dropped the Lamborghini-sourced 5.2-litre V10 and replaced it with a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 in the all-new S8. Power is up to 520hp and torque rises to 479lb ft. 0-62 disappears in just 4.2 seconds making this one fast limo.
Adequately green too, 27.7mpg apparently achievable thanks to cylinder deactivation - clearly this year's must have for otherwise thirsty V8s given its appearance on the SLK55 AMG too. There's also a new active noise cancellation (ANC) system. It works like a set of (very big, admittedly) noise cancelling headphones - 'hearing' the noises in the cabin and playing an anti-phase sound to cancel it out.
Pegged at 420hp there's a 15hp reduction in power over the V10 but a smidge more torque. Each car gets the S8's cylinder deactivation technology and ANC system as standard.
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Discussion
The ANC system is interesting. Seems to have been talked about for years and years but never actually happened. Works really well on my BOSE headphones, so might be good. Would be nice to have as much noise as you want when you're going for it but be able to switch it off on long journeys
Robmarriott said:
I guess this paves the way for the RS6 too, assuming it gets the same tune as the S8... which is a shame, as that's 50bhp less than the old model.
I think we can be quite sure the new RS6 will be a good deal more powerful than the S8. In the last two models the RS6 has had significantly more power than the S8.OdramaSwimLaden said:
Robmarriott said:
I guess this paves the way for the RS6 too, assuming it gets the same tune as the S8... which is a shame, as that's 50bhp less than the old model.
I think we can be quite sure the new RS6 will be a good deal more powerful than the S8. In the last two models the RS6 has had significantly more power than the S8.Beefmeister said:
OdramaSwimLaden said:
Robmarriott said:
I guess this paves the way for the RS6 too, assuming it gets the same tune as the S8... which is a shame, as that's 50bhp less than the old model.
I think we can be quite sure the new RS6 will be a good deal more powerful than the S8. In the last two models the RS6 has had significantly more power than the S8.Robmarriott said:
I guess this paves the way for the RS6 too, assuming it gets the same tune as the S8... which is a shame, as that's 50bhp less than the old model.
Agree - the new A8, as a whole, doesn't look very special. It's actually hard sometimes to differentiate between the different models when you see them on the road.4.2 secs is rapid - isn't that quicker than the new M5s quoted 0-60 time?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kfXq5uXzAM
If it can possibly sound as good as that I will be impressed.
It wont though.
If it can possibly sound as good as that I will be impressed.
It wont though.
bobberz said:
Time for a new Transporter movie?
Would love some pics/info on the S7 and S5. Does the S5 still have that lovely V8, or has it gone to the 6 pot that's in the S4?
Ditto - what's the donk in the S5? Also, concur, 'S' cars have been the 'non-entity' in Audi's range for years - you want power, buy an RS, you want aesthetic enhancement, buy a Sportline pack and save $$$...Would love some pics/info on the S7 and S5. Does the S5 still have that lovely V8, or has it gone to the 6 pot that's in the S4?
predding said:
Ditto - what's the donk in the S5? Also, concur, 'S' cars have been the 'non-entity' in Audi's range for years - you want power, buy an RS, you want aesthetic enhancement, buy a Sportline pack and save $$$...
you cant always buy the power though as they only do a limited run of RS's at a time. when I bought my S4 avant, I wanted a new RS4 but at the time it was the A5 and TTs turn for RS treatment. Ill have to wait a year or so for the next gen RS4. The S4 is still bloody quick though.Beefmeister said:
OdramaSwimLaden said:
Robmarriott said:
I guess this paves the way for the RS6 too, assuming it gets the same tune as the S8... which is a shame, as that's 50bhp less than the old model.
I think we can be quite sure the new RS6 will be a good deal more powerful than the S8. In the last two models the RS6 has had significantly more power than the S8.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff