Tuesday 18th October 2005

Audi barge gets Lambo powerplant

S8 will be punted by 450bhp V10 and be PQ

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S8 gets alloy tweaks over this A8

The range-topping Audi luxo-barge will be powered a Lamborghini V10, as revealed at the Tokyo motor show this week, according to Autocar.

On show was the new £50,000 S8, due to hit the dealers next year. It'll be propelled by a 450bhp, 40-valve four-camshaft engine very similar to that found in the Gallardo.

It gets more torque than the Lambo's powerplant but delivered at lower revs for a more relaxed delivery: 398lb-ft at 3,500rpm, with 90 per cent available from 2,300rpm, as opposed to the Gallardo's more peaky 376lb-ft at 4,500rpm. It's bigger too at 5,204cc, compared to the Gallardo's 4,961cc.

The underpinnings are much the same as the previous S8, using Audi's permanent Quattro 4WD and the A8's optional air suspension, but lowered by 20mm and a using a firmer setup. The four-wheel drive system's power delivery is more rear-biased at 40:60, and is driven through a six-speed Tiptronic 'box. No slouch, zero to 60mph is said to arrive in 5.1 seconds.

• www.autocar.co.uk

[r988]

Not a big fan of Audis latest styling attempts, but that looks S:censored:t Hot.

The look works much better on the larger car. Take one look at the new Merc S class, take a look at the 7 series and I'd say Audi owns the topend luxobarge segment right now :lick:

[jeremyc]

I wonder if they're going to do an RS8 ever....

[Bedford Rascal]

That looks AMAZING. For "only" £50k as well? I love it.

jeremyc said:

I wonder if they're going to do an RS8 ever....

Can you imagine what they'd have to get under the bonnet of that? 600bhp? 650? V10tt anyone?

[Dakkon]

I wonder if Gallardo buyers can choose this engine?

[huge]

[quote=Bedford Rascal]That looks AMAZING. For "only" £50k as well? I love it.


Thats what I was just thinking....the new RS4 is about the same....which makes the S8 fantastic value for the same price.Or are they doing a BMW/Merc on us...."sorry sir that basic list price doesnt include window glass,a steering wheel,headlights etc etc but youll find them on the options list !"

[Hendry]

It won't be £50K. The A8 4.2 Vs is £60K already, with the W12 about £75K - and that already has 450bhp.

Also it seems a bit weird that Audi are falling to fashion by slotting in a V10 (rather than tuning the W12), but then not keeping up with the Jones's by pushing "only" 450bhp. The BMW and Merc equivalents have much closer to/over 500bhp.

This story looks way off the mark.

The A8 IS a lovely looking car though.

[huge]

Yeah must agree about the 50k thing....nice idea though.Great looking car ,IMHO the only car where Audis new corporate grille thing really works

>> Edited by huge on Tuesday 18th October 11:34

[Marki]

Hendry said:

The A8 IS a lovely looking car though.

I agree ,,, but then i would would´nt i

Dont really understand the current S8 has the W12 and 450 hp so whats the advantage here

[AlexH]

Sounds impressive and sure it will go (very) well, but I don't understand everyone liking the looks...its bland, bland, bland. No flair, no style. I'll take a Maserati Quattroporte or Mercedes CLS instead please...

[Marki]

AlexH said:

Mercedes CLS instead please...

About the best looking larger car on the road , love them

[victormeldrew]

Seems a bit odd; the chassis is tightened up but a softer engine fitted. Hardly seems like a step forward. Is the W12 too expensive to make, and this a cost cutting exercise? I can't see anyone considering this the new "flagship" of the range when the W12 makes it look feeble.

[huge]

AlexH said:

Sounds impressive and sure it will go (very) well, but I don't understand everyone liking the looks...its bland, bland, bland. No flair, no style. I'll take a Maserati Quattroporte or Mercedes CLS instead please...

Understated elegance Alex,with a hint of aggression.But I agree about taking the Maser first looks wise.However 75k for a Maser is still a leap of faith surely ?......What about an M6 ?

[AlexH]

huge said:

Understated elegance Alex,with a hint of aggression.

I know where you're coming from, but not convinced. Understated certainly (which can be very nice), but don't think I'd use the word elegance...
I can however see how it could appeal as a Q car.

[cross-eyed-twit]

can't get my head around this Audi '42' valve motor...

[kevinday]

cross-eyed-twit said:

can't get my head around this Audi '42' valve motor...

You spotted that as well....

[Frik]

Simple - 4.2 valves per cylinder

[jellison]

Yep BARGE.

[Krusty]

Marki said:

AlexH said: Mercedes CLS instead please... About the best looking larger car on the road , love them

I sat in an AMG CLS55 at Goodwood. Really dissapointed as it was tiny inside, Narrow and when I had the seat in the correct driving position there was no room behind for anyone over the age of 12.

[jas16]

along with everyone else, £50K does seem 'cheap' for such a car. Looks ok, if i had the money i wouldn't buy this though. If it was to be an audi a8, i would buy the v10 TDI (i think there is such a car)

[800]

Its got about as much style and charm as a mass grave.




It does have 'sporty fog lights' though.