Audi barge gets Lambo powerplant
S8 will be punted by 450bhp V10 and be PQ
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.
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 !"
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.
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 ?
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.
victormeldrew said:
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.
Its expensive and v. heavy.
Probably contributes a significant portion of the Continental gt's 2800kg weight.
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