Remember that astonishingly rapid looking Audi A8 mule from Dale's piece for PHTV about Industry Pool
testing at the Nurburgring
? It's now been officially confirmed as the S8 Plus, taking on uber barges from Mercedes, Jaguar and even nibbling at the heels of stablemates Bentley. By modifying the standard S8's 4.0-litre V8 TFSI motor - shared with the entry level Flying Spur remember - the engineers have increased power from 520hp to 605hp. That's not far off the 625hp of the 'senior'
W12 Flying Spur
, revealing some interesting internal power wars within the VW group brands. To that end the standard 155mph limiter can be increased to just shy of 190mph with the optional Dynamic Package. Optional? Not in Germany it's not, Audi seemingly ripping up the gentlemen's agreement and going for full Autobahn fast lane bragging rights. Insert stereotypes here...
Like an Audi, just more so
Said to be the fastest accelerating Audi S model ever built, it can hit 62mph in 3.8 seconds thanks to 553lb ft of torque with the overboost function. Stopping the behemoth takes an effort so the Dynamic Package adds ceramic brakes, as well as various carbon trimmings and a sports exhaust. Audi's 25 LED Matrix headlights have also been fitted to its flagship model, using mapping from the MMI to project a large pool of light without affecting other drivers. A new colour is available solely for the S8 Plus, 'Floret Silver' a matte effect, but other equivalently sinister colours are available.
Cars bound for the UK are fitted with the a 21-inch high gloss double spoke wheels with 'specially designed tyres'. Prices start at £97,700 with order books now open and first deliveries will hit UK roads in November. Commence