Audi has its eyes firmly on the "sportiest sedan" title with its new S8 plus. The carmaker claims it is the "highest powered sport sedan in the premium segment." It has a power output of 445 kW (605 hp) and a top speed of up to 305 km/h (189.5 mph).
That power is produced by a 4.0 turbo fuel stratified injection (TFSI) V8 biturbo (or twin-turbo) engine that can also kick out a maximum torque of 700 Nm (516.3 lb‑ft), or 750 Nm (553.2 lb‑ft) in overboost mode. The S8 plus can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds.
Coupled with its power, part of the reason for the speed of the S8 plus is its lightweight design. Its body is made almost entirely of aluminum meaning it weighs in at just 231 kg (509 lb), which Audi says makes it the lightest car among its competition.
The S8 plus has an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox, adaptive air suspension that adjusts to suit the current road conditions and dynamic steering, the settings of which change depending on vehicle speed. Matrix LED headlights, each comprising 25 small, individual LEDs that can be individually controlled, are said to help minimize glare for oncoming traffic.
The S8 plus has a black interior with red piping and highlights, and Alcantara used for the seats. Owners benefit from sensor-based luggage compartment locking on their key and power-assisted door-closing.
The new Audi S8 plus will be available at the end of November for a base price of €145,200 (US$157,800).
Source: Audi
