A8/S8 [Official] 2013 Audi S8

[Shining Star]

A8 looks much improved with the S8, but it still isn't perfect. IMO the lower bumper doesn't quite tie in to the rest of the car well; it looks somewhat aftermarket.

 

[Tarek]

Well i think the new one trashes the old in terms of looks..

 

[donkeykong]

I agree the D3 S8 was a great design,but this new one is on a whole different level.

 

[mini_cooper4]

I don't like the interior that much but I'm starting to fall in love with the S8's exterior.
I never thought I'll say something like this but I want this car so bad!

 

[K-A]

Looks good, and makes the car work more. I've seen a few A8's on the road, and they actually look very nice in that clean, sharp, Euro and very simple look. The large proportions do the talking, and in certain lights/at certain angles, it speaks nicely. Issue is, it doesn't hold a presence or look that commands the price. It has the presence of a large A4 more or less, for better or worse. I feel that it doesn't try to look "expensive", like M-B's for example do, but I think that's the whole point of Audi, understated presence who's whole purpose is to not tell you about how expensive it is: Basically it's like the anti-Benz, and I feel that Audi goes for that. Now the front LED graphics and front ends seem like the Marketing Department designs them, as they are kind of doing their own thing.

If I needed an understated, and techy cruiser to roam around in, while my Exotic sits in the garage, I might go for an A8/S8. But if the car is gonna be my Queen, I'd have to go S-Class, then 7-Series, then S8, in this Category. Throw the XJ somewhere in there, either first or last, lol.

 

[martinbo]

I agree completely with Merc1 - new D4 A8 looks too FWD in its proportions.

 

[q5s]

The S65 is only RWD and it has the old slow 5 speed gearbox. I think the 0-160km/h time will be a better indication of the advantage of having that extra power.

Even with a longer 0-160km/h time the S8 may still be well ahead.
Watch the video below.
Audi RS3 Sportback v BMW 1 Series M Coupe Drag Race - Auto Express - YouTube
Too bad they used a five door family hatchback instead of the tt rs coupe. Probably wanted to fit both cars in the same shot

 

[Merc1]

EVO is first behind the wheel of Audi's new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged S8 prototype

What is it?

The world’s first drive of Audi’s new V8, complete with ‘cylinder deactivation’ technology, which will debut in the production version of the Audi S8 later this year.

The one you’re looking at here is a prototype, but it’s good enough to get a strong impression of how this engine will work on the road – even if we didn’t get a real opportunity to feel how the S8 will be as an overall proposition.

This is an important engine for Audi – and Bentley. Versions of it will also find their way into the S6, the S6 Avant, the S7 and the Bentley Continental GT, slashing the fuel consumption of all of them.


Technical highlights?

Where to start? Audi has taken a leaf out of BMW’s book by firing the exhaust gases out into the middle of the 90-degree V8, where two twin-scroll turbos are nestling to reclaim their energy. There’s direct fuel injection and variable valve timing as you’d expect from a top-spec Audi, but the really clever bit is the way this V8 can turn itself into a V4.


When it doesn’t need full power the Audi deactivates cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8. That can only happen when the engine is producing less than 185lb ft of torque, the car is in at least third gear and there’s between 1000 and 3500rpm showing on the tacho. If all the boxes are ticked, sleeves on the camshafts slide electro-mechanically to move ‘zero lift’ lobes next to the sleepy cylinders. The system can re-fire the idle cylinders in just 0.3 seconds.

Audi counteracts the potential for noise and vibration from the now-V4 engine with clever active engine mounts and ‘Noise Control’, which has four microphones in the cabin searching for unwanted sounds and harmonics, which are then cancelled out by playing the ‘inverse’ waveform.


What’s it like to drive?

Silky. It really doesn’t sound like a V4 half the time. For a start, the gorgeous, bass-heavy V8 rumble is unaffected in first and second gears. You only really know that four cylinders have cut out when the digital efficiency bar between the speedo and the tacho turns green to show that you’ve gone into fuel-sipping mode, just losing the edge of its manly tone.

Floor the throttle and the very changeover from V4 to V8 is so short that it gets lost in the automatic transmission’s inevitable kickdown anyway, so you really struggle to pick it up.


And, Lordy, this thing has some torque. It absolutely hurls the S8 down the road in any gear, with each shift coming with a burbling crackle as the V8 bellows its presence.


How does it compare?

There’s a little bit of the BMW X6M’s V8 in its layout – the same motor that will power the new M5 – but Audi’s V8 is smoother and more sophisticated than that. And there’s no other premium engine out there that does its neat cylinder cut-out trick. On the evidence of our first spin, it looks set to become a very serious powerplant indeed.

Anything else I need to know?


The new V8 lowers the S8’s fuel consumption to just 28.3 mpg. Next year it will find its way into the Continental GT, where it should do similar miracles for the W12 Conti’s oilwell fire fuel consumption. The S6, S6 Avant and S7 will all get a lower spec version with ‘just’ 414bhp and 406lb ft – although both should be capable of crossing the 20mpg threshold.


Then there’s the really interesting question – what happens when the mad guys at Quattro turn it into a fully-fledged ‘RS’ engine…

Driven: Audi's new V8 review and pictures | evo


M

 

[donkeykong]

That engine sounds like a masterpiece.

 

[Merc1]

AUTOCAR - Audi S8 review








What is it?

Over the years we’ve never been completely convinced by the Audi S8. While it’s never lacked for performance, style, luxury or quality, we’ve always found it wanting in other certain areas – not least of ride quality on coarse-surfaced British roads, leading us to the conclusion that your money would be better off spent somewhere else.

This all-new third-generation model attempts to put that perception firmly to rest. And on first acquaintance, it is a big improvement on old, delivering even sharper performance, vastly improved economy, and crucially, on the typically smooth roads near Audi’s Ingolstadt headquarters in Germany, a firm but controlled ride that lifts its overall refinement to levels approaching those of high priced performance models from BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz.

The big news with Audi’s new flagship performance saloon is the appearance of a new twin turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 direct-injection petrol engine that in a lower state of tune also powers the latest iteration of the S6 and the mechanically identical S7 – all planned to make their world debut at the Frankfurt motor show.

Engineered in a joint program between Audi and Bentley, which also plans to fit it to the Continental GT and GTC early next year, the 90-degree unit is the first recipient of a new cylinder on demand system that automatically shuts down four-cylinders on light throttle loads for added fuel saving.

As fitted to the S8, it delivers 69bhp and 80lb ft more than the old model’s naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10.

What's it like?

The gains, however, are not only evident on paper. Right from the off, the advanced unit feels more muscular and altogether more responsive.

On light throttle loads in third gear or higher there are no telltale signs apart from a digital read-out within the instrument binnacle that the new engine’s advanced electronic management system has chosen to close down the inlet and exhaust valves of cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8 in the interests of fuel saving and lower emissions.

The operation of the cylinder deactivation system on the pre-production prototype we drove was absolutely seamless, both from a mechanical and acoustic standpoint. This perception is achieved, in part, by what Audi calls active noise cancellation – a system used to suppress the typical hum and what the German car maker describes as other intrusive acoustic elements of the engine when running in four-cylinder mode.

With added throttle, the delivery is uncannily smooth and extremely linear across a wide range of revs. There’s no discernible turbocharger lag of any kind, just a compelling and boundless seam of energy all the way from the 800rpm idle all the way to the 6500rpm cut-out point. And to top it all off, there’s a lovely deep burble through the exhaust that grows in intensity as you pile the revs on.

In lower gears, a combination of the new engine’s heady torque loading and the latest iteration of Audi’s Torsen four-wheel-drive system provides for rabid straight-line speed, as evidenced by Audi’s official 0-62mph time of just 4.2sec – or 0.9sec faster than the old S8. Considering its relatively small capacity by performance car standards, its in-gear performance is extraordinary.

Where the big Audi really excels is on damp roads. Big applications of throttle out of slow corners fail to upset its composure, even in the wet. As an all-season proposition, it is going to take some beating.

Audi has also tweaked its eight-speed automatic gearbox with alterations to the torque converter and a new electronics package. It shifts with great conviction, both on light loads and wide open throttle, while offering stop/start and brake energy recuperation functions that helps the new S8 achieve a 6.3mpg improvement in combined cycle consumption at 27.7mpg.

Should I buy one?

Definitive judgment will come when we get to put a production version the new S8 through its paces on more familiar blacktop later this year. For the time being, however, the pre-production prototype driven here suggests the S8 may have finally come of age. More miles are needed to discover whether our concerns about the synthetic feel of its steering are justified. But we’ll be very surprised if our impressions of improved ride quality aren’t felt on British roads. The new model feels much more settled, even on the optional 21-inch wheels and giant 265/35 R21 Pirelli P-Zero tyres fitted.


Audi S8 - Road Test First Drive - Autocar.co.uk


I'm really trying to like it completely, but it will take some time. The engine is the business though.


M

 

[bum-man]

So it sounds like Audi just surprised us all and one upped both Mercedes and BMW with this new engine.

 

[Sunny]

Looks good in darker shade.



And here is confirmation of Audi copying "hot side inside" lay out from BMW. I am guessing they didn't copy cross flow manifold cause it is patented, with out which there is really not much advantage to the layout besides engine being little more compact. So I wonder why they went to the trouble to copy it?

Audi has taken a leaf out of BMW’s book by firing the exhaust gases out into the middle of the 90-degree V8, where two twin-scroll turbos are nestling to reclaim their energy.

 

[klier]

There’s a little bit of the BMW X6M’s V8 in its layout – the same motor that will power the new M5 – but Audi’s V8 is smoother and more sophisticated than that.

It's actually not the same, as the M5 has the TU engine. We'll see what engine is best
But those quick reviews of the S8 are lovely so far. BMW should really bring an M7

 

[Tumbo]

It really blows me away.. still.. that this huge ship can do 0-100 in 4.2 .... Its unbelivable quick!

 

[deity]

I really like the A8. While on a business trip in China, I was driven around in this car for nearly a month, and when people say that it has a nice interior, they aren't joking. Yes, the amount of trim seems a little overwhelming at first, but when you're actually sitting in the car, you really take the time to appreciate the level of detail and care that they've put into making the interior. This extravagance is something that is a little lacking in the S Class, where I find the backseats to be a little inferior to the A8.

I've also had the fortune of trying out the footrest, which really does work well with the seat. After a long day, there was nothing better than cuddling in the backseat with the massagers on, along with a nice, cool seat. The B&O system in the background was playing in a nice tune, and I had one of the most comfortable rides in a long while. I was beginning to like it slightly more than the 7er, but depending where I decide to purchase this car, my opinion will change. The 7er is fantastic to drive. If I decide to get this over in Canada, it will no doubt be my choice. But with my driver in HK, it seems nice to experience this type of pampering and luxury in the back. As Simon Cowell said on Top Gear: "If you're riding first class on British Airways, you're not going to care what the side of the plane looks like."

It really does feel like a first-class cabin in there. The ride was fantastic, perfect in the start-stop conditions of the city, while being very powerful on the highway. The A8 is a special car on the outside as well. Sure, its a little too much like that A4 in its design, but I was very impressed by the exterior. The front is really sharp with the LEDs (which I really like), and the sheer size and understated-ness of it is quite classy, IMO.

The A8 is again, what Audi is all about. Clean, unassuming, purposeful, avant-garde and sleek. I really wish MB would return to that, especially with its higher end luxury saloons, which might be getting a little fussy and gimmicky with the new W222. I really like the A8, and i'm sure the S8 will be impressive. The car itself is sort of like a Maybach. Not ostentatious, but very plush on the inside.

 

[mini_cooper4]

I should admit that this car is great...
Good job!
That coming from me is A LOT. I don't like Audi at all.
S63 > S8 > 760i
For the first time in history a very good BMW is last in my book.
I hope the M750d will make me rethink

 

[Monster]

Even with a longer 0-160km/h time the S8 may still be well ahead.
Watch the video below.
Audi RS3 Sportback v BMW 1 Series M Coupe Drag Race - Auto Express - YouTube
Too bad they used a five door family hatchback instead of the tt rs coupe. Probably wanted to fit both cars in the same shot

I suppose that can happen, however the 1M in the vid did posted a 0-100mph time of 11.1 vs 11.7 from the RS3, so the 1M is quicker, but just haven't pull ahead at that point.

 

[Sunny]

It really blows me away.. still.. that this huge ship can do 0-100 in 4.2 .... Its unbelivable quick!

Not to take anything away from S8, but Panamera does it in 4secs (3.8 with chrono package) and it does it with 500HP and it weighs even more - that is the advantage of AWD. But the real headline figure for S8 is not 0-60 time, but the 28mpg - that is mind boggling for a 500+HP cruise ship, but I am guessing much of it is probably achieved in 4 cylinder mode.

Edit - hmmm, I am guessing that 28mpg is imperial mpg in which case it matches what BMW claims for M5. It will be interesting to see how it all pans out in real tests.

 

[martinbo]

Sunny, don't you find it curious how low key Audi is being in regard to making a song and dance about technical aspects of this all new engine? Normally they'd have had fancy animations and in-depth cutaway images accompanied by lengthy press release copy. It's odd.

 

[Sunny]

Sunny, don't you find it curious how low key Audi is being in regard to making a song and dance about technical aspects of this all new engine? Normally they'd have had fancy animations and in-depth cutaway images accompanied by lengthy press release copy. It's odd.

Hehe, now that you say it, yes. They are probably extra low key cause the AMG M152 took the bang away from the cylinder deactivation part too - the one thing that make it stand out from N/S63. Not that there is anything new about cylinder deactivation, but coming so close on the heals of the M152's debut must have been frustrating.

But I still wonder why they copied 'hot side inside' lay out if they can't copy the cross flow manifold (assuming they haven't), any ideas? Lack of space under the hood?