The New Audi S8 Makes Middle East Debut

The predictive active suspension, dynamic-all-wheel steering and Quattro drive with standard sport differential provide for outstanding vehicle dynamics straight from the factory. The new Audi S8 uses specific design elements to express the sporty elegance of the sophisticated luxury sedan with pinpoint precision.

Impressive Performance

As a V8 engine with mild hybrid technology, the high-performance powerplant in the Audi S8 offers not only maximum smoothness but with an output of 420 kW (571 hp), 800 Nm of torque and two turbochargers also the certainty that ample power is available for any situation. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, and 0-100 km/h is achieved in only 3.8 seconds. Iron-lined cylinder barrels in the aluminium crankcase reduce friction for exceptionally smooth running. Automatically actuated flaps in the exhaust system underscore the impressive sound. 

Sports car-level emotion and performance are paired with comfort and efficiency. The mild-hybrid system (MHEV) works continuously to reduce fuel consumption. Its 48-volt belt alternator starter and the additional lithium-ion battery enable coasting with the engine switched off, fast restart and an extended start-stop range. Fuel savings of up to 0.8 litres per 100 kilometres are possible in everyday driving. The cylinder on-demand system, which deactivates individual cylinders in low-load operating situations, provides for additional efficiency. The vehicle’s sound system features active noise cancellation to eliminate intrusive cabin noise for the ultimate in comfort. 

Innovative Suspension Components

The unique combination of innovative suspension components enables the flagship to cover the entire range from the velvety cruising of a luxury sedan to the dynamically taut handling of a sports car. The new S8 comes standard with the predictive active suspension. The high-tech system, which works in combination with the adaptive air suspension, can lift or push down each wheel separately via electromechanical actuators. It is, therefore, possibly for the first time to actively control the trim of the body in any driving situation and thus significantly reduce pitch or roll during acceleration or braking. The front camera, which detects more substantial road surface irregularities, enables this to be done predictively.

Highly Comfortable Luxury Sedan

The new Audi S8 can be a highly comfortable luxury sedan or a truly dynamic sports car – it’s entirely up to the driver. The Audi drive select system offers five profiles from which to choose. “Comfort +” mode is a new profile. It makes even cornering a comfortable experience: The body leans into curves by as much as 3 degrees to reduce the lateral acceleration acting on the occupants. In “dynamic” mode, the S8 turns in tautly. The maximum roll angle during fast cornering is just roughly 2.5 degrees compared with around 5 degrees with the standard suspension. The situational distribution of roll moments enables self-steering that is neutral or minimally oversteering. The active suspension enables another new function. The body is quickly raised by as much as 50 mm when the door handle is actuated for an even more comfortable entry and exit. 

The Audi S8 is redefining the limits of physical possibility thanks to the dynamic-all-wheel steering. This allows the independent adjustment of the steering angles at the front and rear axles. It, therefore, combines direct, sporty steering response at low and medium speeds with supreme stability on the highway and a tight turning circle, thus resolving a long-standing conflict of objectives. The sport differential actively transfers torque between the rear wheels during fast cornering. When turning into or accelerating in a curve, most are directed to the outside wheel. This pushes the car into the bend and nips any hint of understeer in the bud. In the case of oversteer, the sport differential on the rear axle transfers the drive torque to the inside wheel to stabilize the S8.

Sporty Handling in All Situations

Dynamic all-wheel steering, the sport differential and the predictive active suspension are all standard equipment. The interplay of these systems is unique in its class and ensures composed and sporty handling in all situations. Customers can choose the optional high-performance carbon-fibre ceramic brake discs with a diameter of 420 millimetres at the front axle and 370 millimetres at the rear axle. The ceramic brakes are internally ventilated, low-wearing and including the callipers are 9.6 kilograms lighter than cast-iron discs. Each of the front callipers has ten pistons. 

Precise Expression of Sporty Elegance

The progressive, elegantly flowing exterior design of the model series gets some new accents with the new Audi S8. Bold interior and exterior design elements finely hone the sporty character. Wheels up to 21 inches in diameter are available for the 5.17-meter long sports sedan. Details on the front bumper, side sills and the exterior mirror housings as well as the two S-typical twin exhaust tailpipes emphasize the car’s sporty and progressive character. The black styling package is also available as an option. Customers can choose from nine sophisticated colour and design worlds, including the Audi design selection pastel silver, for the spacious interior, which conveys the relaxed atmosphere of a luxurious lounge. Here the upper inlay – new and available exclusively in the Audi S8 – is made of Carbon Vector with a unique 3D depth effect. Directly below that is an inlay of dark, brushed matt aluminium. Lighting options range up to HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light and OLED rear lights. 

Sporty Luxury Model

Every detail of the new Audi S8 reflects its character as a sporty luxury model. One particular highlight is the usual comfort customized contour seats in sport look. They feature wide-ranging power adjustment, pneumatically adjustable side bolsters and separate three-stage heating for each seat. Added to this, ventilation and massage functions are available. Customers can choose between the top leather grades Valcona and Unikat. The rear seats also offer numerous features for outstanding comfort and provide for a first-class atmosphere in the Audi S8.

Digital and Intelligent Controls

All driving-relevant displays appear in the Audi virtual cockpit, which can be switched between two views. While the tachometer and speedometer are displayed as large dial-type gages in driving mode, the map is the centre of attention in infotainment mode. Both views have S-specific red graphical details. A unique S-performance layout for the Audi virtual cockpit where the central focus is the tachometer displayed as a square graph, and the output and torque are shown as percentages can also be selected in the MMI. The optional head-up display can reveal relevant information on the windshield.

MMI Navigation Plus

MMI navigation plus serves as the infotainment and media centre in the new S8. The Audi smartphone interface wirelessly brings Android Auto and Apple Car Play on board. High-end components such as the Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System and the Audi phone box round out the infotainment lineup in the new S8.

Audi dealers in the Middle East are now accepting orders for the new Audi S8, and the first cars should be delivered by the end of this year.

NEXT UP IN NEWS

• Dawn Black Badge Made Its Way to the UAE’s Highest Peak

• The New Generation Audi Q3 Makes Its UAE Debut

• Aston Martin DBX Set to Offer a Broad Range of Accessories in 11 Individual Packages

• The Rolls-Royce SRH Returns Home to Help Launch Love Your Hospital Fundraising Initiative

• Twelfth Victory in 18th Race for the Audi RS 5 DTM

• The New Audi RS 5 Coupé Launched In Dubai