Audi S8 2006 Model Review

Audi S8 2006 model Review

A CHARGED AUDI A8 WITH A DE- CHARGED GALLARDO ENGINE

The Audi S8 goes on sale from spring 2006.

PRICES NOT RELEASED

Now i spent a short while working for Audi and drove many top class cars including the A8 and Audi S4, so if anyones qualified to talk about the Audi driving experience its me. I managed to get to grips with the new S8 at a recent press launch recently and heres what i found out.

The New 2006 Audi S8 is a V-10 powered version of the German marque's largest executive saloon and will join the S4 as the only current S models. Its V-10 is based on the unit found in the Lamborghini Gallardo, although Audi upped the engine size to a 5.2 from a 5.0 litre, but reduced its power from an outrageous 520bhp to a rather less sensational 450bhp.

Call me jaded, but this still seems like a half-hearted attempt to keep stride with Mercedes-Benz's AMG and BMW's M divisions, given that both of them offer 500-hp engines. Perhaps Audi buyers are less overt in their sporting intentions.

Audi loves to say what a sporting brand it is and that the S8 is the most sporting car in its class. But Audi S8 Interior

saying it is doesn't necessarily make it so and while I applaud the steady but slow advances Audi has made throughout its classes towards the levels of driver entertainment so effortlessly provided by BMW there is still some distance to go.

EQUIPMENT: The A8 already boasts a luxurious standard equipment specification. This includes a leather multifunction steering wheel, deluxe automatic air conditioning, a luggage compartment lid with power-assisted closing, cruise control, electrically adjustable front seats and an electromechanical parking brake.

In addition to these items, the S8 will boast a wealth of other comfort and convenience features on the German market: the keyless driver authorisation system advanced key, double glazing for the windows, automatically dipping and electrically folding exterior mirrors, heating for the rear seats, a DVD navigation system and a Bose surround sound system with CD changer, Valcona leather and a leather-covered centre console and door armrests.

The standard equipment of the S8 also includes the innovative lighting technology adaptive light with LED daytime running lights. In this case, the xenon plus headlights are combined with static turning lights and dynamic cornering lights, as well as with special daytime running lights. Each consisting of five white light-emitting diodes, these only consume a minimum amount of energy.

One particular highlight that is available as an option for the S8 is the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System. The fully digital system from the Danish high-end manufacturer integrates 14 speakers, each energised by its own output stage. Two amplifiers provide more than 1,000 watts of power.

THE TEST DRIVE: The New S8 has lowered, stiffer suspension, quicker steering and vast 20in wheels but, while I would never quibble about the genuinely impressive levels of available grip from its Quattro all wheel drive system, it never really engages you as a driver. Indeed, there is something of the cinema show in the way it goes down a good road: you get to sit in comfortable, peaceful surroundings, while watching an impressive demonstration of technical and dynamic fluency. But you never lose that sense of being a spectator when all you really want to do is get involved in the action. I've driven A8's before and other than that extra brake horse power and stiffer ride the New S8 doesn't feel like that sports saloon in comparison. However it is quick, the 398 lb-ft of torque propels the S8 from 0-to-62-mph in 5.1 seconds that 0.2 of a second quicker than than Jaguar XJR and the Jag is 281kg heavier. To put that into real terms four 12 stone men heavier. At full pelt it will reach 155mph (limited). Of course the Audi is capable of giving you more, but its that old gentlemans agreement between certain german manufacturers that have limited the top speed to 155mph. Getting to these speeds on a track is a piece of cake, stopping it is the iceing. Despite the brakes already awesome stopping power, buyers of this new S8 will be able to order ceramic brake discs as an option at extra cost.

THE VERDICT: Maybe its my age, but i like this car. I'am not so bothered that it hasn't got the same 500bhp as the Bmw M series and Mercs AMG models. Maybe there saving that for the RS6. The fact that it is not going to be everybodies obvious choice when selecting a large £60k + executive car appeals to me. Its makes a real statement when you arrive in one and certainly won't be attracting rich scallies to its customer base, we'll leave that to the competition.

With the levels of standard equipment and the quality of interior treatment you won't get much change from £70,000. Don't think of buying one just to keep up with the Jones's. The type of person who buys an Audi S8 is capable of making a decision for themselves.

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