2012 Audi S8 Blends Brute Force and Beauty – Frankfurt Auto Show Preview

Set for its official reveal at the Frankfurt Auto Show in just two weeks time, Audi will launch an all-new S8. Discontinued in 2010 with its Lambo-s0urced V10, the 2012 model trades displacement for turbochargers, with a new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 making an impressive 520-hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, an improvement of 70-hp and 80 lb-ft.

Using Audi’s quattro AWD and an 8-speed automatic transmission the new S8 can hit 62 mph in just 4.2 seconds. In addition, Audi claims a fuel economy improvement over the outgoing model of roughly 23 percent. This is due in part of a start-stop system, brake energy regeneration and a “cylinder on demand” technology that allows the engine to operate on just four cylinders when under light load.

For idea performance the S8 comes standard with Audi’s sport rear differential, distributing most of the engine’s torque to the inside rear wheel in a corner. Other handling and performance goodies include an adaptive ride air suspension and dynamic steering that are tied into the Audi Drive Select system with five driver-selectable modes: comfort, auto, dynamic, individual and efficiency.

Sticking the S8 to the road are standard 20-inch wheels and tires with big brakes. Carbon ceramic brakes are optional.

Outside the car is distinguishable by a platinum gray front grille with an aluminum-look font splitter, signature aluminum-look mirror housings, and the same paint treatment on the rear diffuser. Plus, look for S8 or V8T badges. And inside the S8 gets the usual array of sporty accoutrements, with Audi’s incredible level of luxury, as well as high-tech safety and convenience goodies like Audi’s MMI system, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, Audi’s new pre sense system that can alert the driver of an impending collision, or if he/she is dozing off.

Look for more on the 2012 Adi S8 when it debuts at the Frankfurt Auto Show on September 13th.