2016 Audi S8 Plus Unveiled With 605-HP Bi-Turbo V8
Audi has taken the wraps off its new 2016 S8, and the executive luxury sports sedan gets a power boost and a host of important upgrades. The car made its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Audi has added another turbo to the S8’s 4.0L TFSI V8 engine, which brings an 85-horsepower increase in power, bringing the grand total to 605 hp. Audi claims this makes the S8 the “highest powered sport sedan in the premium segment.” Torque is also up 72 pound-feet for a total of 553 for the bi-turbo (the last S8 had only one turbocharger). For comparison’s sake, the Mercedes S63 has only 577 hp with its V8, but with a V12, it packs 621 hp. A Maserati Quattroporte GTS has 523 hp, while a Jaguar XJR has 550 hp.
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Power is routed to all four wheels via an eight-speed tiptronic transmission. The sedan also gets an adaptive air suspension and a specially tuned steering setup.
Visually, the new S8 gets a blacked out grille, tweaked Matrix LED headlamps (standard in Germany, likely optional here), and darkened tail lights.
Fuel economy has also improved; the old S8 rang in at a combined 30.5 mpg, while the new one is rated at about 25 mpg.
The Audi S8 will be out in Europe in November for a base price of 145,200 euros. No details have been released yet about American pricing or timing for launch, but an Audi executive did confirm with us at the Frankfurt Motor Show that it will be for sale in the U.S. and showing at the L.A. Auto Show.
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Jodi has been obsessed with cars since she was little and has been an automotive journalist for the past 12 years. She has a Bachelor of Journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto, is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and a jury member for the prestigious North American Car/Truck/Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY). Besides hosting videos, and writing news, reviews and features, Jodi is the Editor-in-Chief of AutoGuide.com and takes care of the site's day-to-day operations.
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