If you want a really fast highway limo these days, you head for a Bentley, Mercedes or Audi. And it is the Ingolstadt-based carmaker that is now coming up with an even more powerful version of the S8 , which it has distinguished by the epithet "plus".
Its biggest "plus" is undoubtedly the power unit – a twice-turbocharged four-liter eight-cylinder TFSI with an output of 605 hp and a torque of 700 Nm. In addition, it can be increased to 750 Nm for a short time in overboost mode. Compared to the standard S8, this is an increase of 85 hp, the lion's share of which is due to modifications led by a special engine control unit, increased speed and boost pressure of the turbocharger, modified exhaust valves and a new internal geometry of the turbocharger. Through the eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox , power is transmitted to all wheels, the limousine is also equipped with a sports differential, dynamic steering and adaptive air suspension. The dynamic values of the relatively heavy S8 plus (the basis of the aluminum body, however, is the ASF spatial frame weighing only 231 kg) are breathtaking – it reaches 100 km/h from rest in 3.8 seconds and develops a maximum speed of up to 305 km/h. Although the standard in most countries is still a limiter to 250 km/h, the speed can nevertheless be increased as part of the additional dynamic package. In addition to the displacement of the limiter, the aforementioned package also includes ceramic brake discs , reinforced with carbon fibers, with anthracite gray brake calipers, as well as a sports exhaust system.
You can tell at first sight that you are driving in the most powerful A8 specification. The front splitter and flaps in the side air intakes are made of carbon, the trunk lid is dominated by a spolier in the body color, which, however, can also be made of carbon fiber for an additional fee. The Singleframe grille and twin slats are gloss black, while the honeycomb structure of the side air intake grilles and grille is matte black. Mirror covers (in addition to the body color or carbon), decorative strips on the side windows or a diffuser with a carbon frame and two exhaust tips also have glossy black paint. The front lights use Matrix LED technology as standard, the rear ones are darkened for a change. 21-inch wheels with 275/35 tires and matt silver Florett body paint were specially designed for this model. However, all shades for the standard S8 will be on offer, as well as an additional styling package.
The cabin is completely upholstered in black leather , contrasted only by the seams in Arras red on the dashboard and sports seats. The ceiling and the area under the rear window are made of black Alcantara, which underlines the sporty appearance of the sedan. The main decorative strip of the dashboard is made of brushed aluminum , piano lacquer decorates the automatic transmission lever and the center console. In front of the three-spoke leather sports steering wheel is a pair of alarm clocks with a gray undertone and white hands, which are complemented by an on-board computer display in the hood. Standard equipment includes four-zone automatic air conditioning, MMI Navigation plus , Bose audio with surround sound or electric opening of the trunk lid. The S8 plus will be available exclusively with a short wheelbase at a base price of 145,200 euros (approx. 3.93 million crowns).
Source: Audi
