Audi‘s big limo gets even more power.
[Not a valid template]First there was the Audi A8, a very tidy large luxury car. Then there was the S8, for those that wanted even more power. And now, for those that want a limousine with even more performance credentials, there’s the RS8. Wait, no. Not the RS8, that would be silly. It’s called the S8 Plus, presumably because an Audi RS the size of a small apartment would be a bit ridiculous.
So yes, the Audi S8 Plus. It might not have an RS badge, but it’s no slouch, thanks to its 4-litre biturbo V8 with 597bhp and 553lb ft, which is enough to propel it to 100kph in 3.8 seconds. The top speed is 305kph, or 250 if you don’t opt to have the limiter removed.
The extra power comes from a revised engine control, which adjusts the boost to modified exhaust valves. The geometry of the turbocharger was also tweaked. Like the rest of the A8 range, the Audi S8 Plus sports a lightweight aluminium space frame body and a quattro all-wheel drivetrain attached to the eight-speed tiptronic transmission. The S8 Plus rides on revised adaptive air suspension and features dynamic steering. It rides on specially-designed 21-inch alloy wheels.
The higher top speed option comes with the Dynamic Package, which also adds carbon ceramic brakes and a sports exhaust system to gruff up the noise.
Looks-wise, the Audi S8 Plus has the option of a carbonfibre spoiler lip at the back (it’s painted body colour as standard), and the wing mirrors can come in gloss black or carbon too. There’s a smattering of black on the grille and side air inlets, as well as the side window trim, while the rear lights are darkened.
The Audi S8 Plus is only available in standard wheelbase and goes on sale from November in Europe, with prices starting at $147,700.
