2012 Audi S8 is Now Superior
The biggest, baddest, fastest and lightest modern S8 yet has arrived, the 2012 Audi S8 debut is filling both the role of the top A8 model and top S model for the Audi luxury lineup. For the latest generation this all-new Audi S8 puts a new, downsized and uprated V8 to task along with a lightweight aluminum body for optimal performance and economy.
2012 Audi S8 compresses the scales with 4,354 pounds – 236 pounds less than the previous model and just 42 pounds heavier than the 2012 A8 Audi. Compared to the previous A8, the Audi S8 cranks out 15 percent more power using 23 percent less fuel. This new car, the Audi S8, quotes John Smith in saying “I am Number Four,” and just like Mr. Smith, it packs powers that could be called super.
The Audi S8 is powered by an all-new engine in the Volkswagen family, a 4.0-liter twin-turbo TFSI V8 that turns out 520 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque (from 1,700 to 5,500 rpm). In addition to being incredibly powerful despite its relatively small size, the cars engine also brings efficiency to the table thanks to several fuel-saving technologies including “cylinder on demand,” a recuperation and a start-stop system.
Shifting duty is handled by an eight-speed tip-tronic transmission that is tuned for both fuel economy and performance, helping the Audi S8 to achieve about 23 miles per gallon – compared to a figure of only 17 mpg in the previous V10-powered S8. Meanwhile the Audi S8 0-60 is just 4.2 seconds while the Audi 2011 S8 top speed of 155 mph.
Cylinder on demand works under part load by deactivating four of the eight cylinders for an efficiency gain that is particularly pronounced at moderate highway speeds. As impressive as the 2012 Audi S8 powertrain is, the German automaker is just as proud of the chassis that underpins the all new Audi S8 2011.
The 2012 Audi S8 features include a uniquely-tuned adaptive air suspension with variable damping, allowing up for to three inches of variation in ride height, adjusting along with the adaptive electronic steering as well. Drivers can select one of five different driving modes in the Audi S8: comfort, auto, dynamic, individual and efficiency, each of which delivers a unique setup aimed at maximizing its respective qualities.
Moving toward the 2012 Audi S8 pavement, one will find 20X9 wheels wrapped in 265/40/R20 tires as standard, with five different optional wheels – four of which come in a 21-inch diameter. The disc brakes hiding behind the Audi wheels are a sizable 15.75 inches in the front and 14.37 inches in the rear, grabbed by matte black calipers with S8 logo imprinted on them.
credit image : Audi & AcerBus
The Pricing 2012 Audi S8
2012 Audi S8 is “now superior to all predecessors in all ways.” In fact, the predecessors might not be the only ones bested: The car is longer, lighter, more powerful, more frugal and quicker than the BMW 750i, and takes three-out-of-five against the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG (the Audi 2011 S8 is three inches shorter and down 19 horsepower to the Merc).
The Audi S8 price for the U.S. market hasn’t been announced, but you’re safe betting the Audi S8 2011 price will be harder on your offshore account than the $84,300 750i, but less punishing than the $140,000 S63. For an Äpfel mit Äpfeln comparison, the 2012 Audi S8 lists at €111,900 in Germany ($151k USD), where the 750i lists at €91,900 ($124k) and the S63 AMG runs €144,466 ($195k), all prices including Value Added Tax.
