The biggest news to come with the announcement of the S8 is its motor. As much of a mechanical masterpiece as the 6.0-litre W12, including
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| The upcoming S8 features a reworked V10 engine borrowed from Italian subsidiary and supercar-maker, Lamborghini. (Photo: Audi Canada) |
the potential in twin-turbocharged form as noted by applications in the Bentley Continental series, Audi has opted for a different engine altogether. Under the hood lies, not an upgraded version of the RS4's 4.2-litre FSI V8, nor a biturbo V8 engine as with the RS6, but rather a V10 engine borrowed from Italian subsidiary and supercar-maker, Lamborghini.
A significant number of changes have been made to this thoroughbred ten cylinder, giving it a completely new set of characteristics; after all, an executive sedan is vastly different than a sports car, with priorities centering on refinement and ease of operation. Enlarged
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| Enlarged bore and stroke increases displacement to 5.2 litres (up from 5.0 litres), satisfying the requirement for more torque, while the addition of FSI direct injection bumps the compression ratio to 12.5:1. (Photo: Audi Canada) |
bore and stroke increases displacement to 5.2 litres (up from 5.0 litres), satisfying the requirement for more torque, while the addition of FSI direct injection bumps the compression ratio to 12.5:1, improving efficiency while reducing emissions and fuel consumption. The engine also includes two-stage variable valve timing on intake and exhaust manifolds.
Despite the countless advancements that normally yield a greater horsepower count, the outcome is the opposite, a horsepower drop from 500 to 450. Instead, the gains are in torque, where a useful increase of 22 lb-ft of torque is seen, making for a total of 398 lb-ft compared to 376 lb-ft in the Gallardo. Furthermore, different internal components and governing electronics have been added so that the car now produces peak pull at a less peaky 3,500 rpm, as opposed to the baby bull's 4,500 rpm. To boot, the S8 features a linear torque curve, with 90 percent of max twist accessible from 2,300 rpm.
