The MMI or Multi-Media Interface is the program by which nearly every aspect of the car can be tuned to your likings. Everything including the suspension, audio, navigation, telephone, voice commands and various setups are modified through a series of knob rotations, pushes and depressed buttons. Once most items were set to my preferences, the only two options I would play with were the navigation system and the suspension control. It can be done and, same for the HVAC controls, it takes a short while to get use to the system. Mind you, the BMW and Mercedes equivalents are no better.
Badda-BOOM!
The Bang & Olufsen advanced sound system is simply mind-expanding. There are 14 speakers including a 12-inch subwoofer and each has their own amplifier; that is 14 amplifiers for a total of 1,065 watts of power! There is even a pair of acoustic-lense speakers that automatically pop out of the top part of the dash. The sound generated by this conglomeration of audio equipment is phenomenal; the sound seems to originate from the center of the cabin while, at the same time, envelop you from every side. The definition and clarity of the music is incredible. At $7,800, this option is well worth it if you love music. All I can add is that the Black Eyed Peas and Madonna have never sounded so good.
10, yes 10
How do I love a V10? Let thy count the ways. It has power, it sounds incredible, it can be as docile as a sleeping golden retriever puppy or as ferocious as a Bengal Tiger on the hunt to satisfy its hunger and, when opening the hood, it is something to behold as Audi wisely did away with endless plastic trim covers.
The S6 and S8's 10-cylinder is derived from the Lamborghini Gallardo's V10. Audi increased the bore to bump displacement from 5.0L to 5.2L. The 450 hp, 15 more than the S6, arrive at a melodious 7,000 rpm and the 398 lb/ft of torque, at 3,500 rpm. Mated to a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with paddles, the combo pushes the 2,080 kg from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds according to Audi.
450, yes 450
I have no reason to doubt this number because when the 5.2L V starts firing on all 10 pistons, forget about the rumble in the Bronx, the S8 catapults itself forward without one iota of energy being wasted on wheel-spin thanks to Audi's masterpiece; the Quattro AWD system. First and second gears are eclipsed in mere seconds and when third engages, the landing gear folds itself away and the S8 is in orbit. From then on, the car's acceleration halts only when the driver releases the gas pedal. "How about passing manoeuvres?" you ask. I cannot give you a precise number for the 80-120 km/h but what I can say is that 80 km/h to much more than 120 goes by in less time than it takes Homer Simpson to eat a couple of donuts.
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| Audi's MMI is controlled by a series of buttons and a rotary knob and is displayed on a retractable LCD screen. |
Badda-BOOM!
The Bang & Olufsen advanced sound system is simply mind-expanding. There are 14 speakers including a 12-inch subwoofer and each has their own amplifier; that is 14 amplifiers for a total of 1,065 watts of power! There is even a pair of acoustic-lense speakers that automatically pop out of the top part of the dash. The sound generated by this conglomeration of audio equipment is phenomenal; the sound seems to originate from the center of the cabin while, at the same time, envelop you from every side. The definition and clarity of the music is incredible. At $7,800, this option is well worth it if you love music. All I can add is that the Black Eyed Peas and Madonna have never sounded so good.
10, yes 10
How do I love a V10? Let thy count the ways. It has power, it sounds incredible, it can be as docile as a sleeping golden retriever puppy or as ferocious as a Bengal Tiger on the hunt to satisfy its hunger and, when opening the hood, it is something to behold as Audi wisely did away with endless plastic trim covers.
The S6 and S8's 10-cylinder is derived from the Lamborghini Gallardo's V10. Audi increased the bore to bump displacement from 5.0L to 5.2L. The 450 hp, 15 more than the S6, arrive at a melodious 7,000 rpm and the 398 lb/ft of torque, at 3,500 rpm. Mated to a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with paddles, the combo pushes the 2,080 kg from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds according to Audi.
450, yes 450
I have no reason to doubt this number because when the 5.2L V starts firing on all 10 pistons, forget about the rumble in the Bronx, the S8 catapults itself forward without one iota of energy being wasted on wheel-spin thanks to Audi's masterpiece; the Quattro AWD system. First and second gears are eclipsed in mere seconds and when third engages, the landing gear folds itself away and the S8 is in orbit. From then on, the car's acceleration halts only when the driver releases the gas pedal. "How about passing manoeuvres?" you ask. I cannot give you a precise number for the 80-120 km/h but what I can say is that 80 km/h to much more than 120 goes by in less time than it takes Homer Simpson to eat a couple of donuts.
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| Fancy a race against the S8? You had better have a sub 5-second 0-100 km/h car. |