Massive grip is the name of the game. Starting from the ground with gynormous P265/35R20 Yokohama Advan Sport tires to the multi-link independent air suspension and Quattro, the car's bite on the tarmac is tenacious. The suspension's ability to control the car's movements is remarkable; it can either be, like the engine, as cozy as a Lazy-boy or as sharp as a Leopard. The Audi Space Frame (ASF) is another marvel in Audi's repertoire. It is lightweight and extremely rigid. This quite plainly is the reason why the A8 and S8 feel as nimble easy to drive as they do.
As always, one of my favourite mechanical aspects are brakes and the S8 comes fully prepared with powerfully huge ventilated front and rear discs crunched on by dual-piston callipers up front. Steering consists of a variable assist speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion setup that provides precision in movement although with minimal feel.
Do I want one? What do you think?
I took a whole day off from work to take advantage of my being in the possession of this tremendous car. Unfortunately for me, Audi only loans these "special" cars out for 48 hours. So, on that day, after 6 hours of driving and nearly 400 km, the only negative comment that my lady-friend could come up with was that the cup-holders were deficient. I concurred; forget about lodging two large Tim Horton's cups in there, they do not fit. I simply said that the Germans design car that are meant to be driven and not to be used as a cocktail lounge.
The S8 has everything that anyone could ever possibly desire in car. It is comfortable, fast, prestigious, roomy, has plenty of styling and the added bonus of AWD; an advantage that many manufacturers are beginning to seriously explore. Perhaps you cannot tow your boat with the S8, although it has more than enough grunt to do so. If my garage was to hold only one car, I would seriously consider the S8.
The S8's price range is from $129,700 to just over $155,000 with options. My tester retailed for a tad under $150,000.
V10, V10, V10, V10...
Alcantara everywhere
Super stealthy
$150,000 (with options) may seem high but it is well in the norm
Another one that I cannot afford
Competitors (V8):
Mercedes S63 AMG
Cadillac STS-v
Maserati Quattroporte
Jaguar XJR
(V10):
BMW M5
photo:Philippe Champoux
 |
| Massive wheels partially hide equally massive brakes. |
As always, one of my favourite mechanical aspects are brakes and the S8 comes fully prepared with powerfully huge ventilated front and rear discs crunched on by dual-piston callipers up front. Steering consists of a variable assist speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion setup that provides precision in movement although with minimal feel.
Do I want one? What do you think?
I took a whole day off from work to take advantage of my being in the possession of this tremendous car. Unfortunately for me, Audi only loans these "special" cars out for 48 hours. So, on that day, after 6 hours of driving and nearly 400 km, the only negative comment that my lady-friend could come up with was that the cup-holders were deficient. I concurred; forget about lodging two large Tim Horton's cups in there, they do not fit. I simply said that the Germans design car that are meant to be driven and not to be used as a cocktail lounge.
The S8 has everything that anyone could ever possibly desire in car. It is comfortable, fast, prestigious, roomy, has plenty of styling and the added bonus of AWD; an advantage that many manufacturers are beginning to seriously explore. Perhaps you cannot tow your boat with the S8, although it has more than enough grunt to do so. If my garage was to hold only one car, I would seriously consider the S8.
The S8's price range is from $129,700 to just over $155,000 with options. My tester retailed for a tad under $150,000.
 |
Alcantara everywhere
Super stealthy
 |
$150,000 (with options) may seem high but it is well in the norm
 |
Another one that I cannot afford
Competitors (V8):
Mercedes S63 AMG
Cadillac STS-v
Maserati Quattroporte
Jaguar XJR
(V10):
BMW M5
photo:Philippe Champoux
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