The 2020 Audi S8 has been officially unveiled, two years after the automaker introduced the fourth-generation A8.
As the benchmark in the S model linuep, the S8 features a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine that makes 571 PS and 800 Nm of torque. This enables the large sedan to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h.
According to Audi, iron-lined cylinder barrels in the aluminum crankcase reduce friction for smooth running while automatically actuated flaps in the exhaust system deliver an impressive soundtrack.
Supporting the V8 mill is Audi’s mild-hybrid system (MHEV) that comprises of a 48-volt belt alternator starter and a lithium-ion battery pack. Audi says the system helps reduce fuel consumption by up to 0.8 liters per 100 kilometers and enables coasting with the engine switched off.
The new S8 comes standard with the predictive active suspension which can lift or push down each wheel separately via electromechanical actuators to reduce pitch or roll during acceleration or braking. The suspension works with a front camera that detects larger road surface irregularities.
Additionally, the suspension system can also raise the body by as much as 50 mm when the door handle is actuated, making getting into the car even easier and more comfortable. Also fitted as standard is the dynamic all-wheel steering and sport differential.
Customers have the option of choosing high-performance brake discs made from carbon fiber ceramic measuring 420 mm at the front axle and 370 mm at the rear axle. The ceramic brake system is 9.6 kg lighter than the standard cast iron discs, while each of the front calipers has ten pistons.
As for design, details on the front bumper, side sills and the exterior mirror housings as well as the two S-typical twin oval exhaust tailpipes underline the S8’s sporty character.
There are plenty of options to go for, including the black styling package, HD matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light and OLED rear lights, as well as wheels up to 21 inches in diameter.
Inside, the upper inlay is made of Carbon Vector with a special 3D depth effect and directly below that is an inlay of dark, brushed matte aluminum. The S8 comes standard with contour seats that come complete with power adjustment, pneumatically adjustable side bolsters and separate three-stage heating for each seat.
In terms of safety, Audi provides 38 driver assistance systems that are divided into the City and Tour packages. The latter combines the functions of adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist and lane tracking. In conjunction with predictive efficiency assist, adaptive cruise assist brakes and accelerates the vehicle in anticipation of the conditions ahead.
In the City assist package, Audi pre sense side joins the systems pre sense front and pre sense rear to create Audi pre sense 360°.
The brain behind the driver assistance systems is a high performance processing unit called zFAS. It continuously computes a differentiated model of the vehicle’s surroundings based on the data provided by the sensors. Fully equipped, there are five radar sensors, six cameras, twelve ultrasound sensors and a laser scanner on board.
