2020 Audi S8 US

• Powerful V8 engine with 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque
• Standard combination of innovative suspension systems including Predictive active suspension, Dynamic all-wheel steering and Sport differential, ensure outstanding vehicle dynamics
• S model stature: Design draws attention to the confident elegance of the performance-oriented long wheelbase sedan

Expanding the A8 family, the Audi S8 combines progressive luxury with dynamic performance while honing its reputation as the benchmark for the brand’s engineering efforts with an innovative suspension system and exceptional performance. Its 4.0 TFSI engine – a biturbo eight-cylinder unit – produces 563 horsepower and an impressive 590 lb-ft of torque. It is combined with Mild Hybrid technology for a balance of efficiency and comfort with exhilarating performance. The standard equipped Predictive active suspension, Dynamic all-wheel steering and quattro drive with sport differential, provide for outstanding vehicle dynamics. Ensuring a distinct stance, the new Audi S8 uses specific design elements to express the progressive elegance of the sophisticated luxury sedan. 2020 Audi S8 US 4H.

Impressive performance: the engine

Joining the A8 model line, the high-power S8 sets itself apart from the competition. Encompassing a V8 engine with mild hybrid technology, the high-performance powertrain in the Audi S8 offers not only maximum smoothness, but with an output of 563 horsepower, 590lb-ft of torque and two turbochargers. The result is ample power available for nearly any situation. Top track speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Iron-lined cylinder barrels in the aluminum crankcase can reduce friction for exceptionally smooth running. Automatically actuated flaps in the exhaust system underscore the impressive sound.

Sports car-level emotion and performance are paired with comfort and efficiency. The mild hybrid system (MHEV) works continuously to help increase fuel efficiency. Its 48-volt belt alternator starter and the additional lithium-ion battery enable fast restart and an extended start-stop range. The cylinder on demand system, which deactivates individual cylinders in low-load operating situations, provides for additional efficiency. The vehicle’s sound system features active noise cancellation to eliminate intrusive cabin noise for the ultimate in comfort.

Vehicle dynamics: predictive active suspension, dynamic all-wheel steering and quattro with sport differential

The unique combination of innovative suspension components enables the flagship to cover the entire range from the smooth cruising of a luxury sedan to the dynamically performance-oriented handling of a sports car, all depending on the driver’s preference. The new S8 comes standard with the predictive active suspension. The high-tech system, which works in combination with the adaptive air suspension, can lift or push down each wheel separately via electromechanical actuators. It is therefore possible for the first time to actively control the body in certain driving situations and helps reduce pitch or roll during acceleration or braking. The front camera, which detects larger road surface irregularities, enables this to be done predictively. The Audi drive select system offers unique profiles from which to customize the drive experience. Through the comfort setting, even cornering can be a comfortable experience: The body leans into curves by as much as 3 degrees to help reduce the lateral acceleration acting on the occupants. In “dynamic” mode the S8 turns in tightly. The maximum roll angle during fast cornering is just roughly 2.5 degrees compared with around 5 degrees with the standard suspension. The active suspension enables another new function. The body is quickly raised by as much as 52.0 in when the door handle is actuated for an even more comfortable entry and exit.

The Audi S8 is redefining vehicle dexterity and maneuverability thanks to the dynamic all-wheel steering. This allows the independent adjustment of the steering angles at the front and rear axles. It therefore combines direct, agile steering response at low and medium speeds with supreme stability on the highway and a tight turning circle, thus resolving a frequent conflicting handling objective. The sport differential actively transfers torque between the rear wheels during fast cornering. When turning into or accelerating in a curve, most is directed to the outside wheel. This literally pushes the car into the curve and helps reduce understeer. In the case of oversteer, the sport differential on the rear axle transfers the drive torque to the inside wheel to help stabilize the S8. Dynamic all-wheel steering, the sport differential and the predictive active suspension are all standard equipment. The interplay of these systems is unique and helps ensure composed and performance handling. Customers can choose the optional high-performance carbon-fiber ceramic brake discs with a diameter of 16.5 inches at the front axle and 14.6 inches at the rear axle. The ceramic brakes are internally ventilated, low-wearing and including the calipers are 21.2 lb lighter than cast iron discs.

Precise expression of sporty elegance: the design

The precise and flowing exterior design of the model series receives a unique characteristic befitting of the performance-oriented Audi S8. Bold interior and exterior design elements finely hone the sporty character. Details on the front bumper, side sills and the exterior mirror housings as well as the two S-typical twin exhaust tailpipes emphasize the car’s sporty and progressive character. On the interior, new and available exclusively in the Audi S8 – the upper inlay is made of Carbon Vector with a special 3D depth effect. Directly below that is an inlay of dark, brushed matt aluminum. Lighting options range up to HD matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light and OLED rear lights. As with the A8, in the U.S. the Audi S8 is available exclusively as a long wheelbase model. The increased vehicle length and height means a significant increase in comfort for the occupants thanks to greater head and leg room over the previous short wheel base derivative.

Progressive and state-of-the-art: the equipment

Every detail of the new Audi S8 reflects its character as a sporty luxury model. One particular highlight are the standard comfort contour front seats with distinctive diamond stitch. They feature wide ranging power adjustment, pneumatically adjustable side bolsters and separate three-stage heating for each seat. Enhancing comfort further, ventilation and massage functions are standard. The rear seats also offer numerous features for outstanding comfort and provide for a first-class atmosphere in the Audi S8.

As with the A8, the S8 receives a comprehensive suite of Audi driver assistance features. Adaptive cruise assist stands out among the range of assist features. It combines the functions of adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist and lane tracking for ease behind the wheel. In combination with predictive efficiency assist, it helps brake and accelerate the Audi S8 in anticipation of the conditions ahead. In the Audi Driver Assistance package, Audi pre sense side joins the systems pre sense front and pre sense rear to create Audi pre sense 360° with Predictive active suspension. If the system detects an impending side impact, it can operate together with the predictive active suspension to instantly raise the body by as much as 3.1 inches. This brings the sill into a better position to absorb the impact energy, and help mitigate the potential consequences of the accident for the occupants.

The brain behind the driver assistance features in the new S8 is a high-performance processing unit, the central driver assistance controller (zFAS). It continuously computes a differentiated model of the vehicle’s surroundings based on the data provided by the sensors. When equipped with all available features, there are five radar sensors, six cameras, twelve ultrasound sensors and a laser scanner on board.

Digital and intelligent: controls and connectivity

The new Audi S8 offers a progressive technology experience with new digital services and state-of-the-art connectivity. The MMI touch response operating concept of the new Audi S8 is fully digital. The driver controls nearly all functions via two large displays. The driver can also use natural speech control, which offers virtually unlimited freedom when formulating questions and commands. The answers are provided either from information stored on board or from the cloud. Alexa, Amazon’s cloud-based voice assistant, is also available as an option. All driving-relevant displays appear in the Audi virtual cockpit, which can be switched between two views. While the tachometer and speedometer are displayed as large dial-type gages in driving mode, the map is the center of attention in infotainment mode. Both views have S-specific red graphical details. A special S-performance layout for the Audi virtual cockpit where the central focus is the tachometer, displayed as a square graph, and the output and torque are shown as percentages can also be selected in the MMI. The standard head-up display can display important information on the windshield.

MMI navigation plus serves as the infotainment and media center in the new S8. Besides the integration of the Amazon Alexa voice service, the extensive Audi connect range includes numerous car-to-X services that draw on the swarm intelligence of the Audi fleet. Traffic light information is a new feature that Audi is enabling successively in select cities across the United States. Interconnection with the city’s infrastructure allows the vehicle to receive information from the central traffic light computer via a server, alerting the driver of a speed to match the next green-light phase, within legal speed limit parameters. The Audi virtual cockpit displays an individual speed recommendation as well as the remaining time until the next green-light phase if the driver is already waiting at a red light. The system thereby contributes to a predictive and efficient driving style and facilitates a steady flow of traffic. Online traffic sign information, hazard alerts and on‑street parking round out the range of car-to-X services. The myAudi app can connect the car to the customer’s compatible smartphone so that they can easily send destinations to the car from their couch. The Audi smartphone interface wirelessly brings Apple Car Play and Android Auto on board. High-end components such as the Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System and the Audi phone box round out the infotainment lineup in the new S8.

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