2013 Audi S8 Test Drive

2013 Audi?S8: A rapid transit Luxury Class Sport sedan

The 2013 Audi S8 serves up everything provided in terms of amenities that are offered in both the A8 and A8 L, which have long represented the top end of four-door luxury sedans in Audi?s vehicle stable. Both being exemplary sedans, you might think that there would be nothing more to offer in the A8 series, but the 2013 Audi S8 sedan is certainly a cut above and offers considerably more in a?Luxury Sport Sedan

The S designation within the Audi ranks as the equivalent of the M models of BMW and AMG models from Mercedes-Benz ? in other words, the 2013 Audi S8 is a souped-up version of the A8. The S8 serves up the distinct sports appeal, elegant styling cues and the ultimate in comfort and convenience that the A8 does, but with a heightened level of performance across the board. The Audi S8 is only available on the regular wheelbase platform and not the extended, or ?L? version.

The 2013 Audi S8 is an exercise in exceptional dynamicism, which is expressed by?the combined sporty characteristics of the engine, transmission, sport-tuned?adaptive air suspension and styling qualities, while not forgetting the high caliber?luxury and exclusivity. It is powered by a Longitudinally, front mounted 4.0-liter?DOHC, 32-valve Turbocharged FSI V8 engine with Audi cylinder on demand?technology. The potent V8 makes 520 horses at 6,000 rpm, while developing an?impressive 481 pound feet of torque at 4,750 rpm. An Eight-speed tiptronic?transmission with Sport and manual shift modes and paddle shifters, meters the?driving force to all four wheels via Audi?s Quattro permanent four-wheel drive?system, with asymmetric/dynamic torque split.

The styling of the S8 epitomizes both high performance and sports appeal, while cutting an elegant, yet athletic image without coming across as being overly aggressive. In other words, , the S8 is an understated ?sleeper?. The most significant differentiations between the A8 and S8 appear up front, beginning with the single-frame, platinum grey grille with horizontal struts featuring a chrome-look finish, bearing the S8 badge. Flanking the grille, are low air inlets with matching horizontal bars and fog lamps integrated into the front fascia. In profile, the S8?s performance potential is hinted at by the 21-inch wheels and tires, V8 engine emblems on the quarter panels, aluminum trim strips in the door handles and aluma-look exterior mirror housings. The rear sports an S8 badge as well as an integrated deck lid spoiler and dual, twin oval tailpipes.

My test 2013 Audi S8 wore an exterior of Daytona Grey, pearl effect, while the interior was executed in Black leather and Charcoal tones. The base price was set at $110,000 with the final tally totaling $125,995 after adding options and the Destination charge, but before sales tax and license. Extras included: the Bang & Olufsen? advanced sound system ($6,300); Full Leather Package ($5,500); the S8 Driver Assistance Package Package with Audi side assist, Audi pre sense plus and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go ($2,500); Cold Weather Package with four-spoke heated multi-function leather steering wheel with shift paddles, ski sack with rear seat pass-through and rear heated seats ($800); and Destination charge ($825).

SUMMARY:??The Audi S8 is an exquisite sports model sedan in the upper luxury category. In essence, it is an elegant go-fast (make that really fast) driving machine. It is extremely attractive without being ostentatious. If anything, it is very understated, while maintaining a very classy presence.

In terms of performance, the S8 features an incredibly spontaneous response with minimal reaction time, abbreviated shift points, rapid and smooth gear changes and a healthy, throaty exhaust note when prodded with gusto. The strong, linear torque curve is evident even in the lower ranges. Handling characteristics are positive and provide a stable, on-center steering feedback, while the ride quality is superb and self-adjusting. Braking is highly effective and confidence bolstering, and thanks to the driveline and aluminum chassis, which have been modified to suit the engine?s power output, the S8 handles virtually every driving scenario with remarkable finesse.

The interior ambience complements the exterior?s quality and styling, while showcasing a multitude of technology features that contribute to enhancing the total driving experience. The Sport seats are highly supportive and the interior is both roomy and comfortable. Audi?s Multi Media Interface conveniently controls vehicle settings, audio system functions, climate control and the navigation system with a pop-up video screen that vanishes into the dash when the ignition is switched off. The brushed aluminum trim accents and Carbon fiber panels contribute to the car?s sporty aura.

Bottom-line, the Audi S8 quattro with tiptronic is a superlative mode of rapid transportation that is equally at home with leisurely cruising, complete with luxurious appointments. Consider the S8 the true ?Lord of the Rings?
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[wptabtitle] SPECIFICATIONS: 2013 Audi S8 [/wptabtitle]
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Base Price:	$110,000.
Price as Tested:	$125,995.
Engine Type and Size:	4.0-liter DOHC, 32-valve Turbocharged FSI V8 with Audi cylinder on demand technology.
Horsepower (bhp):	520 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.):	481 @ 4,750 rpm
Transmission:	Eight-speed tiptronic with Sport and manual shift modes.
Drive Train:	Longitudinally mounted front engine / Quattro all-wheel drive with sports rear differential.
Suspension:	Front – Five-link front suspension with stabilizer bar and S8 sport suspension calibration Rear – Trapezoidal-link rear suspension S8 sport suspension calibration