The new Audi S8 Plus (pictured) gets 597bhp
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Audi has revealed the most powerful S8 to date – the S8 Plus – with its 4.0 litre turbo V8 getting an extra 84bhp, enough for 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds.
The S8 Plus still comes with Audi’s turbo V8, but Audi engineers have upped its power substantially – adding an extra 84bhp for a total of 597bhp, and up to 553lb/ft of torque with the overboost – enough to get the big saloon to 62mph in just 3.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 189mph – just as long as you tick the Dynamic Package option box.
In Europe, the Dynamic Package appears to be standard, but if you want to add it to a UK spec S8 Plus you’ll need to spend more (Audi hasn’t said how much) to get the 155mph speed limiter removed and get carbon fibre reinforced ceramic brakes.
Still, removing the top speed limiter doesn’t make any real difference for most, and the S8 Plus still gets the same power and performance without it, and a raft of other upgrades too.
These include Sport Adaptive Air Suspension and Dynamic Steering to hopefully deliver an experience that’s truly dynamic (or as dynamic as a big barge will ever be) without needing weekly corrective work from your chiropractor.
Cosmetically, the S8 Plus gets a new matte silver paint option – Floret Silver – as well as a new back spoiler, gloss black grill, darkened tail lights, carbon fibre front spoiler lip and side flaps, 21″ gloss black alloys, oval gloss tailpipes.
Available only in SWB, the Audi S8 Plus order book opens in October – with prices from £97,700 – with first UK customer cars expected in January 2016.
But is the S8 Plus appealing enough to take buyers away from the Mercedes S63 AMG?
Jamie Pickles says
I like the New Audi S8 Plus that has been revealed ahead of a Debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show