2008 Audi S8

In the auto industry's alphabet soup of new cars, the performance designation S-series graces the largest sedan in Audi's lineup, their flagship A8, in the form of (you guessed it) the S8. While the 2008 S8 is a direct competitor of the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, and Jaguar XJR, it's also the fastest A8 you can buy. No, really. It may be a full-sized luxury sedan, something you wouldn't expect to be sprinting down the freeway, but the 2008 Audi S8 will surprise you. It's speed makes up for the fact that there haven't been many changes to differentiate it from the 2007 model.

Under the hood, the swiftness of the S8 is powered by a 450-horsepower, 5.2-liter V-10 engine that Audi says can accelerate from zero to sixty mph in under five seconds (the same engine, producing 435 hp, powers the smaller Audi A6). This engine uses direct fuel injection to provide that speed, as well as to offer 398 pounds-feet of torque, and it comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, enhanced by a modified version of the Tiptronic manual shifting system which allows the S8 to accommodate higher shift points and faster response times, making the 2008 Audi S8 a fraction more responsive than its larger (and significantly more expensive) sibling, the 12-cylinder AS W12. As with all modern Audis, the Quattro all-wheel drive system is standard, as are an electronic stability system and four-wheel-disc antilock brakes.

Inside the 2008 Audi S8, the safety features are rounded out to include ten airbags, including front knee bags, dual front bags, side impact airbags for both the front and back seat, and side curtain airbags, all standard. As well, there is plenty of interior room (the S8 has a 115.9-inch wheelbase) with two-tone leather-upholstered sport seats (available as an option) that are power adjustable, a three-spoke steering wheel trimmed to match, and double-glazed windows. The optional upgraded sound system is a Danish-made Bang & Olufsen system that offers more than 1,000 watts of audio goodness distributed through fourteen speakers.

Exterior features of the 2008 Audi S8 include updated 20-inch wheels and newly-styled fog lights, as well as a deep grille and aluminum door sills which sport the S8 badge. Low-profile P265 /35ZR20 performance tires are standard accoutrements.

Gas conscious buyers should beware: what the 2008 Audi S8 offers in speed and comfort, it lacks in fuel efficiency. EPA numbers are 13 mpg in the city, and 19 mpg on the highway.
The 2008 Audi S8 has a starting MSRP of $93,300.

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