Audi S8: First drive!

The guys from AudiWorld got their hands on an Audi S8 and made a first drive in Germany.

Audi's performance initiative continues with the S8 coming state side in October of 2006. Very well equipped for under $100,000, you really should consider buying two if able!

For the first time in an Audi, a FSI V10 is mated to a 6 speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Steering wheel mounted aluminum paddles are available allowing the driver to make quick, manual gear changes if desired. The engine is - like all of the high end Audis - whisper quiet under a light foot, but the massive 5.2-liter powerplant makes itself known when the car is under hard acceleration.

Rolling on 265/35 performance tires over 20x9 inch wheels, the adaptive air suspension with 20mm lower S-specific settings rides with a firm but not harsh ride even with the 35 series low profile tires. The suspension is the same as the European offering (yeah!), with no typical softening for the US market.

Audi's finest Valcona leather will be offered for the interior, including all black or silver along with black/silver, black/brown, and silver/gray combinations. We thought the all black interior was simply stunning. Alcantara will be on the S8 door panels, headliner and rear shelf and the accent trim will be a gray birch wood, while a carbon fiber and other trims will be optional.

Audi will also offer several "Sold Order Only" options. Customers may choose these features (which won't be found on cars from normal dealer allotments) when ordering an S8. Sold Order Only options include: rear seat electric lumbar adjustment, dual pane security glass, solar sunroof, carbon fiber trim, walnut/birch/sycamore wood trim, segmented wood steering wheel/shifter and a full leather package.

When reverse is selected the rearview camera's image is displayed on the MMI screen. Three levels of red marking show fixed distances from the car and two yellow lines show the intended trajectory of the car and change as the steering wheel is turned.

The optional $7,800.00 Bang & Olufsen advanced audio system includes 14 speakers driven by 1000 watts. The Eagles Life in the Fast Lane had been setup in the test vehicles and was very appropriate for the autobahn section of the test drive. We still don't know if we can give the green light to a nearly eight thousand dollar sound upgrade option, but the visual impact of the system is undeniable!

GermanCarBlog, Audi S8

Source: AudiWorld

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