Top athlete in a business suit - 2013 Audi S8 sedan
Distinct sports appeal, elegant style and supreme comfort – these are the characteristic features of the new 2013 Audi S8 sedan. Its exceptional dynamism, as expressed by its engine, transmission, suspension and design are further enhanced by the sedan's exclusiveness and luxury.
The new Audi S8 elevates the level of refined performance in the flagship Audi A8 lineup, while advancing the Audi S8 lineage into its third generation. Building on the already agile A8, which utilizes Audi ASF aluminum space frame technology to achieve a lightweight vehicle chassis, the S8 adds a responsive sport air suspension, high performance brake system and performance-inspired design elements.
Exterior model differentiation for the new S8 includes purposeful S model design elements, including a new twin-blade horizontal slats design of the Singleframe grille, lower bumper side air intakes and rear diffuser. The S8 also includes aluminum optic mirrors, larger rocker sill moldings and the trademark S model four outlet, and dual rear exhaust.
The most powerful sedan in Audi of America's history is equipped with an all-new 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine bolted to an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with Audi quattro all-wheel drive.
New fuel efficiency measures include Audi cylinder on demand technology that deactivates four of the eight cylinders at lower loads, reducing fuel consumption by up to 10 percent at moderate highway speeds. When the V8 engine switches to V4 mode, the active noise cancellation system negates undesirable changes in engine/exhaust sound. Active engine mounts further dampen vibrations at lower frequencies to make the Audi cylinder on demand technology transition imperceptible to the vehicle's occupants.
Starting with the control hardware of the A8 sedan, the S8 includes an advanced sport-tuned adaptive air suspension system, with the characteristics of the air springs and shock absorbers integrated into the system setup to be somewhat firmer. The rubber mounts in the axles have likewise been modified in keeping with the character of the S8. Even the rack-and-pinion power steering with its variable ratio is ten percent more direct in the straight-ahead position, for more responsive handling. Drawing information from seven special sensors and a number of other parameters, the damping responds adaptively to the prevailing requirements in a fraction of a second. The S8 rides on cast aluminum wheels with a parallel-spoke S design. The wheels are shod with standard S8 specific 21-inch wheels.
Inside the passenger cabin of the S8 reflects a character of dynamic elegance and high quality. The roomy interior benefits from ergonomically friendly displays, controls, switchgear and seating and the MMI (Multi Media Interface) control. The interior comes standard with carbon atlas trim on the upper inlays and shift lever as well as a sporty three-spoke sport steering wheel.
The Audi flagship sedan features white-on-gray instrument cluster displays, S8 logo on gauges, door sills and analog clock complement the interior trim, while the S8 welcome message in the instrument cluster and Audi MMI screen greets enthusiast drivers. Front seating adjusts 22 ways with standard heating, ventilation and massage functions. Valcona leather upholstery and an exclusive diamond cross-stitch pattern provide racing-inspired craftsmanship.
The S8 shares several other A8 interior colors in addition to an exclusive Lunar Silver that includes Gray contrast stitching and piping. Customers can choose decorative inlays available in a choice of four materials that include carbon atlas, matte brushed aluminum, fine grain natural Ash brown wood or layered Oak wood.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 117.8; overall length: 202.2; width: 76.7; height: 57.5
All vehicle measurements are in inches
Engine: 4.0L TFSI twin-turbocharged V8 – 520 hp at 6,000 rpm and 481 lbs-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm
Transmission: eight-speed Tiptronic
EPA Fuel Economy: 15 city/26 highway
Cargo capacity: 13.2 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain airbags, dual front knee airbags, dual rear side airbags, Torsen center electronic differential lock, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake distribution, brake assist, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, front/ rear fog lights, HomeLink universal transceiver, automatic Bi-Xenon high intensity discharge adaptive headlights, daytime running lights, engine immobilizer, tire pressure monitors, voice-activated DVD-based navigation system, Audi advanced key with start-stop button and entry, central locking system, remote keyless entry system, roll-over protection, rain-sensing wipers, Audi parking system with top & corner view cameras, security alarm, full-size spare tire, anti-slip regulation and electronic stability program.
Optional safety features include adaptive cruise control with stop & go, Audi pre-sense, Audi side assist, and night vision assistant with pedestrian detection.
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile Bumper-to-bumper
Corrosion: 12-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 4-year/unlimited 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2013 Audi S8 sedan starts from $110,000. Destination charges add $895.
