The S8 is the sportiest version of the Audi A8 series featuring the most powerful iteration of the brand’s new 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine with a maximum output of 512-horsepower (520PS) and peak torque of 650 Nm (479.42 lb-ft) for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 4.2 seconds.
Not too shabby – unless you ask ABT Sportsline founder Hans-Jürgen Abt who is a firm believer of pushing the performance boundaries.
The German tuner of all things related to the VW Group has prepared the AS8 package for the Audi sport limousine.
“For us, the new AS8 is the best of both worlds, that is, the best in terms of both comfort and acceleration and agility”, says Abt. “After all, the AS8 has to meet our premium customers’ standards when it comes to performance and luxuriousness.”
ABT was able to squeeze at least another 100 ponies and 130Nm from the bi-turbocharged V8 with final numbers pending.
Even so, the AS8 is rated at 612hp (620PS) and 780Nm (572 lb-ft) with the tuner quoting a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of about 4.0 seconds, 0-200km/h (124mph) in 13 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 290km/h (180mph).
A lowering module for the air-suspension and a choice of alloy wheel designs in sizes 19- and 20-inches complete the upgrades.
PHOTO GALLERY