2019 Audi S8 Coming With 530HP Version Of Panamera’s Bi-Turbo V8

The 2019 Audi S8 has been spied virtually undisguised while undergoing testing on and around the Nürburgring.

Looking virtually identical to the standard model, the high-performance S8 has a handful of subtle styling touches that indicate this isn’t your ordinary luxury sedan. The most noticeable changes occur out back as the car has a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system and a new rear bumper with a mesh design below the reflectors. A closer inspection also reveals a new diffuser which is unique to the model.

Moving forward, the car has modestly revised side skirts and special alloy wheels. Engineers also installed a high-performance braking system with grey calipers featuring “Audi Sport” badging.

It remains unclear if the model is wearing a production front bumper but it’s a tad sportier than the one used on the A8. However, it may just be temporary placeholder as it appears identical to the bumper that comes as part of the A8 Sport package.

Photographers couldn’t get close enough to snap interior photos but the cabin should largely carryover from the standard model. Of course, we can expect a handful of unique touches including a sport steering wheel, special trim and plenty of S8 badging.

Power will likely be provided by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine. It develops 550 hp (410 kW) and 567 lb-ft (767 Nm) of torque in the Porsche Panamera Turbo but the S8 is expected to be rated at approximately 530 hp (395 kW).

If previous reports are correct, the new engine in addition to weight savings of around 100kg or 220 lbs, courtesy of a new predominantly aluminum structure, could enable the car to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just under 4.0 seconds before hitting a top speed in excess of 185 mph (297 km/h).

The model could eventually be joined by a more extreme S8 Plus which uses the powertrain from the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. If this happens, the model may have around 630 hp (469 kW).

The Audi S8 is expected to be unveiled later this year so look for a possible world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in early October.

Post updated with new spy photos and information