Audi has revealed the go-even-faster version of the S8, dubbed the S8 Plus, which offers increased performance accompanied by rather dizzying numbers.
The revised twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 now makes 605hp, 85hp more compared to the regular S8, and 700Nm of torque (516lb ft) with an additional overboost function which sends the torque figure up to 750Nm (553lb ft).
The extra power came from a new, special engine control unit with speed and charge pressure boosting to the modified exhaust valves and the optimized inner geometry of the turbos.
All this power is delivered through an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox traditionally to all four wheels, with the S8 Plus capable of 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 3.8 seconds and an optional de-limited top speed of 305km/h (189mph). The Quattro all-wheel drive system utilizes a sport differential while the adaptive air suspension and dynamic steering are specially tuned for the S8 Plus.
“We have further sharpened our large sport sedan,” says Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG. “The new Audi S8 plus has a substantial gain in power and defines the pinnacle of sporty performance in the segment. That is why ‘plus’ appears in its name.”
The increased 305km/h – 189mph top speed is part of what Audi calls ‘Dynamic package’ which is a standard feature in the German market. The package includes huge carbon-ceramic brakes and a more vocal exhaust system tuned by Quattro GmbH.
The new Audi S8 Plus can be distinguished visually by the darkened tail lights and the gloss black diffuser while the matt ‘Floret Silver’ paint is offered exclusively to this model. Customers can have things like the rear spoiler lip or the mirror housings finished in carbon as an option. The front grille is painted in gloss black with the honeycomb of the radiator and the side air inlets finished in matt black.
The Matrix LED headlights are offered as standard in Germany and feature dynamic turn signals as well as 25 small LEDs which can be turned on or off or even dimmed to offer the best possible illumination without causing any glare to the oncoming traffic.
As for the cabin, the new Audi S8 Plus features contrasting red stitching on a full-black leather interior with brushed aluminum and piano black trims.
The new Audi S8 Plus will be available with the normal wheelbase only, starting at the end of November with a base price of €145,200 (about $157,000) in Germany.