The 2007 Audi S8 is an improved re-incarnation of the Audi A8 luxury sedan. It incorporates the luxury of the A8 with added sport facilities. Its exterior appearance, interior beauty, engine, transmission, and the suspension are ideally suited to provide a thrilling on-road performance. It has a drive-by-wire throttle system that helps the engine accelerate at the slightest touch of the pedal.
The third generation Audi space frame is made from aluminum rather than the commonly used steel material. The company claims aluminum to be a lighter material, yet stronger and more safe than steel. The aluminum frame improves handling at high speed.
The Audi S8 has a majestic appearance that keeps people glued to its beauty. It has all the standard facilities that provide optimum convenience and comfort.
The competitors for the 2007 Audi S8 include the Porche 911 Carrera, the BMW M5, and the Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG.
Engine and Performance
Boisterous Beast
The 2007 Audi S8 has a robust 5.2L DOHC V-10 engine that generates 450 hp @ 7000 rpm and produces 398 lb-ft. of torque @ 3500 rpm. The Audi has, for the first time, has introduced an innovative 10-cylinder engine with FSI direct injection technology that increases the compression ratio, power, and torque of a sparking engine. It increases the engines fuel efficiency by 15 per cent and reduces emission rates of the vehicle.
The V-10 engine is coupled with a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, which is a new addition in the Audi S8 replacing its five-speed predecessor. It allows for an improved low-end torque and great fuel proficiency. This 6-speed comes with a Dynamic Shift Program (DSP) that automatically adjusts to a driver's driving style.
The Audi S8 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The EPA estimated fuel economy of the Audi S8 is 15/21 mpg (city/highway).
Walk-around
Masculine mastery
The Audi S8 is a sleek model with a masculine front view. The total length of the vehicle is 199.2 inches, while the wheelbase of the car is 116 inches. It has a square-shaped grille with the Audi insignia placed in its center. The grille extends downward towards the air dam that gives the S8 a wide and aggressive stance. The rear design is not extra-ordinary and imitates the appearance of any ordinary sedan. The rear spoiler is integrated into the bumper to fashion a sporty look for the S8, while also cutting down on the air lift.
The S8 rides on 20-inch seven double-arm S design cast alloy wheels with 265/35 ZR20 high-performance tires.
Some standard exterior features on the Audi S8 include 5-point LED daytime running lights, adaptive bi-xenon high intensity headlights with automatic self-leveling, aluminum door sills with S8 badge, automatically dimming power-folding exterior mirrors with memory function, high-pressure retractable headlight washers, and a power glass sunroof with slide/tilt functions. A solar sunroof is available as an option.
Comfort, Controls & Convenience
Lavish and luxurious
The 2007 Audi S8 has profoundly lavish interiors. The Audi S8 has 16-way power adjustable front seats with a 4-position memory system. The 6-way heated front seats also come with 4-way power lumbar adjustments for optimum comfort. The S8 comes standard with elegant bi-color sport seats in Valcona leather with color-contrasting stitching. This provides excellent lateral support and a high standard of comfort even on the long journeys. Extended leather trims and upholstery inclusive of Nappa leather seats is available as an option.
The power tilt-and-telescopic steering column with automatic tilt-away provides ease of entry to and exit from the vehicle. The leather-trimmed three-arm sport steering wheel with Tiptronic® aluminum shift paddles performs many functions. The color of the steering wheel can be customized. A leather-wrapped shift knob is standard.
The S8 has one-touch up/down window controls for the occupants of the vehicle. An auto-dimming interior anti-glare mirror is standard. The cockpit has central armrest and an additional 12-volt power outlet. It comes with a twin-pane heat and ultraviolet ray insulation glass with additional reflective coating to reduce interior heat build up. Even the solar sunroof and the 4-zone climate control system can be opted for. The power door has a soft-closure feature.
A Bose® premium 12-speaker sound system with 5-channel surround sound, subwoofer, and a center fill speaker is standard on the S8 providing true musical pleasure. The 6-disc CD changer in the glove box, Audi music interface (iPod integration), Sirius satellite radio and Bang & Olufsen advanced sound system with 6-disc CD-changer are some of the optional facilities available. The Audi multi media interface and DVD navigation system are also some options available.
Driving Impressions
Impressive impulse
The Audi S8 rides on a four-link front air suspension with double upper and lower wishbones and a rear air suspension made of a self-tracking trapezoidal-link axle with wishbone. The front and rear suspension system consists of anti-roll bars. This suspension system keeps the car stable and avoids body roll even during sharp turning curves.
The powerful 5.2L V-10 churns out 450 hp and is coupled to a smooth-shifting 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission system that glides on highways and within city limits. The S8 has a rack-and-pinion steering with speed-dependant power assistance and variable ratio that is extremely responsive and provides easy handling in all situations.
The S8 comes with a Quattro permanent four-wheel drive facility that is suitable for crisp, sporty performances. The advanced electronics used in the transmission respond efficiently to driver input, helping to prevent unwanted upshifts while cornering. The Quattro system optimizes the traction coupled with higher responsiveness and improved safety.
The S8 can get to a maximum speed of 155 miles in an hour. The S8 consists of a diagonally split dual-circuit brake system with an electronic stability program (ESP), a brake servo, a hydraulic brake assist, and ventilated disc brakes in the front and rear. The front brake consists of dual-piston calipers and the rear comes with electromechanical parking brake for an easier ride and safety stop.
Safety
Advanced assurance
The Audi S8 comes with a bevy of safety features.
Some standard safety features in the Audi S8 include side-airbags for rear-seat passengers, active head restraints, belt-force limiters, and belt-tensioners. A reminder system automatically requests a passenger to wear the three-point seat belts once seated. The Audi advanced parking system with rear view camera audibly warns the driver when an obstacle comes in the way while parking the vehicle. Electronic tire pressure monitoring system monitors the temperature level for each wheel including the spare one.
Also standard is an immobilizer anti-theft alarm system with a blinking theft-deterrent light in the driver’s door. Radio frequency remote locking system is also part of the vehicle.
Two-stage standard passenger-sensing advanced airbags along with optional seat-mounted side-airbags in the front to protect the driver and the front passenger in the event of a collision come as an option on the Audi S8.
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