Motor Trend First Drive: 2007 Audi S8

IamEvilHomer submitted on 11/10/2006 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 1:59 PM
from: www.motortrend.com

[37] user comments | category: Spy Shots

Tags: Audi S8

Audi S8

First Drive: 2007 Audi S8
The Key to Invisibility: In our week with this German-plated tester, nary a single car-savvy Angeleno's head was turned. And, quite frankly, that's just the way we liked it.
By Angus MacKenzie
Photography by Robert Kerian
If you think there's no point spending almost $100,000 for something with a 450-horsepower Lamborghini-sourced V-10 engine no one notices, then read no further. Audi's new S8 isn't for you. But if you like the idea of a big, fast, elegantly tailored limousine that slips effortlessly--and rapidly--under the radar, you'll love this car. In an era when AMG Benzes are getting bolder and brassier with every model and BMW's M cars are heading for techno-overkill, the subtle new S8 is the stealth-fighter of sport sedans. In our week with this black-over-gray, German-plated S8 tester, nary a single car-savvy Angeleno's head was turned. And, quite frankly, that's just the way we liked it.

You see, the S8 is a selfish pleasure. Nail the gas and that direct-injection, 5.2-liter V-10 emits a deep, velvety growl--a smooth-jazz remix of the Lamborghini Gallardo's mighty bellow--and gives a satisfying shove between the shoulder blades. You can fan the Tiptronic paddles on the six-speedautomatic if you like, but it's better to let the computer do the thinking and allow the tach needle to kiss 7100 rpm on the upshifts, the engine clearing its throat with a soft whump! between each ratio.

Keep your right foot buried, and you'll hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and 100 mph in 12.0 and nail the standing quarter mile in 13.4 seconds at 105.6 mph. No, it isn't nosebleed-quick like an S65 Benz (for the record, AMG's ueber-limo nails 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, 100 in 9.3, and the standing quarter in 12.4 seconds at 116.5 mph, blowing the doors off a Porsche 911 Carrera S in the process). But there's a crispness and flair to the big Audi's power delivery that betrays the Italian soul buried deep in the machine. Read Article

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chewy - 11/10/2006 2:29:43 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Awesome, the photo with the F117 just above is amazing. Great performance numbers as well of course.

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EL34 - 11/10/2006 2:42:12 PM

+1 Boost

Wow, what an awesome photo of two of the worlds great machines.

BTW, did you know the Air Force just retired the 25 year old F-117?

EL34 - 11/10/2006 7:10:27 PM

+1 Boost

Now why in the world would I get negative votes?

Nobody gonna take my car
Im gonna race it to the ground
Nobody gonna beat my car
Its gonna break the speed of sound
Oooh its a killing machine
Its got everything
Like a driving power big fat tyres
And everything

iown1 - 11/10/2006 5:43:09 PM

+2 Boost

Hey Chewy

Do you know if you can get the Exclusive Interior Package with the S8. I asked my dealer and I'm still waiting to hear back.

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chewy - 11/10/2006 6:27:37 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I don't know, I don't sell them.

Rupert - 11/10/2006 6:50:56 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

iown1, iamevilhomer will know.
he sells audis (doesn't he?)
this is my favourite performance saloon, it's so stealthy and discreet, yet ridiculously quick and costs 130000 dollars less than an S65 in the UK.
and with ceramic brakes, it stops quicker than a Z06!

S4cabriofox - 11/10/2006 11:07:06 PM

+2 Boost

In the US, it costs about $90K less than the S65 AMG...

It's beautiful, inside and out, in such an understated way... Audi's designers bewilder me. They pulled the A8's design off so well... without utilizing much new design at all.

I wouldn't conisder buying a big sedan, but if I wanted one in a few years, S8 would be at the top of my list. It may not have the snob appeal of the S550- but it's much faster, has a nicer interior, and it's an S car (more exclusive), and it's only $5K more ($86.5K vs. $92K).

IamEvilHomer - 11/11/2006 12:59:21 PM

+1 Boost

I didn't see it on the ordre guide

We have ordered the exclusive package on the A8 and several of the options are standard on the S8 so I would think no ( it is not worth the extra $$$)

If you order the leather dash you will love it and all will be fine

iown1 - 11/11/2006 5:08:44 PM

+2 Boost

Sorry Chewy I got you confused with EvilHomer

EvilHomer- What I'ld like, and I don't know if it's possible, is an S8 with a more traditional cabin. Wood steering wheel etc. When I was in the Audi Forum in New York the had a W12 with custom Palace Blue exterior, cream leather with blue piping and more wood and suede than I've ever seen. It also had the twenty inch wheels and the B&0 sound system. Total $172,000. So basically what I was considering is dressing up a reagular A8L or an S8 in the same manner. Personally I'm not crazy about the various shades of grey and black in the S8. That's why I was wondering about the Exclusive Package.

IamEvilHomer - 11/11/2006 8:18:01 PM

+1 Boost

iown1 - i will find out about the S8 monday but you can do that on the A8 for sure

0001 feel free to give him my e mail

S4cabriofox - 11/11/2006 11:27:22 PM

+1 Boost

Yes, the grey interior with carbon fiber is bland compared to other colors you can get in the A8's interior. Some are simply breathtaking.

"Total $172,000."

Are you serious? I didn't know the W12 went that high! It sounds beautiful, but $170K... just shell out for that Bentley while you're up there! GermanNut will have a field day with this one- trumpeting how it's "$50,000 more than the most expensive BMW". LOL!

iown1 - 11/12/2006 8:58:47 AM

+1 Boost

Bentleys have nothing on this particular Audi. Believe me, nothing.

ThaR8Don - 11/17/2006 4:06:41 AM

+1 Boost

iown1 You can order almost anything you want. But keep in mind it'll cost you. No it's not readily available but it can be ordered.

AmazingBimmer - 11/11/2006 12:38:40 AM

-2 Boost

EL.. I GURANTEE YOU.. Deep purple never wrote that about a frickin vw!. get over it. this is a marginal car with pieced together, with detuned old technology. In other words.. a toaster with a shiny coat. I keep saying this.. spend the bucks and buy a bimmer 7 or s550. end of story.

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CarNut - 11/12/2006 6:08:31 AM

+2 Boost

Why in the world would u buy a bimmer??
Because of the badge is the only arguement i see?

AmazingBimmer - 11/11/2006 12:44:41 AM

-2 Boost

450HP frpom a 5.2liter v10?. i think the engineers were hired from ITT tech!!. Not nice numbers for a "s line car" certainly would see lazy engineering from amg or M on a flagship. But hen.. audi gets by.. by looking in the parts bin and piecing it together. No soul.. all applicance.. a timid one at that. at least for a s line car.

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Heyhuub - 11/11/2006 5:14:52 AM

+4 Boost

Pity for you then that Audi kicks all competion to the curb with this car made from old "old technology and parts from the factory floor" huh?

Idiot, get you'r head out of your ass.

IamEvilHomer - 11/11/2006 1:02:07 PM

+4 Boost

amaizing - poor boy has to keep reading about how well Audi is doing.

Give audi come credit. I am not a bmw fan but when they do something right then I give them credit.

CarNut - 11/12/2006 6:10:29 AM

+1 Boost

They didnt put 500+ hp in the engine, because they want someone to compete with. If they did BMW might as well shut down the factory.

CarNut - 11/12/2006 6:11:07 AM

+1 Boost

Im joking above, just so normal people dont get me wrong (about the BMW that is)

chewy - 11/12/2006 5:58:35 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

The BMW 4.8 liter only makes 360 hp. Please come again.

GermanNut - 11/11/2006 10:51:30 AM

+3 Boost

AmazingBimmer using faulty knowledge again.

Spend the bucks.

If you knew some elementary level math you would b able to easily figure out that the $92,000 base price of the S8 is higher than the 750Li or S550.

Spending the bucks in this case would mean getting noticed.

Getting noticed is not something that people want.

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Agent63 - 11/11/2006 2:07:28 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Guys I need your opinions. Either I lease an old 04' A8 or the new 328i or 335i for roughly the same price. Which one would you take? I just need some input guys. Thanks a lot =)..

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S4cabriofox - 11/11/2006 5:16:44 PM

+2 Boost

"Either I lease an old 04' A8 or the new 328i or 335i for roughly the same price. Which one would you take?"

Wow, duh. The A8 is two classes higher than the 3er- although you wouldn't be getting a new car, the interior is beyond gorgeous, and the engine is a perfectly capable V8.

Whoever buys a new 328i for the price of a 2004 Audi A8L is out of their mind. 328i shouldn't even be in the running; especially if you're looking at the 335i.

Rupert - 11/12/2006 3:04:29 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

A8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RacerRX - 11/11/2006 3:01:59 PM

+1 Boost

Are you looking more for sport or luxury. Space and comfort A8. Speed and sport 335I, I wouldn't do the 328i (I don't see the point if you are looking @ the 335 (unless you want cheaper insurance).

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RacerRX - 11/11/2006 3:04:05 PM

+4 Boost

O, S8 ROCKS---I saw 2 so far (navy blue and gray), It is the perfect balance of a sporty/lux look..!!

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528i - 11/11/2006 5:03:02 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

This over the S550.

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delan - 11/11/2006 9:58:01 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Style-wise this car is almost perfect in my book. "Almost" because of the ubiquitous "I am wearing braces" grill that Audis have been sporting lately. Other than that, their design team needs a gold meday...or something.

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S4cabriofox - 11/11/2006 11:28:23 PM

+3 Boost

You have to admit, the grille is quite fitting on the A8's body. It's like the icing on the cake- especially on the S8 version, with the double-bars.

Agent63 - 11/12/2006 12:53:01 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Oh okay i'm just comparing prices. Like the range for a 328i - 335i is a 2nd hand A8 with roughly 50,000KM (not sure how much miles) however for the same price as a brand new 328i/335i. Not saying their exact but give or take a few thousand since options on a used A8 would be little different.

What do you say guys? I'm just keeping an open mind about this. Just seeing what I should get for the money. =)

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Rupert - 11/12/2006 3:05:36 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

i don't think i will ever buy a new car, your example shows why.
why buy a new 328 when you can have a used A8?

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 11/12/2006 4:41:46 PM

+1 Boost

Cause id have a lot more fun in the 335i
Cause the A8 is a tad too large to Do My Daily Mad Driving In
Cause a brand new car has Warranties that save me a lot of Headache
Over here anything less than 3 years Old does not require M.O.T. Inspections

(But if I had a Family)
Used A8 would be the only choice out of the Three

Rupert - 11/12/2006 5:24:59 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

i just think new cars are a waste of money. think about it, in 3 years that 335i will be worth half what you bought it for. a 335i coupe costs about 35000 in the uk right? in 3 years it is expected to be worth 17000 pounds. thats losing 6000 pounds a year, 500 per month, 17 per day, on depreciation alone. that's too much wasted money. but, buy a used 03 A8 4.2 for 25000, and in 3 years you'll lose what, 10000? 12000? on a car that cost twice what the bmw did new, with more features, more equipment, more snob appeal. i'd have the a8.
i'd buy a 335i, but in 3 years when it's worth 17000. i'm looking at 2000 m-b cl's for about 18000, or 2000 x5s for the same (the x5 has held its value well)

Agent63 - 11/13/2006 4:13:34 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I won't be driving many people. Either my family members or my girlfriend. Friends they can drive themselves. I know for a daily commute the a8 seems a little on the big side but im sure it's more comfortable than the 328i/335i.

This is giving me headaches.!

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AmazingBimmer - 11/14/2006 11:38:30 AM

+1 Boost

Chewy.. shows you how much you know.w. the BMW get 360HP from 4.8 liters.. FOR A REGULAR CAR. the m gets 507HP from 4.9Liters. my point is that thsi swhoudl be a higher output car for a s line.. thats it. The S line cannot compete.. they need the money losing, one year production RS models for that. IF you didnt know the RS line is fully subsidized. Dont let it ruin your buzz. Feel free to pull up in you jerky S6 next to my m5. it is a joke.

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