The design of the single-pipe manifolds likewise contributes to the dynamically optimised charge cycle; it is matched precisely to the firing order of the V10. On each cylinder bank, the manifolds for the first and second cylinder, and also for the fourth and fifth cylinder, are combined; they only converge with the manifold for the third cylinder relatively far down. Four close-coupled main catalytic converters take charge of exhaust emission control.

The powerful ten-cylinder engine has been optimised for high torque as well as high engine power. It achieves 450 bhp at 7,000 rpm, and musters up 540 Nm of torque at between just 3,000 and 4,000 rpm.

More than 90 percent of the torque is available from as low as 2,300 rpm. The V10 exhibits spontaneous throttle response and very refined running, and under load it also produces a sonorous, musical acoustic backdrop, as befits a dynamic vehicle. It is a far cry from a rough-diamond sports engine: for all its sporty character, this ten-cylinder engine is very low-vibration and has plenty of refinement.

The V10 imparts the luxury saloon with the road performance of a high-calibre sports car. The Audi S8 races from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. It effortlessly reaches its electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h, thanks also to its low drag coefficient of Cd 0.29.

The engine shows a distinctly modest thirst, needing only 13.4 litres of Super Plus fuel per 100 kilometres (provisional figure) - a figure achieved partly thanks to the consistent use of lightweight design, which clearly sets the A8 range apart from its competitors. With its innovative aluminium body, the Audi Space Frame ASF, the S8 weighs just 1,940 kilograms, complete with the dynamic, sure-footed quattro drive. On the new Audi S8, every horsepower has to propel just 4.3 kilograms - giving it the power-to-weight ratio of a sports car.



Drivetrain
Even more dynamism

Typically for an Audi, the new Audi S8 also relies on quattro permanent four-wheel drive and the superior traction that it offers in all conditions. 25 years of expertise acquired in this domain by the brand with the four-ring logo have led to the development of a new quattro generation with asymmetric / dynamic torque split - further evidence of Audi's philosophy of "Vorsprung durch Technik".

A centre differential, installed longitudinally in the driveline, distributes power between the front and rear wheels according to the prevailing situation. Normally, 40 percent is routed to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear - this slight emphasis on the rear end underlines the dynamic character of the Audi S8.

If the road conditions change, the purely mechanical differential responds without any delay; it can divert up to 85 percent of power to the rear wheels, and as much as 65 percent to the front wheels. If a wheel on one axle should happen to spin, the electronic differential lock EDL controls it by applying the brakes. As far as the driver is concerned, this newly compiled package of technologies means greater agility, a more spontaneous response to steering movements and even more stable handling.

The new Audi S8 is equipped with a six-speed tiptronic transmission as standard. In keeping with the character of this sporty top-of-the-line model, the final ratio of the automatic transmission is lower than on the A8 - the saloon is still capable of forceful acceleration even in sixth gear. The electronic transmission control is optimised to change gear more dynamically. The driver can call up the transmission's Sport mode at the selector lever. In this mode, upshifts are performed at even higher engine speeds, as high as 7,000 rpm which is both the V10's nominal and maximum engine speed. It is in addition possible to change gear manually with the aluminium-look shift paddles located behind the steering wheel.

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