Audi Oz releases most powerful S model ever

Audi Australia has released the S8 'plus' – the quickest and most powerful S model ever seen from the German luxury car maker.

Now on sale in addition to the standard S8, which remains priced at $280,610 plus on-road costs, Audi's new flagship limousine is priced almost $50,000 higher at $330,500.

However, it brings considerably more performance, thanks to the same twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 that powers the new RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback 'performance' models.

As in those smaller RS models, it produces 445kW of power and 700Nm of torque (increasing to 750Nm in temporary overboost mode), which is enough to accelerate the big sedan to 100km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds.

That's 63kW and 100Nm more than the S8 (382kW/650Nm), which is three-tenths slower to 100km/h (4.1 sec), making the S8 plus quicker than its only real rival, the Mercedes-AMG S 63, which hits 100km/h in four seconds.

There's the option of upping the 250km/h top speed limit to 305km/h, but the downside is fuel consumption, which increases from 9.6 to 10.2L/100km.

That's less than it would be if the A8 wasn't based on a spaceframe chassis made almost entirely of aluminium, which reduces its weight to a class-leading 231kg but still sees the S8 weigh in at 1990kg.

Noise-reduction measures include active engine mounts for the 4.0 TFSI V8, and an Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) algorithm for the BOSE surround sound system, which "suppresses undesired noise and vibrations during cylinder shutdown phases to enhance the feeling of luxurious comfort inside the cabin".

As standard, there's also a sport exhaust system with quad high-gloss black tail pipes (a $3150 option on the regular S8), plus Audi's quattro sports differential at the rear of the all-wheel drive system, which features torque vectoring, a nominal 60 per cent rear torque bias and can send up to 85 per cent of power to either axle. An eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission with 7:1 ratio, Dynamic Shift Program and shift paddles is standard.

The 'plus' is differentiated from the standard S8 by a number of cosmetic upgrades, led outside by matt-titanium 21-inch alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights with dynamic turn indicators and a high-gloss black exterior package with carbon-fibre accents on the front spoiler and rear diffuser. A carbon rear wing costs $2100 extra, while carbon side mirrors caps add $3600.

Inside, there's Valcona leather upholstery highlighted by Arras red contrasting stitching, along with a unique carbon-fibre red twill inlay, additional leather touches and contrasting stitching. A new matte Florett silver colour is also available by special order, as are gloss anthracite black wheels.

Other standard equipment includes head-up display, digital TV and DAB+ radio, heated and ventilated front comfort sport seats with massage function, Alcantara roof lining and parcel shelf, and a full leather package including the upper and lower dashboard, upper and lower door trims, door armrests, door pockets, glove compartment, knee pads, front seat backs and head restraints ($14,900 in the standard S8).

Other mechanical upgrades plus-specific tuning for the five-height adaptive sport air suspension and dynamic steering, as well as active lane, side assist and park assist systems, and Audi parking system plus with front, rear and 360-degree view.

The equipment list goes on with adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, Audi pre sense plus, power-assisted door closure and Audi connect.

Braking is via 390/356mm discs front/rear, but for a cool $23,100 there's the option of upgrading to 420/370mm ceramic rotors.

Buyers can choose from no less than eight interior inlay styles for no extra costs, but the extensive cost-option list includes a sunroof ($1150), heated rear seats ($2350), double-glazed windows ($4390), night vision with pedestrian protection ($5970), rear seat entertainment ($9900), 1400-Watt 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound ($14,500) and even matt-effect paint ($14,000).

“Strength in the 4.0 TFSI V8 and sophistication complement each other perfectly in this extraordinary and unique sports sedan,” said Audi Australia managing director Andrew Doyle.

"The Audi S8 plus offers a very rare combination of advanced technology, interior excellence and understated performance that will appeal to highly successful professionals, who place great importance on driving enjoyment."