Audi reveals 445kW S8 Plus

Audi has boosted its already super-quick S8 limousine to create one of the fastest cars the prestige marque has ever made.

Sharing the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 the new S8 Plus is claimed to have the highest power-to-weight-ratio of any premium sports sedan.

Raising power from the regular S8’s 383kW/650Nm to an incredible 445kW, the revised S8 Plus is now capable of generating 750Nm on over-boost.

With the increase in power the S8 Plus is now the most powerful car Audi makes and also one of the fastest. From standstill to 100km/h the S8 Plus is three-tenths of a second faster than the S8, taking just 3.8 seconds. Top speed, meanwhile, is limited to 304km/h – but only if the optional dynamic package box is ticked, to raise the electronic speed restraint from 250km/h.

To liberate the extra power, Audi engineers have done more than just turn up the boost. The blown 4.0-litre V8 has been, ‘extensively modified’, according to Audi. In comes new exhaust valves, and a pair of turbochargers with new innards for extra power.

To help cope with the new found pace the S8 Plus comes with standard carbon-ceramic discs.

Like the standard S8, power is fed through an eight-speed automatic. To boost traction there’s also all-wheel drive that includes a limited-slip rear differential. The Plus also gets retuned adaptive air suspension and large 21-inch wheels.

Finally, all S8 Plus limousines will come with a large sports exhaust with two oval high-gloss black tailpipes.

The S8 Plus will only be offered on the standard wheelbase and offers buyers a 14-speaker premium sound system, bird’s eye view parking, privacy glass, power door closure and boot lid, adaptive cruise control and autonomous braking.

In Europe the S8 Plus pricing starts at $277,000, but since the regular S8 is priced Down Under at $279,000 plus on-road costs, expect to pay a pricey premium. That will tip the purchase price over into a new bracket, starting with a ‘3’.