Who's the Boss

Model Series S (from "sport") appeared in 1991, with the technical aspects of preparation machines took over athletic department quattro GmbH. The pioneers were a 230-strong S2 and S4, followed by a magnificent RS2 Avant, created in cooperation with Porsche AG. Then came the turn of play for high stakes, and the fall of 1996 the company began production at Neckarsulm flagship Audi S8, a charged version of the executive A8. Three hundred forty "horses" Motor V8 4.2 AWD Sedan dispersed the heavy up to a hundred for 5.5 seconds, and after modernization in 1999 - more than 5.4 The increased up to 360 hp power. The main thing is that this car could be ordered not only to the "automatic", but also with mechanical korobkoy.Novy S8 even faster: 5.1 seconds from zero to 100 km / h - and this despite the fact that the car is equipped with six-speed only "automatic" Tiptronic . V10 engine is based on the engine super car Lamborghini Gallardo, which was increased in volume from 4961 to 5204 "cubes", and received a system of direct fuel injection FSI. With a capacity of 450 hp this powerplant has a very high compression ratio - 12.5:1. The maximum speed of the machine, as it is limited to the figure of 250 km / h. Thus, Audi S8 joined the small circle of cars with engines of a rare configuration of V10, which includes the BMW M5 and M6, Dodge Ram SRT-10 Viper SRT-10, and the Volkswagen Phaeton 5.0 TDI and Touareg 5.0 TDI. But the question is: the Audi already has a model A8 6.0 quattro with the same capacity - 450 "horses" with the same acceleration - 5.1. Why do we need the S8? The official version reads as follows: V10 engine is 20 kg lighter than the W12, more alive and responsive to the gas rather turns. As a result, and a feeling of "sportiness". Well, believe at the time slovo.Tem curb weight is 1940 kg S8. This includes an all-aluminum body, 220-pound engine, "automatic" all-wheel drive Quattro and adaptive air suspension with three positions relative to the body of the road plus a 20-inch wheels. Under normal mode 60% of torque to the rear axle, but if necessary the central Torsen differential can jibe to 85% of the time or the rear wheels up to 65% on the front. And for those buyers who are interested in not only acceleration, but braking dynamics are addressed optional ceramic brake discs with a service life can reach 300 000 km. In Germany, Audi S8 will go on sale next summer at a price of 97,600 euros. However, the point in the great German opposition to the machine fails to deliver. Yes, it exceeds the capacity of BMW 760i with its 445 forces, but is hopelessly inferior to S 600 in the coming 221-m body with 517-horsepower V12. Are we waiting for Audi RS8?