Audi Side Assist uses radar technology to scan the area next to and behind the car. If a vehicle occupies that space or is moving up rapidly, the system turns on yellow lights in the side mirrors to warn the driver. If the driver puts on his signal and a vehicle occupies that space, the lights flash. We found Audi Side Assist worked as advertised and, while subtle, the lights were visible even in bright sunlight.
Audi Lane Assist uses a camera mounted above the rearview mirror to monitor the road ahead. If the system detects that the vehicle is traveling above 40 mph and crosses a lane line without the use of a turn signal, it vibrates the steering wheel to warn the driver. The system can be set to three levels of sensitivity, one that triggers the warning when the vehicle is about to cross the lane line, one when the vehicle actually crosses the line, and one adaptive mode. We liked Audi's approach to this system. Other systems sound a warning that can become annoying because, in normal driving, lane lines are crossed on a regular basis, especially in curves. The vibrating steering wheel isn't as distracting, and the system can be shut off. In the most sensitive mode, however, we got false readings when the pavement changed, such as over bridges on the freeway.
The S8 packs a 40-valve V10 with 450 horsepower, the same output as the W12 but at a higher 7000 rpm. The S8 boasts 398 pound-feet of torque at 3500 rpm vs. the W12's 428 pound-feet at 4000-4700 rpm. Digest those numbers a minute and you'll see that the V10 is really the performance powerhouse in the A8 series, playing the rogue racer against the W12's executive express. The shorter wheelbase and 10-cylinder engine save weight, improving acceleration performance: Audi claims 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. EPA estimated fuel consumption is the same as for the W12: 13/19 mpg City/Highway.
The S8 runs with the same six-speed automatic transmission as the A8 and A8 L W12, but it's programmed for more aggressive action. Paddle shifters on the steering wheel promise full manual control. The final drive ratio in the S8 is significantly shorter than in the other models (about 4.0:1 for the S8, vs. 3.3:1 for other A8s), for snappier acceleration in higher gears.
The S8's air suspension is adapted from the A8 Sport Package, but the bushings, shock absorbers and air springs are firmer, to reduce roll and pitch. Steering is variable-ratio as in the A8, but geared about 10 percent faster around the straight-ahead position. Ride height is the same as with the Sport suspension, reaching a minimum of 3.7 inches at freeway speeds. Brakes are vented discs, 15.2 inches in front and 13.2 inches in the rear; standard tires are 265/35 on 20-inch wheels. The Bosch 5.7 electronic stability control on the S8 is programmed to interfere later and more briefly, leaving more control in the hands of the driver. It also keeps the disc brakes dry by lightly applying them, just enough to generate heat but not enough for the driver tonotice.
With all these modifications, it's no surprise that the S8 has sharper moves than the other models. Steering is quick and precise, and the sportier suspension bites better around turns. Still, this is a big car and the S8 is prone to understeer just like the other models. The S8's 20-inch wheels make the ride firmer, but not harsh. Even with the suspension in Sport mode, the S8 was comfortable on pockmarked Chicago streets. Discerning luxury buyers may find the ride too hard on occasion, but those with a sportier driving style will appreciate the S8's enhanced athleticism. Some of our test drivers find throttle response to be too sensitive, causing the car to lurch, but others felt it was just fine.?AudiA8� Engines_options??? ??????????? ????????? ???? ???????? ??? ?? ??? ????????? ???? ? ?????? ?? ? ?? ??? ?? ?????? ???? ???????? ????????????� ????????????????A65.2-liter dohc 40-valve V10?AudiA8�Interior???? ???? ?? ????? ?????? ???? ????????? ??? ???? ????? ?? ??????????? ??? ?????????? ???????? ?????? ?? ????? ??? ???????? ? ?????? ?? ???????? ??? ???? ????? ??????? ? ????? ?? ?????????????? ???????? ??????? ??????? ???? ?????????? ????? ????????? ???? ?????????? ????????? ???????????? ???? ???????? ??????? ????????? ??? ????? ??? ??? ???????? ?????stability even while turning under hard acceleration. An electronic stability program (ESP) compares vehicle behavior against driver input, and uses the antilock brakes and traction control to correct a skid or slide. Add quattro all-wheel drive, and the A8 will do everything physically possible to keep you heading where you want to go.
Audi Side Assist uses radar technology to scan the area next to and behind the car. If a vehicle occupies that space or is moving up rapidly, the system turns on yellow lights in the side mirrors to warn the driver. If the driver puts on his signal and a vehicle occupies that space, the lights flash. We found Audi Side Assist worked as advertised and, while subtle, the lights were visible even in bright sunlight.
Audi Lane Assist uses a camera mounted above the rearview mirror to monitor the road ahead. If the system detects that the vehicle is traveling above 40 mph and crosses a lane line without the use of a turn signal, it vibrates the steering wheel to warn the driver. The system can be set to three levels of sensitivity, one that triggers the warning when the vehicle is about to cross the lane line, one when the vehicle actually crosses the line, and one adaptive mode. We liked Audi's approach to this system. Other systems sound a warning that can become annoying because, in normal driving, lane lines are crossed on a regular basis, especially in curves. The vibrating steering wheel isn't as distracting, and the system can be shut off. In the most sensitive mode, however, we got false readings when the pavement changed, such as over bridges on the freeway.
The S8 packs a 40-valve V10 with 450 horsepower, the same output as the W12 but at a higher 7000 rpm. The S8 boasts 398 pound-feet of torque at 3500 rpm vs. the W12's 428 pound-feet at 4000-4700 rpm. Digest those numbers a minute and you'll see that the V10 is really the performance powerhouse in the A8 series, playing the rogue racer against the W12's executive express. The shorter wheelbase and 10-cylinder engine save weight, improving acceleration performance: Audi claims 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. EPA estimated fuel consumption is the same as for the W12: 13/19 mpg City/Highway.
The S8 runs with the same six-speed automatic transmission as the A8 and A8 L W12, but it's programmed for more aggressive action. Paddle shifters on the steering wheel promise full manual control. The final drive ratio in the S8 is significantly shorter than in the other models (about 4.0:1 for the S8, vs. 3.3:1 for other A8s), for snappier acceleration in higher gears.
The S8's air suspension is adapted from the A8 Sport Package, but the bushings, shock absorbers and air springs are firmer, to reduce roll and pitch. Steering is variable-ratio as in the A8, but geared about 10 percent faster around the straight-ahead position. Ride height is the same as with the Sport suspension, reaching a minimum of 3.7 inches at freeway speeds. Brakes are vented discs, 15.2 inches in front and 13.2 inches in the rear; standard tires are 265/35 on 20-inch wheels. The Bosch 5.7 electronic stability control on the S8 is programmed to interfere later and more briefly, leaving more control in the hands of the driver. It also keeps the disc brakes dry by lightly applying them, just enough to generate heat but not enough for the driver to notice.
With all these modifications, it's no surprise that the S8 has sharper moves than the other models. Steering is quick and precise, and the sportier suspension bites better around turns. Still, this is a big car and the S8 is prone to understeer just like the other models. The S8's 20-inch wheels make the ride firmer, but not harsh. Even with the suspension in Sport mode, the S8 was comfortable on pockmarked Chicago streets. Discerning luxury buyers may find the ride too hard on occasion, but those with a sportier driving style will appreciate the S8's enhanced athleticism. Some of our test drivers find throttle response to be too sensitive, causing the car to lurch, but others felt it was just fine. Next Page