2012 Audi S8 to feature 520 hp - report

Audi S8 artist rendering by WCF member PlayaPlaya, 1280, 11.05.2010

Coming early next year

With all the attention being focused on the Audi S6 and RS6, it's easy to forget the company is also preparing to launch a redesigned S8.

That stops today as a new report is indicating the model will use a Bentley-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 520 hp (388 kW / 527 PS). If this is correct, the Audi would slot in between the 500 hp (373 kW / 507 PS) BMW B7 Alpina and the 537 hp (400 kW / 544 PS) Mercedes S63 AMG. Of course, weight and traction will play a factor, so it'll be interesting to see how the car compares when the official specifications are released.

Regardless, the Audi S8 is expected to be launched in the United States early next year.

Note: Rendering by WCF member ACERBUS

Source: Car & Driver via Motor Authority

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smallq

you should have used my more realistic render http://www.worldcarfans.com/community/photo/S1mu3YQxpg

March 25, 2011 5:41 pm

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1 reply

Banglefan350

wow, you're right, sooo much better!

March 28, 2011 9:46 am

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accousticjama

Render does not capture Audi's design theme.The front air intakes are too aggressive & vulgar for a car manufacturer that makes very conservative & elegant sedans.

March 25, 2011 6:21 pm

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2 replies

panamera789

that's a good way to say their designs are boring and repetitive

March 25, 2011 9:34 pm

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DrPlacebo

even if I am an Audi fanboy, that's really funny.

March 26, 2011 12:26 am

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GOOD GOD THAT IS F UGLY!

March 26, 2011 12:36 am

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PONTIAC G8 GXP

Best rendering of S8

March 26, 2011 7:21 am

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Garais87

can't wait for Transporter V :)

March 26, 2011 7:42 am

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MBZFAN

If Audi hopes to achieve their desired plans of becoming a major player in the US, in the S-Class and 7-Series market, then an aggressive, non boring, non repetitive look is essential on the S8. Cars like the S8 should enhance the aura of the entire Audi line and not just be an A8 with a larger engine. A little dazzle at this price point is essential to market the rest of the company, with a perfect example being the RS8.

March 26, 2011 9:53 am

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1 reply

Microice

A8 is selling well in the states but I don't see there ever being an RS8. Look at the number of rap videos with S class AMGs or 760s and you'll see why...

March 27, 2011 10:05 am

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Cale24

"Audi S8 artist rendering by WCF member PlayaPlaya" That explains the abysmal Essex bodykit before the image even loads. That aside, I look forward to the S8 and S6- latter in particular as I reckon A6 is far better looking.

March 26, 2011 2:09 pm

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TheAlchemist

...someone's been playing around with Photoshop too much.

March 26, 2011 2:27 pm

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DdW

Even if the upcoming Audi S8 featured a high-performance powerplant to propel the luxury barge, the car owner or passenger would not drive it. They would prefer to discuss business, watch videos or smoke a cigar to kill time on their way to work, home or attend an business event. Instead, hired chauffeurs would benefit the most the car has to offer, and enjoying the driving dynamics and performance altogether.

March 26, 2011 8:48 pm

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Hellbound

Whatever Audi do with the S8, AMG will outdo them with the next S Class. The Benz will sound better too. And that's from a guy who's on his third Audi.

March 27, 2011 8:52 am

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2 replies

Microice

So you should know better than to compare it to the AMGs. 4.0 litre turbo vs 6.3 twin turbo doesn't really look like competition. But I did like the last gen S8;real panther in a suit!

March 27, 2011 9:56 am

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Hellbound

It's better to compare RRP's when they're released. So we'll wait and see.

March 27, 2011 12:46 pm

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MTC

520hp, wouldn't expect anything less The render itself looks like a pile of mess, keep it clean, other than that, it's quite good

March 27, 2011 9:21 am

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Mikeado

I look forward to it... safe in the knowledge that it definitely won't look like the rendered one above. I would've expected more like 550-600bhp though, partly because the RS6 made 570bhp. I guess it won't need it though. Or they're leaving room for an RS8? I doubt it...

March 27, 2011 11:02 am

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radmeister

Biggest mistake ever, who in their right mind would pay that much for a 4.0L twin turbo british engine, i mean cmon that doesn't say premium at all. V10 or V12 or no sale....

March 27, 2011 7:49 pm

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mikemikemikemike

So will this be an S8, or just the best available engine in an A8?

March 27, 2011 9:25 pm

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Devo

Hurry up WCF!!! Where is my news! Been a few days. Going into withdrawal! Twitch Twitch

March 28, 2011 12:41 am

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bmw2002m

I like it, maybe it's a good thing it looks a bit meaner than the normal conservative looks of most Audis. I couldn't care less about the displacement as long as the horsepower and torque are up there (as well as the fuel consumption being low).

March 28, 2011 3:11 am

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GTurbo

If this is the S8 rendering, what would the RS8 look like?! Great potential; the words 'boring' and 'predictable' need to be tyre-screeched out of Audi's vocabulary quadruple fast!

March 29, 2011 9:41 am

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