Audi S8 2002

Yet another beautifully executed power meets luxury symbiosis, the Audi S8 packs enough punch to induce sweat into the most able Honda S2000 driver. The S8 uses the same all-aluminum space frame and Quattro all-wheel drive system as the A8. It is also equipped with an aluminum sports suspension, 13.6 inch (345.44mm) vented disc brakes up front with 11 inch (279.4mm) discs in the back, aluminum Brembo calipers all around and 18-inch Avus alloy wheels surrounded by 245/45ZR18 tires, features not found on the A8.The engine is still a 4.2 litre V8 unit but has been revised for a 60 horsepower increase in output over the base model while providing 20 more horsepower than its predecessor. Lowered suspension settings by 20 mm (0.8 inch), 30 percent stiffer spring rates, 40 percent more compression damping in the shock absorbers combined with thicker stabilizer bars provide the extra grip and handling balance (0.88g on the skidpad vs. 0.77g for the A8) but add up to a harsher ride. The steering is light, perhaps too light at high speeds, but the S8 is still more agile than its most obvious competitor, the Merc S55 AMG. Safety features found on the S8 include the electronic differential lock (EDL) which uses brake intervention to provide a targeted force distribution to the wheels with the greatest degree of traction, the ESP electronic stabilizer program, ASR traction control, ABS brakes and a total of 8 airbags.While a six speed manual transmission is available for European customers, the North American market, which only receives about 30 cars per year, will only get the five-speed Tiptronic automatic. Exterior differences from the A8 are hard to spot but they include the chrome door mirrors, a chrome-lined air intake, the exclusive-to-the-S8 wheels and the red and silver motor sport emblems on the grille and rear of the vehicle.On the inside, luxury is aplenty, with soft nappa leather, heated mirrors, power everything, cruise control, solar panel glass sunroof, system and navigation computer, remote security system with alarm and immobilizer, electric rear sunblind, a nearside mirror that tilts down in reversing, a 10-speaker BOSE sound system with CD stacker and numerous other features. And the performance? Well, the S8 accelerates to 100 km/h in about 6 seconds and continues to a top speed of 250 km/h. Not too shabby, especially considering the absolute bargain price. - by Traian Popescu

See more: Audi S8 2002 Photos, Audi S8 2002 Technical Data