Audi is set to introduce an even more powerful version of its already bonkers S8 sedan in 2016, rather fittingly called the S8 Plus. The S8 Plus will take the already high 382kW output from the standard S8 and ramp it up to a meaty 445kW and a tyre frying 700Nm of torque – the highest output of any Audi in the current model range.
All of this extra power is down to modifications Audi has made to the S8’s twin-turbo V8 engine. They’ve given it a new special engine management control unit, modified the exhaust valves and wound up the boost pressure produced by the turbocharger, which itself has had it’s inner geometry optimised for efficiency. The turbocharger also has the ability to run in an over-boost mode, too, which sees maximum torque jump from 700Nm to 750Nm when required. These changes and the incredible figures which have resulted all mean the S8 Plus needs just 3.8sec to go from 0 to highway speeds, and on to an electronically limited 250 kph top speed. All that power and torque is put to the ground via an eight-speed transmission which routes power through all-wheel-drive. The rear sports differential can also vector the torque between the rear wheels for optimum grip and directional stability.
If that isn’t fast enough for you (!?) you can tick the box on the optional dynamic package, which increases the top speed to 300 kph and adds carbonfibre reinforced ceramic brakes.
There’s also a few distinctive design characteristics that help differentiate the S8 Plus from the regular model, including darkened tail lights and a new body coloured rear lip spoiler. The S8 Plus also receives a matte black front grille, 21-inch wheels, a revised diffuser with carbon fibre elements, carbon fibre inlets on the fenders and quad exhaust tips with gloss-black accents.
Inside, the S sports comfort sport seats with 22-way adjustability and memory function can be upholstered in black full-leather with contrasting stitching and piping in red as an option. The entire headlining and rear parcel shelf are finished in black Alcantara. Impressively, Audi offer a list of features as standard on the S8 Plus, including ambient lighting, a convenience key with sensor-driven luggage compartment locking, full leather interior package, Alcantara package, power-assisted door closing and a DVD/CD changer. In Germany, standard features will also include the assistance package with Audi pre sense plus, four-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning system, Bose surround sound system and MMI navigation plus with MMI touch.
The S8 Plus will enter Audi showrooms across the world from November 2015.