This makes perfect sense that the D4 S8 makes 575hp or more. There is no way it could do 3.5s to 60mph with only 520hp and all that weight.
Still, thinking back to our test drives at the annual meet, even though the RS6 is only a tiny bit faster accelerating on paper, on the road it felt a lot quicker, more responsive, nimbler (even though they both weigh around the same?), more planted, etc.
If I was choosing a new top end Audi I would definitely pick the RS6 over the S8.
The D4 S8 felt fast in a straight line, the RS6 felt truly sporty.

Ian, I have to agree..

Even though the SWB W12 Shares the same suspension and same Gearing as the S8 ( "After all it was the Gap fill for the Sports A8 from 2004 until the launch of the S8 in 2006 hence SWB are rare because they were only produced to fill a gap in the market until the S8 came along since then they were only available in LWB form and still are, even in the D4 i believe, there was even rumor that the D3 S8 Produced closer to 500bhp and had to be dulled down at the risk of dissatisfied SWB W12 customers complaining ... it dose leave me wandering if a few extra horses escaped the factory with the S8..


But yes Chalk and Cheese it has to be said .. the S8 is far more lively to drive and encourages you to do so and sounds amazing even in standard form its an outstanding car and as much as I am glad Audi Finally put a turbocharged engine in the S8 with the D4 platform, I do think it has lost the character that the D3 had, there was always something quite exotic about the Lamborghini powered beast " Bragging rights if you like" but now the words 4.0L V8 don't seem to roll off the tongue as well in conversation given that its a relatively normal engine capacity in modern society.

Some how the words " Yes sir its a Lamborghini V10 5.2L "seems to provoke a better reaction ...

Kind of like the Way the W12 in the D4 has lost that characteristic Start up sound the D3 has ... now it sounds normal ... In-fact I am sure i bought my First W12 just for the sound of it cranking over :)

That's a real, real shame. One of the biggest reasons for buying a W12 is the beautiful sound of it starting.... Very distinct and prestigious.....

I read something the other day that seemed to imply that the 4.0 V8 is derived from the V10 engine.
Anyone know if there's any truth in this?

The only scandal, if this is true, is that I still can't afford one

I'll drink to that !!!!!

+1