i've seen an official test of a manual 40v S8 doing 5.4secs to 100kph in Germany.

^^^ +++

Add about a second to that for the auto I have read somewhere...

In September 1999, Autocar tested the 360bhp S8.

Their figures were:

0-60: 6.7s
0-100: 16.6s
30-70: 6.1s

Top Speed: 159mph.

Touring route mpg: 22.5

On a 310bhp 4.2 qs they got:

0-60: 73s
0-100: 21.7s
Top Speed 155mph.

They also complained about the harsh and jerky gearchanges on the S8, so I blame them for the bulletin board paranoia about A8 gearboxes.