Chassis

With a track of 1,632 millimeters (5.4 ft) the front axle comprises five links – two transverse links, the support link and the control arm plus the track rod. All wheel control arms and many other parts, such as the bearing mount and the pivot bearing, are made of aluminum. The five-link design can handle longitudinal and lateral forces separately.

The S8 plus-specific adaptive air suspension is a chassis highlight. The five modes the driver can select for the adaptive air suspension via the Audi drive select dynamic handling system influence the body’s ride height. In auto mode, the superstructure is lowered 20 millimeters (0.8 in) when the S8 plus drives for longer than 30 seconds at more than 120 km/h (74.6 mph). The body is not lowered in comfort mode.

In dynamic mode, on the other hand, the body is lowered ten millimeters (0.4 in) from the outset, and is lowered another ten millimeters when the 120 km/h (74.6 mph) threshold is reached. In efficiency mode, numerous systems work particularly efficiently, and the fifth mode, individual, gives the driver the opportunity to adapt the system within certain limits to his or her preferences.

The Audi engineers have tailored the standard dynamic steering specifically to the S8 plus. At the heart is a superposition gear that varies the steering ratio by nearly 100 percent as a function of driving speed and the setting in Audi drive select. When maneuvering and in city traffic, the system is very direct. On the highway, an indirect steering ratio and less boost promote straight-line stability. At the vehicle’s cornering limits, dynamic steering minimizes oversteer and understeer by making subtle, lightning fast adjustments, if necessary. It also counteracts the car’s pulling to one side when braking on surfaces with different coefficients of friction.

The rear axle has a track width of 1,623 millimeters (5.3 ft) and is a track-controlled trapezoidal link construction that ensures supreme handling and comfort. The electromechanical parking brake, which acts on the rear wheels, also serves as the emergency brake. Audi hold assist makes it easier to start out on uphill and downhill slopes.

In Germany, the new Audi S8 plus comes standard with 21‑inch, cast aluminum wheels with size 275/35 tires. The wheels feature a design that is exclusive to this model.

The carbon fiber-reinforced ceramic brakes are part of the dynamic package, which is standard in Germany. Specially developed cooling channels in the ventilated and perforated brake discs ensure that the 19‑inch, high-performance brake system is kept at the optimal temperature. The brake calipers are finished in high-gloss anthracite and sport the “Audi ceramic” logo.

The dynamic package includes increasing the top speed to 305 km/h (189.5 mph). It is standard in Germany. Besides the carbon fiber-reinforced ceramic brakes, it also includes a sport exhaust system modified by quattro GmbH. The modified internal structure of the center muffler and the two rear mufflers give the S8 plus an unmistakable and sporty V8 sound signature.

The Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) system includes a sport mode, which the driver can select in the MMI operating system. Engine intervention is largely deactivated in this case, and braking interventions are weakened somewhat, enabling skilled drivers to move the big sports sedan particularly dynamically.

The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.