S8
Audi decided to challenge the Jaguar XJR on the large luxury car market and introduced a sportier version of the A8, the 1996 S8.
This model was based on the same Volkswagen Group D2 platform. It was assembled on the Audi Space Frame technology.
It featured plenty of lightweight components and was fitted with a 4.2L V8 engine delivering 340 PS and a 5-speed tiptronic automatic transmission. Its main advantage over the XJR and the later-developed Mercedes S55 AMG was the standard 4wd. This model received a slight face lift in 1999 and a 24-PS power boost two years later to keep up with the new S55 AMG.
Audi introduced the S8 4.2 quattro into the European market in 1996. The S8 followed the naming convention of other high-performance Audi “S” models. Audi A6 derived S6 and was similar in vein of Mercedes-Benz AMG models. In some markets such as the UK, the S8 was only available with the automatic transmission. Cosmetically, Audi differentiated the S8 from the A8 with solid aluminium alloy door mirror housings. Also chrome-effect beltline and lower front grille trim, and polished twin exhaust pipes, along with subtle “S8” badging.
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