Opinions - Audi S8 ?

Author
Discussion

JasonS8

Original Poster:

395 posts

274 months

Friday 8th February 2002
quotequote all
I've been reading these forums for a few weeks now and have come to love and respect you guys (kidding about the 'love' bit).

Anyone have any opinions about the Audi S8? I realise it's not a 2-door sports car (and is German), but when it first came out in '97 the German press likend it to a 4-door Porsche.

All comments welcome.

trefor

14,661 posts

290 months

Friday 8th February 2002
quotequote all
I like 'em, but then I have an A6. Most people would probably rate the M5 as a better car, and maybe it's a bit quicker. but the difference is not worth worrying about. IMO Audis look better inside and out than the equivalent BMW too (A2 excepted, bit 'different' that one).

It's all down to taste.

T/.

currymonster

3,933 posts

276 months

Friday 8th February 2002
quotequote all
for a big 4 door saloon, they look the nuts. The press (worldwide) says they go like rockets. I would love one, but I am an Audi fan (A3 quattro daily driver)...

>> Edited by currymonster on Friday 8th February 10:37

Roadrunner

2,690 posts

274 months

Friday 8th February 2002
quotequote all
The dogs danglies. Ever seen the film Ronin? Theres an S8 power sliding around roundabouts and narrow streets - looks like it handles very well. The minimal understated look is very contempory too - very cool styling, much less 'vulger' than bmw and not so 'old man' as merc. I've seen some nearly new versions going for about 35k - don't buy a new one for 65k! Don't know if it comes in manual? Anyone know?...

JasonS8

Original Poster:

395 posts

274 months

Friday 8th February 2002
quotequote all
The S8 is available in Europe as a six-speed manual, but the huge majority are sold as 5-speed tiptronics.

'Car & driver' magazine in the States achieved a 0-60 time of 5.8secs with the auto box!!

I heard that the exhaust note of the S8 in 'Ronin' was sampled from an M5. I too think that the M5 is a slightly better performance saloon, but it doesn't have quattro!!

sixspeed

2,061 posts

279 months

Friday 8th February 2002
quotequote all
I had a great scrap with an S8 the other night in the Mx-5 along a dual-carriageway near me. Was a bit dissapointed though, because he really wasn't pulling away much off the roundabouts. I guess I was carrying a little more speed through them but it wasn't all that quick getting away.

They are a bit of a tank tho...


-andy-

sixspeed

2,061 posts

279 months

Friday 8th February 2002
quotequote all
I had a great scrap with an S8 the other night in the Mx-5 along a dual-carriageway near me. Was a bit dissapointed though, because he really wasn't pulling away much off the roundabouts. I guess I was carrying a little more speed through them but it wasn't all that quick getting away.

They are a bit of a tank tho...


-andy-

marshy

2,749 posts

291 months

Friday 8th February 2002
quotequote all
I've driven a few A8 4.2s, with and without sports suspension. Have to say I like them a lot although they were all tiptronic. If you can find a six speed, I imagine it'll be a riot. I think the S8 has a bit more power than the standard 4.2, though my memory is getting hazy on that score.

The sports suspension wasn't too happy with the crappy roads around Peterboghorror though, so do test drive one and check you can live with the jiggly ride. Even the TVR doesn't (subsequently) feel as jiggly, although that might be me making allowances!

And as someone said, don't buy new! The values plummet alarmingly after a couple of years, so there are bargains to be had.

JMGS4

8,770 posts

277 months

Friday 8th February 2002
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Obviously he wasn't trying if a Mazda could keep up. The likeness to a 4door Porker is about right. I've driven it with 4 up around the Nordschleife (old course) at the Nurburgring and believe me it's fast and corners like a train. Sticks to the road like the proverbial shit to a blanket. After 3 laps at full tilt the brakes were suffering though!Problems, a bit too long, and a bit too expensive! other wise agreat car, but don't expect (dis)honourable AUDI to honour any guarantee claims................

Roadrunner

2,690 posts

274 months

Friday 8th February 2002
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About the brakes - movit who make Porsche turbo stoppers are available as an upgrade.

prelude4ws

592 posts

281 months

Friday 8th February 2002
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I drove one a year or two back, awwsome car, can only liken it to the starship enterprise!! It kicked down into 3rd at 100 mph and didnt change up again till 130 mph!!! very easy to lose license in that car. it is way to quiet, you have no idea how fast your going. Oh and if you have the cash MTM in germany will strip all the paint off and polish it for you!!

JasonS8

Original Poster:

395 posts

274 months

Friday 8th February 2002
quotequote all
...and if you have even more cash, MTM will graft a supercharger onto the V8, giving it 450 bhp!!!

Costs about £16k, though and takes four weeks!

Tuff Noodell

68 posts

282 months

Friday 8th February 2002
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I always fancied a S8 but now I have a 450BHP reason to try and get one.

Will the drivetrain take all that power - or is an upgrade included in the £16k?

JasonS8

Original Poster:

395 posts

274 months

Friday 8th February 2002
quotequote all
The drivetrain will handle the extra power. The transmission however would need to be upgraded to the six-speed manual instead of the 5-speed tiptronic.

The price does not include this conversion.

How are you enjoying your M3? All the car mags seem to rave about the latest one - I'd quite fancy one with the SMG.

Tuff Noodell

68 posts

282 months

Saturday 9th February 2002
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Just got the beast fully run in.
Power is very adequate with superb amount of urge in the range 100-120.
Whole drive train is very refined but they have tuned the exhaust to make it sound more like a Nova/Saxo etc - except that it is still floundering to get away from the traffic lights when I in cruise 1/2 mile up the road.
Handling is sharp with much better turn in than old M3.
Ride is crap though - sharp bump supression is fine but undulations send you bouncing up and down in the seat. No float though.

This doesn't sound too sad does it.
Would love to have a Cerbie for transport but annual mileage is large and I dont like spending excess amounts of time in the dealer/hard shoulder.