2020 Audi S8 revealed

Audi’s V8-powered limo halo is here with the arrival of the 2020 Audi S8.

With 420kW and 800Nm, the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 powering the S8 is also assisted by a mild hybrid system which consists of a 48-volt belt alternator starter and an extra lithium-ion battery.

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But it’s not all about efficiency, with an active exhaust providing a little bit of theatre with the V8’s sounds.

As of the initial press release, Audi has yet to confirm the performance figures for the S8, offering only its limited 250km/h top speed.

The 5.17m-long S8 also comes standard with a few features to help keep its heft in check, such as all-wheel steering as has featured on other large Audi models before. It also features predictive active suspension “which works in combination with the adaptive air suspension, [and] can lift or push down each wheel separately via electromechanical actuators.”

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Effectively similar to Bentley’s ‘Dynamic Ride’ (given both Audi and Bentley are VW brands), the active system allows the car’s suspension to counteract extreme body roll or pitching using the suspension to keep the car level.

A sport differential also helps back up Audi’s claims of the S8’s sporting ability, with the diff tuned in a way that controls the rear torque distribution to “literally pushe the car into the curve and nip any hint of understeer in the bud.”

Audi says these three systems working together in such a way is “unique in its class and ensures composed and sporty handling in all situations.”

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Audi even offers 420mm front and 370mm rear carbon ceramic brakes as options, which it says reduces unsprung weight by 9.6kg.

The S8’s arrival in Australia is likely but unconfirmed, though timing for international markets is also yet to be confirmed.