2006 Audi S8 5.2L V10 FSI Quattro 6AT (450 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Audi didn’t rush with the second generation of the S8 nameplate and unveiled it only in late 2005 as a 2006 model year, but the wait was worth it.

The first generation of the S8 was an immense success, and the German automaker considered continuing the moniker with the second generation of the A8 that was launched in 2002. Still, it didn’t want to rush a new model on the market. It took time and studies to convert the automaker’s flagship into a fierce supercar contender, but with four doors and all the luxury of a limousine.

With the facelifted version, the second generation of the A8 lineup has received the singleframe-grille showcased on the Audi Nuvolari concept car. If that looked fine on the lesser-powered vehicles, on the S8, it looked spot-on. In addition, the chromed vertical slats and the three lower air-intakes made the car looks aggressive, something that didn’t happen with other German luxury cars. Moreover, the large 20″ light-alloy wheels confirmed the fact that the S8 was not the kind of executive vehicle meant just to drive a CEO from A to B in a calm way. It looked like a vehicle built to travel at high rates of speed on the German Autobahn highway system.

Inside, the front seats featured high-bolstered areas that supported their occupants during high-speed cornering maneuvers. At the same time, in the back, the bench was profiled for two, even though the car was available with three headrests (depending on the options). Despite the vehicle’s sporty abilities, the S8 didn’t lack luxurious amenities such as standard leather upholstery or a custom premium sound system.

Under the hood, Audi installed a V10, direct fuel-injected engine developed together with Lamborghini. In full song, the massive powerplant developed 450 PS (433 hp), and it could rev up to 7,000 rpm. Power was sent in all corners via a six-speed automatic transmission.