Design Discreet sports style The models in Audi's S range have always epitomised refined sports appeal. The same applies to the S8 – it lends the design of the A8 a dynamic edge. This representative saloon is already inherently light and elegant in character – its aesthetic appeal reflects its exceptional position as a sports model in the luxury class. The S8, too, is supremely athletic yet never aggressive in outlook. The most striking differences are to be found at its front end. The eye-catching single-frame grille displaying the S8 emblem is in platinum grey, and its vertical struts have a chrome finish. Beneath the grille, there are three low air inlets cut into the front apron. The two large air inlets beneath the headlights are filled with honeycomb grilles. Down the sides, in addition to the 20-inch wheels and the special brakes, three details hint at the potential of the V10 engine: emblems on the wheel arches, door handles with aluminium strips and the aluminium-look exterior mirror housings. At the rear, the S8 emblem, a spoiler integrated into the luggage compartment lid, a subtle light edge in the apron and an exhaust system with four ellipsoidal tailpipes complete the range of optical modifications. The S8 is the only model in the A8 range to be available in the exclusive colour Daytona Grey, pearl effect. Interior Attention to detail In common with the exterior, the interior design of the Audi A8 reflects a character of dynamic elegance and high quality – from the supple flow of the driving area to the MMI user interface (Multi Media Interface), which remains unequalled by any competitor thanks to its logical, intuitive operating principle. The S8 adds various specific accents to this luxurious interior. This is the first time that bi-colour seats with seams in a contrasting colour have been used as standard; their four colour combinations emphasise the air of luxurious sports appeal. The colours for the seat centre sections differ from those for the side sections and head restraints. The headlining is additionally available in the S models' signature colour silver. Further details of the interior distinguish the sporty top model from the A8. The door sill trims are adorned with S8 emblems, and the inlays are in brushed aluminium or alternatively carbon fibre. The three-spoke leather multifunction sports steering wheel with the S emblem features colour-contrasting seams and aluminium-look shift paddles. Leather and aluminium are used on the selector lever knob. The needles on the instrument dials are in white, their scales in light grey and their values in the characteristic S italic script. Safety No compromises quattro drive is one of the core areas of expertise of the brand with the four-ring emblem. It gives Audi drivers decisively more safety by always assuring optimum traction. The asymmetric/dynamic torque split that is possible on the new Audi S8 builds on this already significant advantage. The high-performance brake system, too, makes a substantial contribution towards active safety. The S8 is equipped with a dynamic stability system that can be deactivated if required. Its control strategy is tailored specifically to the dynamics of the S8. In common with all other Audi A8 models, the S8 sporty top model comes complete with a package of restraint systems that are perfectly matched to the highly rigid aluminium body. The package includes two front airbags, four side airbags and large-area sideguard head airbags. All five three-point belts in the Audi S8 are fitted with belt tensioners. Active head restraints for the front seats reduce the risk of whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision. The innovative lighting technology adaptive light with LED daytime running lights is standard equipment on every Audi S8. Here, the xenon plus headlights are equipped with static turning lights and dynamic cornering lights. The separate LED daytime running lights, each of which consists of five white light-emitting diodes and consumes only a minimal amount of energy, can be considered a pioneering invention. Pages: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

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