jhiller

Why would the S 8 be projected to take 6.3 seconds to reach 60 mph when the new S 55 Merc with 10 less BHP reach 60 in 5.7 seconds. Weight is approx the same. Only major difference is torque. S 55 has 390 ft/lbs.
Still seems like too great a difference!!
Anyone know of any real tests of the S8 ?

ScottS8

Been wondering this myself. I haven't seen any comparative tests or "street" data on the S8. Hopefully, one of the magazines or something will produce more definitive data.

Just as a guess, though -- an obvious culprit could be the gear ratios and/or the tiptronic programming. I seem to recall complaints elsewhere in this forum about tip shifting out of first too quickly in A8s with tip. Not being able to wind it up before transitioning to second could really dig into the 0-60 time.

Heksi

5 speed S8 reaches 62 mph in 5,4 seconds, S8 Tiptronic does the same in 6,6 seconds. Don't you think that's fast for such a large sedan!

jhiller

Actually, no I don't. I currently drive a Jag XJR which does 0- 60 in about 5.4 seconds and the new Mercedes S 55 does it in 5.7
I suppose that compared to most sedans 6.6 is quick but it certainly isn't in the top tier.
Maybe thats the price you pay for Quattro

Bill Mills VA

If you look at acceleration figures for the A6 2.8 with and without quattro, there is almost a full second difference. Since you are comparing 2 wheel drive cars with a quattro of similar HP., I would think the same effect would apply. The first/second gear shifting issue may amplify this difference as well since the added HP. of the S8 (vs. the A6) with little gain in weight, should narrow the acceleration figure gap between quattro and the 2WD vehicles mentioned, but appaerently does not. Ultimately what it comes down to is it's apples & oranges. AWD vs. 2WD.

Bill Mills VA

I see by rechecking the numbers that the HP gain does narrow the gap in the acceleration figures vs. the A6. So going back the original post in this string, torque is not the only difference. The S8 is an AWD vehicle. Perhaps some of this difference may have to do with mild down tuning to meet EPA requirements for emmissions and fleet fuel economy standards as well. So I guess it comes down to if you don't want to trade 0.6 seconds in your 0-60 accelerartion figures for AWD, don't buy the S8. With only 500 being shipped to the US this year, I'm sure someone else will buy the one you don't. Either that or buy one and wait for someone to come out with a tranny or ECU chip or a tranny/ECU chip set that closes the gap.

ScottS8

The Car & Driver article about the S8 cites the 6.6 0-60 in reference to the A8, not the S. While the author didn't do a track test, his comment was (I paraphrase) "Audi tells us the S8 should do about .3 better than the 6.6 we got in our last test of the A8. After driving the S8, we think that's conservative."

In a subjective conclusion, the author also says the upgraded horsepower and torque will definately "pin your shoulders back."

Finally, back to my tiptronic theory, I read elsewhere that the european S8 w/manual produces 0-60 times of 5.4. That would definately support the notion that Tip tronic and how it's programmed definately takes away the RPM and torque control you need for a precision sprint.

Bill Mills VA

to reality and with the stepless transmission a few years away, this tiptronic issue will eventually be history. Until then, you'll need to get a tip chip 'cause I suspect you'll never see a manual S8 in the US.
P.S. the .9 second difference can become much smaller if a mistake is made, even the slightest mistake, when shifiting a manual. It's certinly the prefered method of shifting for a sports car but those acceleration figures are achived buy guys who do that for a living. I am sure the manual gives an acceleration advantage but it's one that is easier to loose by a mistake which is hard to make with an automatic from 0-60.

Bill Mills VA

to reality and with the stepless transmission a few years away, this tiptronic issue will eventually be history. Until then, you'll need to get a tip chip 'cause I suspect you'll never see a manual S8 in the US.
P.S. the .9 second difference can become much smaller if a mistake is made, even the slightest mistake, when shifiting a manual. It's certainly the prefered method of shifting for a sports car but those acceleration figures are achieved buy guys who do that for a living. I am sure the manual gives an acceleration advantage but it's one that is easier to loose by a mistake which is hard to make with an automatic from 0-60.

warpspeed

true true. that thing hauls *** like nothing.