ryoung

Audi reports that the S8 weighs 4068 lb, but Road & Track's 2002 Road Test Annual reported a curb weight of 3815 lb. Since R&T also reported a test weight of 3990 lb with driver, it sounds like they actually put the car on a scale. So maybe Audi's numbers are wrong too ??

One of these days I really need to just get my own car on scales and see what the darn thing weighs!

Egil A64.2s - S6

that the new S8 will have 450Hp and twin turbo. I still stand by my predictions. The A8 will evolve to 350Hp and the New S8 will start at 450Hp.

D Clymer

The horsepower war is escalating quickly between MB, Audi, and BMW. Mercedes just announced S65 and CL 65 AMG models with an enlarged Maybach twin turbo V12: 612 hp and over 700 lb.ft of torque.

It will be interesting to see if Audi decides to match this with the RS8. They almost have to given the all conquering image of the RS cars. If this is the case, it sounds like a twin turbo W12 with sportier tuning than in the Bentley Cont. GT.

chucklane

Well lets look at the new S4, its more than a bump up from the A4 3.0. it has 344 horses as apposed to 220. V8 vs. V6. With an investment of 5k its possible to push the B6 S4 to over 415 horses which would definitely give the dated RS6 a run for its money and for about 20K less too. Looking back even further the B6 S4 with this investment would be cheaper and almost as fast as the past B5 RS4, (in today's dollars). Point being we should have faith that the D3 S8 just like the B6 S4 will be more than a bump up from the D3 A8.

Audi S5 TC

while the RS8 should be a competitor for the S65 AMG. As D Clymer pointed out, inorder for the RS8 to compete with the S65 AMG, it will need 600+ hp and 700 lbs/ft of torque, most likely with a twin turbo DOHC 48V 6L W12 with sportier tuning. The Gallardo's V10 in the S8 will need 5.5L of displacement with 550 hp and 457 lbs/ft of torque to compete with the S55 AMG. Both engines will have to have direct fuel injection in order to have these extrordinary amounts of hp and torque while meeting or exceeding all of US emissions standards. From what I have heard, 55 AMG versions of the S Class, CL and SL will continue to be available alongside the 65 AMG versions of these Benzes. So I guess there is use for the S with the D3 A8 and B6 A4. But not with the C6 A6. I translated an article about the new (C6) A6 on AutoBild from German to English and according to that article, the head of Audi AG admitted that there will be an RS6 version, but not an S6 version of the C6 A6.

Victoryroad

only had 450 bhp. MB and BMW have upped the ante for these cars in terms of dynamic performance. Given the enlightened '04 A8L approach, it seems reasonable to me that Audi will either go with a 500 4.2 twin turbo, or preferably an upgraded Gallardo V-10 to enhance its appeal here. The new A8L already is considered the best large sedan, based on what I have read and from my test drive I concur. Audi should use the newfound interest and at least match the S55 performance. BTW, I have an A6 4.2.

Egil A64.2s - S6

and forego the added cost of a very high output engine. It is not just the engine which needs to be upgraded but all mechanical parts. Now with a RS8 model the argument would change. :-)