Audi S8?

[rondocap]

I know it's not a direct m5 competitor, but I'm a little bit perplexed at these new Audi S cars. (S6, S7, and S8).

Motortrend got the S8 to 60 in 3.5 seconds, and the quarter mile at 11.8

Is it really the awd? The numbers seem incredible, heck a Ferrari F430 isn't much faster at these times. Not to mention the M5!

Audi seems to be doing similar to Porsche, I guess the awd traction really helps these numbers.

What do you guys think? Passing performance and handling aside.

[stealth.pilot]

Yes this topic comes up every week on this board.

http://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthr...hlight=audi+s8

http://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthr...hlight=audi+s8

http://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthr...hlight=audi+s8

[midnight express]

such a fast time for a huge car, audi is really coming up

[stealth.pilot]

Yes but AWD is a key part of that. With a rolling start the comparison is less exciting.

The S8 lacks the precision and fun driving dynamics of the M5. It is more of an exciting car in a straight line. The S6 handles a little better than the S8, but not even close to the M5.

M5 is also much more luxurious. I was sitting in the Audi S models at the South Florida Auto SHow, and the interiors seemed a little cheap - especially on S6 and S7 where there is lots of plastic and no full leather option.

[smashhell]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

Yes but AWD is a key part of that. With a rolling start the comparison is less exciting.

The S8 lacks the precision and fun driving dynamics of the M5. It is more of an exciting car in a straight line. The S6 handles a little better than the S8, but not even close to the M5.

M5 is also much more luxurious. I was sitting in the Audi S models at the South Florida Auto SHow, and the interiors seemed a little cheap - especially on S6 and S7 where there is lots of plastic and no full leather option.

+1 Agree

The S8 may be fast in a straight line.
But handles very poorly.

While the M5 can beat E92 M3's ring time easily.

[xDrive35i]

It's weird to me that you could suggest that the S8 handles "poorly." It most certainly doesn't handle poorly. Initial turn in might be sharper in the M5, but the S6, S7, and S8 will always post more confidence inspiring slalom speeds and skidpad results. Either way, if the M5 handles better than all three, none of them handle poorly. That's nonsense.

[car_fan]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

Yes but AWD is a key part of that. With a rolling start the comparison is less exciting.

The S8 lacks the precision and fun driving dynamics of the M5. It is more of an exciting car in a straight line. The S6 handles a little better than the S8, but not even close to the M5.

M5 is also much more luxurious. I was sitting in the Audi S models at the South Florida Auto SHow, and the interiors seemed a little cheap - especially on S6 and S7 where there is lots of plastic and no full leather option.

Speaking of the South Florida Auto show BMW didn't bring much. The most interesting things on display for BMW were the Matt 650 GC and the 650cc Scooter

I know what you mean about the S6/S7/S8, overall I think the Audi S models present a strong alternative to the 550i/750i. Although, once the new N63 TU motors start showing up the advantage - performance wise - should be in BMW's favor.

RS5 is nice - not over an e92 M3, but definitely over the C63 - no question..

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by car_fan

Speaking of the South Florida Auto show BMW didn't bring much. The most interesting things on display for BMW were the Matt 650 GC and the 650cc Scooter

I know what you mean about the S6/S7/S8, overall I think the Audi S models present a strong alternative to the 550i/750i. Although, once the new N63 TU motors start showing up the advantage - performance wise - should be in BMW's favor.

RS5 is nice - not over an e92 M3, but definitely over the C63 - no question..

The BMW stand was a piss-take. Looked like a loaner car fleet with the exception of that 650GC.

[smashhell]

Originally Posted by juddholland

It's weird to me that you could suggest that the S8 handles "poorly." It most certainly doesn't handle poorly. Initial turn in might be sharper in the M5, but the S6, S7, and S8 will always post more confidence inspiring slalom speeds and skidpad results. Either way, if the M5 handles better than all three, none of them handle poorly. That's nonsense.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwazyyinQPk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Watch the review and you'll know what I mean.
While being able to pull Gs doesn't always mean the car have good handling.
Because of the front engine front wheel drive base layout of all Audis(S6,7,8 included), they suffer from huge amount of under steer, thus handles poorly. At least when you are comparing against BMWs.

[MY13E92M3]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

The S8 lacks the precision and fun driving dynamics of the M5. It is more of an exciting car in a straight line. The S6 handles a little better than the S8, but not even close to the M5.

M5 is also much more luxurious. I was sitting in the Audi S models at the South Florida Auto SHow, and the interiors seemed a little cheap - especially on S6 and S7 where there is lots of plastic and no full leather option.

Spot on. Audi's are no fun to drive and thier interiors are very cheap.

[nyamg]

Originally Posted by smashhell

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwazyyinQPk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Watch the review and you'll know what I mean.
While being able to pull Gs doesn't always mean the car have good handling.
Because of the front engine front wheel drive base layout of all Audis(S6,7,8 included), they suffer from huge amount of under steer, thus handles poorly. At least when you are comparing against BMWs.

Very true, i had an S8 before my M5........what a terrible handling car it was!!!!
So nose heavy, with terrible steering also.

[A-///M-B]

No doubt impressive performance indeed!!! But do keep in mind that with a weight distribution of 58/42 front to back, it’s going to have understeer and at higher speeds it can be dangerous.