Official: 2016 Audi S8 plus

Audi today announced the 2016 Audi S8 plus which will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2015 next month. The upgrades keep the Audi S8 relevant in the face of the revamped Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the new BMW 7-Series. In fact, the power increases are enough to allow it to compete with cars half its size! So what makes the (very handsome) 2016 Audi S8 plus special?
To start with, power output is increased to a staggering 605 hp; enough for top speeds of up to 305 km/h (189.5 mph). The 4.0 TFSI V8 engine also produces a healthy 700 Nm (516.3 lb‑ft) of torque or 750 Nm (553.2 lb‑ft) in overboost mode. That’s a gain of 85 hp over the standard model. The S8 plus accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in just 3.8 seconds. To achieve this, Audi engineers fitted a special ECU, modified exhaust valves and modified inner geometry for the turbocharger.
The power is converted to the road by an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox and Quattro drivetrain together with a sport differential. Adaptive air suspension, sport and dynamic steering and 21 inch wheels with 275/35 tires help to keep it planted. An optional dynamic package remove the top speed limited, adds carbon fibre reinforced ceramic brakes with anthracite-grey calipers and a sports exhaust system.

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Underneath, the 2016 Audi S8 plus gets an Audi Space Frame which weights just 231 kg. The body is almost entirely aluminium. You can tell the S8 plus apart from its rear spoiler lip on the bootlid, flaps in the side air inlets, mirror housings and gloss black or carbon fibre trim pieces. The tail lights are darkened and the rear gets a gloss black diffuser insert as well as gloss black tailpipes. The matt-effect paint finish is floret silver is exclusively available on the S8 plus. All of the colours offered on the S8 are also available on the S8 plus.
Inside, owners will enjoy contrasting stitching in Arras red throughout the black full-leather interior. Piping is also Arras red with headlining and rear parcel shelf finished in black Alcantara. The upper inlay features a contrasting red thread. The lower inlay is brushed aluminum. Black piano paint trims the gear selector lever and the round instruments get gray dials, white pointers, dynamic startup and an S8 logo on the tachometer.

The Audi S8 plus is only available in normal wheelbase but features a range of options that include ambient lighting, a Bose surround sound system and MMI navigation plus with MMI touch. The new Audi S8 plus will be available at the end of November for a base price of 145,200 euros in Germany.