Summarize

This is Audi’s new 420kW 800Nm biturbo petrol V8 S8 flagship that keeps loyal to petrol power in the wake of its siblings shifting to turbodiesel. The sedan shares its V8 heart with Porsche and Bentley and adds a 48V mild-hybrid starter alternator fed by a small lithium ion battery for extended stop-start use to further boost efficiency over cylinder deactivation. Predictive active suspension uses electromechanical actuators to load each wheel separately to reduce roll while enhancing comfort, there’s rear-wheel steering, a sport differential and active cancellation to mask wind and road noise too. Options include carbon-ceramic brakes, a black styling pack and 21-inch alloys, while S8 gains aggro body kit and twin exhaust pipes and customised contour seats with power bolsters inside.