Review: Audi D2.I S8 (1998-99)

Overview

Released in July 1998, the Audi D2 Series I (D2.I) S8 was a large, performance sedan. Manufactured in Neckarsulm, the Audi D2 S8 was powered by a 4.2-litre petrol V8 engine that drove all four wheels via Audi’s quattro four-wheel drive system and had a five-speed ZF automatic transmission.

4.2 V8 engine

The Audi D2 S8’s 4.2-litre AHC/AKH V8 engine had a cast aluminium alloy cylinder block, a die-forged steel crankshaft which operated on five main bearings, a cast aluminium alloy cylinder head, double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank driven by a toothed belt and simple chain, four valves per cylinder, a variable intake manifold and a compression ratio of 11.3:1. Furthermore, the engine had a 7000 rpm redline and required 98 RON premium unleaded petrol.

The AHC/AKH engine produced peak outputs of 250 kW at 6600 rpm and 410 Nm at 3500 rpm. However, 90 per cent of peak torque (i.e. 369 Nm) was available from 2900 to 6000 rpm.

Audi D2.I S8 specifications
Engine	Drive	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
4.2-litre AHC/AKH petrol V8	quattro	5sp auto	250 kW at 6600 rpm	410 Nm at 3500 rpm

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the Audi D2 A8 on which it was based, the S8 was the same length (5034 mm) and width (1880 mm), but was 2 mm lower (1438 mm); wheelbase length was also unchanged at 2882 mm. Furthermore, the D2 S8 had four-link front suspension with double wishbones and independent, trapezoidal link rear suspension.

quattro

The Audi D2 S8’s quattro four-wheel drive system utiltised a self-locking Torsen centre differential and provided a 50:50 front:rear torque in normal conditions. If traction was lost, however, torque could be redirected to the front or rear axle (up to 80 per cent for the latter). Furthermore, both the front and rear differentials had an electronic differential lock which could enable cross-axle torque transfer at speeds of up to 80 km/h.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Audi D2.I S8 included dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Features

Standard features for the Audi D2.I S8 included 18-inch Avus-style alloy wheels with 245/45 tyres, an eight speaker stereo with a six-disc CD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, premium silk nappa leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, xenon headlights, front fog lights, a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, power sunroof, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, myrtle woodgrain paneling, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.