Review: Audi D3 S8 (2006-10)

Review: Audi D3.II S8 (2006-07)

Overview

Released in November 2006, the Audi D3 Series II (D3.II) S8 was a large, performance sedan. Manufactured in Neckarsulm, the Audi D3 S8 was powered by a 5.2-litre V10 petrol engine mated that drove all four wheels via Audi’s quattro four-wheel drive system and had a six-speed ZF 6HP26 automatic transmission.

5.2 V10 FSI engine

The Audi S8’s 5.2-litre BSM V10 petrol engine had an aluminium-silicon alloy crankcase and pedblate, forged crankshaft and connecting rods, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), variable intake and exhaust camshaft timing, four valves per cylinder, a variable intake manifold with dual throttle valves, direct fuel injection (Audi’s ‘Fuel Stratified Injection’ or FSI) and a compression ratio of 12.5:1.

Dimensions

Compared to the Audi D2 S8 , the D3 S8 was 17 mm longer (at 5051 mm), 14 mm wider (1894 mm), 6 mm taller (1444 mm) and had a 64 mm longer wheelbase (at 2944 mm).

Suspension

Like the Audi D3 A8 on which it was based, the D3 S8 had four-link front suspension with upper and lower wishbones and self-tracking trapezoid link rear suspension. The S8 was also fitted with adaptive air suspension – consisting of four-corner air springs – which provided continuously variable shock absorber control and selectable ride modes (Auto, Comfort and Dynamic) for specific spring/damper characteristics.

quattro

The Audi D3 S8’s quattro four-wheel drive system utiltised a self-locking Torsen centre differential and provided a 40:60 front:rear torque in normal conditions. If traction was lost, however, up to 85 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the rear wheels or 65 per cent to the front wheels. 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 features for the Audi D3 S8 included dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters for all five seats.

Brakes

The Audi D3 S8 had 385 mm front and 335 mm rear ventilated disc brakes.

Features

Standard features for the Audi D3 S8 included 20-inch alloy wheels with 265/35 tyres, Multi-Media Interface (MMI) with a fourteen speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo with two amplifiers, a six-disc CD player and satellite navigation, four-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable front seats with memory settings, finger-print activated memory settings, cruise control, bi-xenon headlights with washers, LED daytime running lights, front and rear fog lamps, car phone, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, front and rear parking sensors, park assist display, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, steering wheel gearshift paddles, remote central locking with proximity key, power windows and heated mirrors with memory settings, electric park brake, powered tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, height adjustable front seats, a 12 volt power outlet, power sunroof, TV tuner, courtesy lamps, cargo net, tyre pressure monitoring, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Review: Audi D3.III S8 (2007-10)

Overview

Released in November 2007, the Audi D3 Series III (D3.III) S8 introduced more direct ‘Servotronic’ steering, revised shock absorbers and air suspension dampers (with lower-friction seals, new valves and retuned hydraulics) and improved noise insulation.

Visually, the Audi D3.III S8 could be identified by its single-frame grille with vertical chrome-look struts, door mirrors with integrated indicators and LED tail-lights.

Safety equipment

Although standard safety equipment was unchanged, Audi’s ‘Side Assist’ (blind spot monitoring) and ‘Lane Assist’ (lane departure warning) systems were available as extra-cost options.

Features

Compared to its D3.II predecessor, standard features for the D3.III S8 were largely unchanged.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Audi D3 S8