The new Audi S8 saloon has been revealed, powered by a twin-turbo 4,0-litre V8 petrol engine delivering 420 kW and 800 N.m to all four wheels.

The engine features mild-hybrid technology (plus a cylinder-on-demand system) in the form of a 48 V belt alternator starter and an additional lithium-ion battery. This enables coasting with the engine switched off, a fast restart and what the company calls an “extended” start-stop range.

In addition, the Ingolstadt-based firm has fitted its flagship A8 model with automatically actuated flaps in the exhaust system and an active noise cancellation set-up integrated into the sound system.

The S8 saloon furthermore boasts “predictive” active suspension, all-wheel steering and a rear sport differential. The drive select system, meanwhile, offers five operating modes, including a new “Comfort +” profile that tilts the body into bends (by as much as three degrees).

Interestingly, Audi also offers optional carbon-fibre-ceramic brake discs with a diameter of 420 mm at the front and 370 mm at the rear.

Inside, you’ll find sport seats (complete with pneumatically adjustable side bolsters and three-stage heating), Audi’s signature virtual cockpit, a raft of driver assistance systems and the firm’s latest dual-touchscreen infotainment system.

So, will it come to South Africa? Well, Audi SA says the S8 is “currently still under consideration” for the local market, but adds that any plans for its introduction would “materialise in 2020”.

Original article from Car