So I got to drive an S8 yesterday...
06-30-2008, 10:16 AM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
So I got to drive an S8 yesterday...
My buddy came over yesterday and he brought over his 2007 Audi S8. The thing is practically brand new (less than 6k on the odometer), and I've been wanting to drive it for some time. He let me take it out solo for a few hours to see what it could do.
To be honest, I came away somewhat underwhelmed. He also had a euro-tuned 2001 Audi S8 imported from Germany (essentially the same car from Ronin) and that thing was a freaking beast, so perhaps my expectations were too lofty from the get-go. I knew the new D3 S8's engine was essentially the same V-10 as the one from the Lamborghini Gallardo (slightly larger displacement for more torque), and the car did feel quite fast, both through the twisties and on the highway. However, it didn't give me that explosive, chest crushing power I was expecting. Rather, the car was very subdued and civilized. From the exhaust note to the cabin noise, it didn't seem as aggressive as I was expecting. However, the power was definitely there and it was available everywhere.
Additionally, I felt the short gear ratios, which should have made for a fun and more sporty drive, were hampered by the disappointing DSG and paddle shifters. On the plus side, downshifts actually felt quite good - rev matched and pretty smooth. Where it all fell apart was shifting under quick acceleration. It literally felt like it took over a second to upshift to the next gear when at WOT. I know people have a love it/hate it opinion on the DSG transmission, but I was hoping they would've tightened it up for Audi's flagship sports sedan.
One area that really surprised me was it's handling characteristics. With my friend's old S8, it's cornering abilities belied it's large sedan size. It was very neutral around the turns, and a quick blip could push the back out as needed. With the new S8, there was so much understeer going through corners, I thought someone might have disconnected the rear driveshaft. It literally felt like I was driving a nose-heavy FWD car. The numb and imprecise steering feel prevented me from driving the car the way I wanted to (well, that and respect for my friend). That said, the Quattro system was excellent and the car did feel planted all the way through the corners. It was just a shame that I wasn't able to put the car where I wanted it.
Despite my previous words, I didn't walk away completely unimpressed by the S8. Audi definitely upholds it's tradition for having impeccable interior fit and finish. Everything about the interior screams quality. Also, the car's exterior is just stunning. Between the current flagship sedans from Germany's big 3, I think the S8 is by far the best looking, both inside and out. It's just a shame that IMO, the performance didn't match the rest of the package.
Basically, I wish he hadn't totalled his old S8
.
Here are some pics of the car (sorry for the crappy quality...iPhone pics):
To be honest, I came away somewhat underwhelmed. He also had a euro-tuned 2001 Audi S8 imported from Germany (essentially the same car from Ronin) and that thing was a freaking beast, so perhaps my expectations were too lofty from the get-go. I knew the new D3 S8's engine was essentially the same V-10 as the one from the Lamborghini Gallardo (slightly larger displacement for more torque), and the car did feel quite fast, both through the twisties and on the highway. However, it didn't give me that explosive, chest crushing power I was expecting. Rather, the car was very subdued and civilized. From the exhaust note to the cabin noise, it didn't seem as aggressive as I was expecting. However, the power was definitely there and it was available everywhere.
Additionally, I felt the short gear ratios, which should have made for a fun and more sporty drive, were hampered by the disappointing DSG and paddle shifters. On the plus side, downshifts actually felt quite good - rev matched and pretty smooth. Where it all fell apart was shifting under quick acceleration. It literally felt like it took over a second to upshift to the next gear when at WOT. I know people have a love it/hate it opinion on the DSG transmission, but I was hoping they would've tightened it up for Audi's flagship sports sedan.
One area that really surprised me was it's handling characteristics. With my friend's old S8, it's cornering abilities belied it's large sedan size. It was very neutral around the turns, and a quick blip could push the back out as needed. With the new S8, there was so much understeer going through corners, I thought someone might have disconnected the rear driveshaft. It literally felt like I was driving a nose-heavy FWD car. The numb and imprecise steering feel prevented me from driving the car the way I wanted to (well, that and respect for my friend). That said, the Quattro system was excellent and the car did feel planted all the way through the corners. It was just a shame that I wasn't able to put the car where I wanted it.
Despite my previous words, I didn't walk away completely unimpressed by the S8. Audi definitely upholds it's tradition for having impeccable interior fit and finish. Everything about the interior screams quality. Also, the car's exterior is just stunning. Between the current flagship sedans from Germany's big 3, I think the S8 is by far the best looking, both inside and out. It's just a shame that IMO, the performance didn't match the rest of the package.
Basically, I wish he hadn't totalled his old S8
.Here are some pics of the car (sorry for the crappy quality...iPhone pics):
Bloated Pig FTL!
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06-30-2008, 11:19 AM
#10
The sizzle in the Steak
<---- Loves the A8 & S8
06-30-2008, 11:21 AM
#11
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by gocubsgo55
The S8 does not have DSG.
That's a rather surprising choice on Audi/VW's part not to include a faster-shifting gearbox on a S-series car
...
06-30-2008, 11:24 AM
#12
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally Posted by DAYTA
You're correct. I was assuming that they would incorporate DSG, but it seems that the S8 only has a standard Tiptronic transmission w/ paddle shifters.
That's a rather surprising choice on Audi/VW's part not to include a faster-shifting gearbox on a S-series car ...
That's a rather surprising choice on Audi/VW's part not to include a faster-shifting gearbox on a S-series car
...
06-30-2008, 12:28 PM
#15
Fahrvergnügen'd
Originally Posted by DAYTA
You're correct. I was assuming that they would incorporate DSG, but it seems that the S8 only has a standard Tiptronic transmission w/ paddle shifters.
That's a rather surprising choice on Audi/VW's part not to include a faster-shifting gearbox on a S-series car ...
That's a rather surprising choice on Audi/VW's part not to include a faster-shifting gearbox on a S-series car
...
06-30-2008, 01:59 PM
#17
101 years of heartache...
Join Date: Jan 2004
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DSG 1 (or the original DSG) can only be applied to lower powered cars. The GTI, A4, and other 2.0T applications and the R32 and A3's 3.2L, for example. DSG 7 (7-speed DSG) is already out in Europe and hopefully can be used on bigger motors.
DSG
DSG
06-30-2008, 02:15 PM
#19
Sounders FC
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Some kid at the high school I graduated from has a brand new A8. Lucky...
Oddly his didn't actually say A8 on it though. It just had badges that said "Audi Sport"
Oddly his didn't actually say A8 on it though. It just had badges that said "Audi Sport"
Last edited by Danil ACE; 06-30-2008 at 02:17 PM.
06-30-2008, 02:24 PM
#20
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by chill_dog
Nice car...too bad he doesn't clean it.
.
06-30-2008, 11:08 PM
#26
I have a TSX, so it's like I'm driving a nova or something like that, but even compared to a TSX, I would think an S8 would feel like flying a jet fighter. Granted, I haven't driven any cars much better than my mothers (V6 CTS, ~240-260 hp), but I wouldn't be complaining. 
06-30-2008, 11:15 PM
#27
Suzuka Master
Nice S8, I was thinking about getting into one when I was car shopping but after a while it didn't make sense for me, at least in my opinion. A CPO low-mileage A8 can be found in mid 30's and is arguably the same car sans the V10+sport stuff. And as you just described, as sporty and powerful as the S8 is, it cannot hide the weight. It's best enjoyed as a luxury car.
07-01-2008, 10:05 AM
#30
Senior Moderator
Of all the big boys in this category (A8, S-class, E65/66), the A8 is by far my favorite. The S8 is gravy!!! 
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