Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[S8 ad to air in NFL kickoff game tonight as Audi recommits to Super Bowl]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/05/s8-ad-to-air-in-nfl-kickoff-game-tonight-as-audi-recommits-to-su/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/05/s8-ad-to-air-in-nfl-kickoff-game-tonight-as-audi-recommits-to-su/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/05/s8-ad-to-air-in-nfl-kickoff-game-tonight-as-audi-recommits-to-su/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Audi S8 Commercial

Audi has pulled the covers back on the first ad for its S line ahead of the spot's launch during the NFL kickoff game this evening. The ad will serve as the country's first taste of a full host of S vehicles, and features the S8 adding a bit of spice to an otherwise droll errand run. Audi threw in a few themes from our favorite heist flicks to keep things interesting, and the videography is as sharp as we've come to expect from the German automaker's ad house.

Perhaps more interesting than the spot itself, however, is the fact that Audi will once again commit to advertising during the Super Bowl. This will mark the sixth time in a row the company has sponsored the NFL's main event, though Audi isn't saying a word about what this year's commercial will entail. As you may recall, last year, the manufacturer cashed in on the vampire craze with an ad for the S7.

Check out the new S8 ad below as well as the full press release.

Continue reading S8 ad to air in NFL kickoff game tonight as Audi recommits to Super Bowl

S8 ad to air in NFL kickoff game tonight as Audi recommits to Super Bowl originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi s8audi s8 adaudi s8 commercialaudi s8 videoaudi super bowlnfls8super bowlsuper bowl adsvideoWed, 05 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20316787/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/05/s8-ad-to-air-in-nfl-kickoff-game-tonight-as-audi-recommits-to-su/20316787/article-detail.xml 20316787 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/audi-s8-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/audi-s8-628.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Audi S8]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/22/2012-audi-s8-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/22/2012-audi-s8-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/22/2012-audi-s8-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Surgical Scalpel Of Super Sports Sedans



This is less a story about a car than the tale of a 520-horsepower Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection (TFSI) V8 engine and the vehicle Audi reengineered to surround it. That's not even our idea: Sven Stockmar, Audi's Global Head of Product Marketing, made a point of standing behind a model of the engine - not the S8 - when he began his presentation.

This idea you can call ours: If we found the 2011 A8 "A Plus-Sized S4 with World-Beating Tech," then a single-sentence review of the S8 is [spoiler alert]: "A Plus-Sized S4 with 520 Horsepower and World-Beating Tech." There is no question that the results shine brightly and one Audi exec was right to label the S8 as "a smarter force." We only wish the car were, well, more forceful about it.

Continue reading 2012 Audi S8

2012 Audi S8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 audi2012 audi s82012 s8a8audiaudi s8featuredfirst driveFirstDrives8Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20111764/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/22/2012-audi-s8-first-drive-review/20111764/article-detail.xml 20111764 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/022012audis8firstdrive-opt2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/022012audis8firstdrive-opt2.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA report reveals most stolen vehicles, theft rate declining]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/nhtsa-report-reveals-most-stolen-vehicles-theft-rate-declining/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/nhtsa-report-reveals-most-stolen-vehicles-theft-rate-declining/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/nhtsa-report-reveals-most-stolen-vehicles-theft-rate-declining/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Audi S8

According to Automotive News, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a new report on vehicle theft rates in 2009, and as it turns out, the Audi S8, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and BMW M5 had the highest theft rates of the year. The report specifically focuses on passenger cars and excludes vehicles like pickup trucks and SUVs. Technically, only two S8 sedans were reported stolen in 2009, but since Audi only produced 227 units that year and the report uses a number of thefts per vehicles produced ratio, the high performance luxury sedan took the crown. The flip side of that coin, however, is that high-volume models like the Toyota Camry, which have a higher number of thefts, aren't as clearly represented in the results.

The Camry was the best-selling passenger car in 2009, and that crown helped see 781 stolen from their owners. Compare that figure to the second-most stolen vehicle in the report; the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, which had just five units out of 581 stolen.

Overall, NHTSA says that the vehicle theft rate declined by 21.3 percent in 2009 compared to 2008.

NHTSA report reveals most stolen vehicles, theft rate declining originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20092009 most stolen carscamrycar theftm5most stolen carsNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsas8Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20100562/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/07/nhtsa-report-reveals-most-stolen-vehicles-theft-rate-declining/20100562/article-detail.xml 20100562 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/audi-s8-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/audi-s8-628.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Audi S8 suggests eight is more than twelve [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/2012-audi-s8-video-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/2012-audi-s8-video-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/2012-audi-s8-video-frankfurt-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Audi S8

Here's the thing about the Audi A8 lineup: When you reach above the standard and long-wheelbase 4.2-liter car, you have choices. You can go up to the glorious $133,500 A8L W12, or you can choose a more enthusiast-minded route - the S8.

You see, while the A8L W12 may produce 500 horsepower and 469 pound-feet of torque from its 6.3-liter 12-cylinder engine, the S8 uses a pair of turbos mated to the company's new 4.0-liter V8 to pump out an impressive 520 hp and 479 lb-ft. That means the absolutely massive all-wheel-drive sedan can sprint to 62 miles per hour in a scant 4.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited, of course).

We're sure the 6.3-liter W12 is a lovely engine, but in this day and age, turbochargers are an increasingly fitting replacement for displacement - especially when you can still have enjoy a throaty V8 snarl. Have a look at the S8 in our high-res image gallery above, then watch (and hear) Audi's big daddy hustle around the track in the videos after the jump.

Continue reading 2012 Audi S8 suggests eight is more than twelve [w/video]

2012 Audi S8 suggests eight is more than twelve [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurt2012 audi s8audifrankfurtfrankfurt motor shows8Wed, 14 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20042349/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/14/2012-audi-s8-video-frankfurt-2011/20042349/article-detail.xml 20042349 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-audi-s8-frankfurt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-audi-s8-frankfurt.jpg <![CDATA[Audi S6, S7 and S8 revealed ahead of Frankfurt debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/31/audi-s6-s7-and-s8-revealed-ahead-of-frankfurt-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/31/audi-s6-s7-and-s8-revealed-ahead-of-frankfurt-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/31/audi-s6-s7-and-s8-revealed-ahead-of-frankfurt-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Audi S6

When Audi introduces a new S model, enthusiasts sit up straight and listen. Don't even ask what happens when the German automaker rolls out two at a time, let alone three or four. But that's what Ingolstadt has in store for us in Frankfurt this year.

Once the show opens in a couple of weeks from now, we'll have a new S6 (both sedan and Avant wagon), S7 and S8 on our hands. And they're looking pretty sweet so far.

At the top of the heap is the new S8 sedan, which adopts the new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that Audi has developed with Bentley, driving all four wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. With 520 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque on tap, the big sedan is said to be good for a hugely fast 4.2-second sprint to 62 miles per hour and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

The S6 and S7, meanwhile, get a detuned version of the same turbo eight with 420 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, good for 4.8 and 4.9-second acceleration runs, respectively. Cylinder deactivation and an active noise cancelation system are also part of the package on the entire range, and we're anticipating getting each of these models - minus the S6 Avant - in American showrooms.

There's plenty more to delve into in the press release after the jump, so hop on in, and don't miss the high-resolution image gallery for a closer look.

Continue reading Audi S6, S7 and S8 revealed ahead of Frankfurt debut

Audi S6, S7 and S8 revealed ahead of Frankfurt debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 01:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurt2012 audi s62012 audi s72012 audi s8audifrankfurtfrankfurt motor shows6s7s8Wed, 31 Aug 2011 01:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20030931/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/31/audi-s6-s7-and-s8-revealed-ahead-of-frankfurt-debut/20030931/article-detail.xml 20030931 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/webs6_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/webs6.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Audi S8 brings genteel muscle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/28/2012-audi-s8-brings-genteel-muscle/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/28/2012-audi-s8-brings-genteel-muscle/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/28/2012-audi-s8-brings-genteel-muscle/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Audi S8

It's been several months since Audi unveiled its latest A8 flagship sedan, and you know what that means, boys and girls: that's right, a new S8 is almost upon us.

The performance version of the luxury limousine has been spied undergoing what looks like final testing, given a lack of camouflage or body cladding on the test mule snapped in our high-res image gallery. The face looks more aggressive than the stock A8 but rather subtle and still tastefully elegant, with bigger wheels filling the wells and larger brakes in turn filling the wheels.

But, of course you want to know what's under the hood. Don't we all. Following a similar trajectory to arch-rival BMW's latest M5, word on the street is that the Lamborghini-derived V10 from the previous S8 will be replaced by the new twin-turbo V8 expected to find its way as well into the new S6, S7 and Bentley Continental GT. Output and efficiency are expected to increase, however, with power ratings mooted in the 500 horsepower range.

That's a lot of beef, and if we had to guess, we'd say we'll probably be scoping it out in person come September's Frankfurt Motor Show.

2012 Audi S8 brings genteel muscle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 audi s8a8audiaudi a8audi s8s8Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20002740/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/28/2012-audi-s8-brings-genteel-muscle/20002740/article-detail.xml 20002740 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/audi-s8-1-1311853237_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/audi-s8-1-1311853237.jpg <![CDATA[Audi S6/RS6, S7, S8 power numbers revealed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/21/audi-s6-rs6-s7-s8-power-numbers-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/21/audi-s6-rs6-s7-s8-power-numbers-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/21/audi-s6-rs6-s7-s8-power-numbers-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2012 Audi A7

2012 Audi A7 - Click above for high-res image gallery

German publication Autobild has reportedly acquired some powertrain details about a few upcoming Audi models, including the S6, S7 and S8. Apparently we can expect a twin-turbocharged V8 packing up to 500 horsepower in the S8, while the S6 and S7 will get 440 and 470 horsepower, respectively.

Toward the end of 2012, Audi will unleash the RS6, which will carry a BMW M5-besting, 580-horsepower version of the same twin-turbo mill powering the S6. We still don't know how big the proposed engine is - earlier reports have suggested that a 4.0-liter V8 is in store - but it should get 20 percent better fuel economy than the outgoing naturally aspirated V10.

Audi S6/RS6, S7, S8 power numbers revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audirs6s6s7s8Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19970726/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/21/audi-s6-rs6-s7-s8-power-numbers-revealed/19970726/article-detail.xml 19970726 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2012-audi-a7-lead-1308491420_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2012-audi-a7-lead-1308491420.jpg <![CDATA[Audi S8 leaked? Nope, it's a 'chop]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/10/audi-s8-leaked-nope-its-a-chop/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/10/audi-s8-leaked-nope-its-a-chop/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/10/audi-s8-leaked-nope-its-a-chop/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



With an all-new Audi A8 arriving in the coming months, a higher performance S8 can't be far behind. This particular image originated from a reader on the World Car Fans forum, but it certainly looks plausible. The wheels are straight off the R8 V10 and the front fascia is an evolution of the look we've seen on S and RS models from Audi for the past several years.

Power will no doubt be plentiful, although we don't yet know which engine will power the new model. The previous generation used a 450-horsepower 5.2-liter V10, but the new A8 has already been spec'ed out with a 500 hp 6.3-liter W12.

The S8 will surely have at least that much power, although Audi has been on an engine downsizing kick lately. The latest S4 and S5 cabrio went from a V8 to a supercharged V6. It wouldn't be surprising to see the engineers at quattro GmbH cook up a new boosted V8 with over 500 hp for this and other future high performance Audis.

We expect to see the real S8 arrive by the time of the Paris Motor Show in September, but this reader rendering will have to do for now.


[Source: World Car Fans]

Audi S8 leaked? Nope, it's a 'chop originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 audi2011 audi s82011 chevrolet volt2011Audi2011AudiS82011ChevroletVolta8audiaudi a8audi s8AudiA8AudiS8renderrenderedrendered speculationrendered-speculationRenderedSpeculationrenderingrenderingsrenderss8Mon, 10 May 2010 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19470427/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/10/audi-s8-leaked-nope-its-a-chop/19470427/article-detail.xml 19470427 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/s8-leak_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/s8-leak.png <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Next-gen Audi S8 may boast 620 HP from Lambo-derived V10]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/14/next-gen-audi-s8-may-boast-620-hp-from-lambo-derived-v10/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/14/next-gen-audi-s8-may-boast-620-hp-from-lambo-derived-v10/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/14/next-gen-audi-s8-may-boast-620-hp-from-lambo-derived-v10/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Audi S8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the Audi S8 was nixed from the automaker's lineup late last year, the news produced a collective sigh around Autoblog Towers. Audi's largest, most powerful sedan held a special place in our hearts, but redemption appears to be right around corner - the Nürburgring's Carousel, to be exact.

With the introduction of the standard A8 in the rearview mirror, Audi has begun work on the S-ified variant of its stately saloon, and like the RS6, it's rumored to be powered by a Lamborghini Gallardo-derived V10, with a duo of turbochargers hanging from the exhaust manifolds.

The output of the next S8 will jump from the outgoing model's 444 horsepower to somewhere north of 600 hp, with torque boosted from around 400 pound-feet to upwards of 550 lb-ft of twist.

Although these spy shots don't provide a clear glimpse of the stylistic upgrades, expect a more chiseled front fascia, lower ride height and modified rear diffuser. Quad tailpipes hint at the 5.2-liter twin-turbo beast within, while massive stoppers are expected to be framed by 20- or 21-inch wheels.

We're expecting the S8 to make its debut sometime later this year or early in 2011, with sales beginning in the middle of next year.


Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Audi S8

Spy Shots: Next-gen Audi S8 may boast 620 HP from Lambo-derived V10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 audi s82011AudiS8audiaudi s8AudiS8s8spy photosspy picsspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyPicsSpyShotsWed, 14 Apr 2010 19:23:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19439963/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/14/next-gen-audi-s8-may-boast-620-hp-from-lambo-derived-v10/19439963/article-detail.xml 19439963 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/02-2011-audi-s8-spy-april-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/02-2011-audi-s8-spy-april-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Are you the next Audi S8?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/spy-shots-are-you-the-next-audi-s8/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/spy-shots-are-you-the-next-audi-s8/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/spy-shots-are-you-the-next-audi-s8/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Check out what a very cold spy photographer snapped some pictures of. This car could very well be the upcoming Audi S8. Of course, as the car in the photos is totally unmarked, this could just be another variant of the big Audi. We've suspected for some time that a new S8 is coming, and we hear that it's most likely headed over to our shores. However, we've know next to nothing about what type of terror resides under the hood. Until today.

Unlike the last (frankly underpowered) S8, this new big-fast sedan is dropping the choked-off, Lamborghini-derived V10 in favor of a new twin-turbo V8. The good folks at Car and Driver are claiming the unit will displace 4.0-liters. Our source at Audi wouldn't confirm that displacement explicitly, but did say that C/D is, "on the right path." This same source noted that BMW's been using a smallish displacement twin-turbo V8 (4.4-liters) in the 7 Series for the past year and that Audi intends to stay competitive.

Our Audi source also noted that the new V8 will be offered in many flavors, and will allow Audi to meet all the emissions and mileage standards coming down the pike in the next five years. We're told to expect a wide range of configurations, similar to what Audi/Lamborghini did with their shared V10. That means different states of tune for different cars, as well as naturally aspirated and force inducted version. As for power, our source once again confirmed that Car and Driver knows what they're printing. Meaning that the 450 horsepower/450 pound-feet of torque neighborhood isn't a bad guess, though the final numbers could be higher.

Back to the car in the heavily cropped photograph (check out Autocar for the complete set of pics), we're still not 100-percent sure it's the S8. First of all, there are no visual cues to distinguish this black car from a regular A8, save for the requisite four tailpipes. However, as Autocar notes, the new S8 is said to have bold new bodywork to set it apart from the standard car. Also, examine the brakes. They appear to be larger diameter than the standard brakes, yet they aren't drilled or slotted. One would think (and we would agree with him) that an S vehicle would have a more serious set of stoppers. After all, even the A8 Hybrid "Concept" has fancier discs. Of course, maybe these are just placeholders used during cold weather testing. Yeah, we're pretty sure this is the new Audi S8.

[Sources: Autocar, Car and Driver]

Spy Shots: Are you the next Audi S8? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 Audi S82012 S82012AudiS82012S8AudiAudi S8AudiS8S8Spy PhotosSpy Photos Audi S8Spy Photos S8Spy ShotsSpyPhotosSpyPhotosAudiS8SpyPhotosS8SpyShotsFri, 12 Mar 2010 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19395690/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/12/spy-shots-are-you-the-next-audi-s8/19395690/article-detail.xml 19395690 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/crops8_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/crops8.jpg <![CDATA[Detroit 2010: Chrysler 300 S6 and S8 are reminders of Mopar magic]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/11/detroit-2010-chrysler-300-s6-and-s8-are-reminders-of-mopar-magi/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/11/detroit-2010-chrysler-300-s6-and-s8-are-reminders-of-mopar-magi/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/11/detroit-2010-chrysler-300-s6-and-s8-are-reminders-of-mopar-magi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chrysler 300 S8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler made one of the past decade's strongest design statements with the 2005 introduction of the 300. The rear-wheel-drive sedan with blocky styling was a knockout with both the general consumer and, maybe more specifically, the aftermarket. Five years on and the 300 is still a SEMA favorite.

Sometimes, modded 300s look pretty swank. Of course, sometimes not so much. If you're standing in Chrysler's shoes, obviously you want to muscle in on this market. Meet the 300 S6 and 300 S8. Essentially, these two cars are appearance packages. However, we think they're great looking appearance packs.

The big difference between the new cars (both are badged with "300 S" instead of the more Audi-infringing S6 and S8 monikers) and the regular 300 is the grille. Gone are the full chromed snouts of the normal 300s, in are blacked-out grilles with chrome surrounds and body-colored accents. The doors are "shaved," the mirrors are body-colored and the headlight bezels are darkened. And, of course, the 20-inch wheels are highly polished.

The interior is also done up in low-key bling. There's a carbon weave steering wheel with red stitching and silver spokes, "track-tested" leather seats with a "300 S" logo with perforated suede inserts. The door handles are also done up in carbon weave with red stitching - a cool, thorough touch.

If you're wondering what the difference is between the two special edition models themselves, the 300 S6 comes with a 3.5-liter V6 (250 horsepower, 250 pound-feet of torque) and the 300 S8 comes with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 (340 hp, 390 lb-ft of torque). Visually, the difference is quite slight. The 300 S8 has twin pipes and nearly solid-red taillights, while the 300 S6's rear lights feature a clear round circle. Also, we called Audi to ask about infringement on their S6 and S8 names. "No comment."


Gallery: Chrysler 300 S8


Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

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Detroit 2010: Chrysler 300 S6 and S8 are reminders of Mopar magic originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Chrysler 300 S62010 Chrysler 300 S82010Chrysler300S62010Chrysler300S8300300 S6300 S8300S6300S8Chrylser 300Chrylser 300 S6Chrylser 300 S8Chrylser300Chrylser300S6Chrylser300S8ChryslerChrysler 300 SChrysler 300CChrysler 300SChrysler300cChrysler300sDetroitDetroit 2010Detroit Auto showDetroit2010DetroitAutoShowS6S8Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:19:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19311636/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/11/detroit-2010-chrysler-300-s6-and-s8-are-reminders-of-mopar-magi/19311636/article-detail.xml 19311636 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/chrysler300s000_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/chrysler300s000_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler reveals slew of special-edition models for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/chrysler-updates-300-with-new-s6-and-s8-models-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/chrysler-updates-300-with-new-s6-and-s8-models-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/chrysler-updates-300-with-new-s6-and-s8-models-for-2010/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Chrysler 300 S8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler has carefully picked its words, saying that the 300 S6 and 300 S8 are all-new models that build on the rear-wheel-drive sedan's roots. Don't fret, the cosmetic updates are welcome; there's a new blacked-out grille this year and 20-inch alloys to fill out those classic bold wheelarches. The S6 and S8, while blatantly ripping off Audi nomenclature (do we smell a lawsuit?), denotes whether the car's packing a six- or eight-cylinder powerplant.

Interiors have been updated as well, and the words that Chrysler chose to describe them make them sound like Xanadu on wheels. In the pictures, however, the changes appear to include more heavily bolstered seats with embroidered logos and leather and cloth surfaces. The dashboard and other surfaces don't seem to be much different than what we've criticized in the past, though it could be the same design (which is fine) just rendered in improved materials.

Other vehicles are also coming in for a refreshing in 2010. The continually dead/not-dead PT Cruiser gets a Couture Edition with a dressed up interior and two-tone paint. The Town & Country Walter P. Chrysler Signature Series also looks to get much-needed interior attention, though we'll only be convinced of its quality after running our mitts over the nicely-photographed wares.

Gallery: 2010 Special Edition Chrysler models


[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler reveals slew of special-edition models for 2010

Chrysler reveals slew of special-edition models for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300300schryslerchrysler 300chrysler 300schrysler town and countryChrysler Town CountryChrysler300Chrysler300 SChrysler300SChryslerTownAndCountryChryslerTownCountrycouture editionCoutureEditionpt cruiserpt cruiser couturePtCruiserPtCruiserCoutureS6S8walter p. chrysler signature seriesWalterP.ChryslerSignatureSeriesFri, 08 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19308278/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/08/chrysler-updates-300-with-new-s6-and-s8-models-for-2010/19308278/article-detail.xml 19308278 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/ch010_014th_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/ch010_014th_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Audi A7 confirmed for U.S. and S8 model in the works, but once again, no A5 Sportback]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/audi-a7-confirmed-for-north-america-and-s8-model-in-the-works-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/audi-a7-confirmed-for-north-america-and-s8-model-in-the-works-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/audi-a7-confirmed-for-north-america-and-s8-model-in-the-works-b/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2011 Audi A8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

At last week's tony Design Miami reveal of the 2011 A8 luxury cruiser, we were able to corner Johan de Nysschen, Audi's executive vice president in North America, and ask him for some tasty tibits on the brand's upcoming products, including the A8's sexier derivative, the A7.

In addition to giving us the first official confirmation of the A7's existence, de Nysschen revealed that the four-door coupe model will slot in "a little bit below" the new A8 in terms of pricing, just as we expected. Of course, it's worth noting that the 2011 A8 faces a price bump due to substantial increases in content and technology, so when the A7 finally comes to the States, the average model is likely to sticker at around $82,000-$83,000, which de Nysschen says is about the price for a typically equipped 2010 A8 (pricing starts at $74,550 plus delivery).

Based on Audi's new longitudinal modular platform technology, the A7 will be clearly related to the A8 (and the A6 replacement that will follow it), and de Nysschen says that the 2009 Detroit Auto Show Sportback concept car serves as a "very reliable indicator" of what the production model will look like. Judging by recent spy shots from our friends at KGP, that very much appears to be the case. While parts commonality will be "substantial," de Nysschen says that the A7 will not use the full aluminum spaceframe design of the A8, although it will have aluminum elements.

As expected, the A8 will launch Stateside in both standard and long-wheelbase formats, with the latter predicted to make up the lion's share of the volume (the A8L presently accounts for about 80 percent of the model's sales).

We asked De Nysschen about how the two models will interact in the full-size luxury sedan segment, and he noted that:
"This top end segment is characterized by more conservative people, and we need to clearly take lower levels of risk with a flagship model [the A8]. But we recognize too that there is a sizable enough cluster of customers in that same segment who are ready for a more avant-garde design [the A7]. So we will essentially be positioning two cars into the same segment, which means that independently, the volume each attains is not that significant, but when you put them together, it will mean that our share of that segment will grow quite dramatically."
All-in De Nysschen thinks that the A8 will account for about 4,000 to 5,000 sales per year in the U.S., and the less costly A7 could clear 7,000-8,000 additional units.

And what of a high-performance S8 to take on Mercedes-Benz's AMG lineup, or the A5 Sportback? Click through to the jump for more details.


Gallery: 2011 Audi A8: Live from Miami

Continue reading Audi A7 confirmed for U.S. and S8 model in the works, but once again, no A5 Sportback

Audi A7 confirmed for U.S. and S8 model in the works, but once again, no A5 Sportback originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Audi A82010AudiA82011 Audi A82011AudiA8A7A8Audi A5 sportbackAudi A7Audi A8Audi S8Audi sportbackAudiA5SportbackAudiA7AudiA8AudiS8AudiSportbackS8sportbacksportback conceptSportbackConceptMon, 07 Dec 2009 20:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19268134/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/07/audi-a7-confirmed-for-north-america-and-s8-model-in-the-works-b/19268134/article-detail.xml 19268134 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/audi-a8-live-miami_-(3)_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/audi-a8-live-miami_-(3)_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Audi launches Sportscar Experience at Infineon Raceway]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/audi-launches-sportscar-experience-at-infineon-raceway/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/audi-launches-sportscar-experience-at-infineon-raceway/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/audi-launches-sportscar-experience-at-infineon-raceway/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Driving a car on a racetrack, a controlled environment where the vehicle's limits can be safely probed, is an experience that not only increases driving skills, but it builds confidence too. Recognizing this, and offering car enthusiasts a way to legally wring-out some of their hottest products, Audi has partnered with Emotive to launch their 2008 Audi Sportscar Experience. Unlike last year's marketing-oriented Audi Driving Experience, or any other Driver Education event, the Sportscar Experience is focused on high-performance driving.

The program consists of several different one- and two-day programs held at Infineon Raceway in California. Drivers sign up for the event of their choice, and each one includes a high-performance Audi "S" model for flogging (yes, tires and brakes are included). The vehicles include the 420-hp Audi RS4, the 354-hp Audi S5, the 450-hp Audi S8, and the awesome 420-hp Audi R8. If there is a downside to all of this fun, it's the price. The entry-level half-day "Introductory Program" runs $695. A full-day program in the RS4 will cost you $1,295. Want to improve your skills behind the wheel of the R8? That will set you back a cool $1,895 for a one-day program, $3,495 for two days. Having fun ain't cheap.

Gallery: 2008 Audi R8

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi launches Sportscar Experience at Infineon Raceway

Audi launches Sportscar Experience at Infineon Raceway originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AudiAudi Driviing ExperienceAudi Sportscar ExperienceAudiDriviingExperienceAudiSportscarExperienceR8RS4S5S8Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1180615/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/04/29/audi-launches-sportscar-experience-at-infineon-raceway/1180615/article-detail.xml 1180615 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/audi_r8_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/audi_r8_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Twin-turbo M5 and M7 prototypes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/spy-shots-twin-turbo-m5-and-m7-prototypes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/spy-shots-twin-turbo-m5-and-m7-prototypes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/spy-shots-twin-turbo-m5-and-m7-prototypes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Will the M5 get a twin-turbo and be joined by an M7? Mr. Lehmann and Co. have caught an M5 and a 7-Series with extra ventage. It's hypothesized that Audi has understated the RS6's pony count, telling the world it's 580 when it's actually 600. And now with both Mercedes and Audi outdoing the M in the horsepower war, the theory is that that's an insult BMW simply cannot allow. Hence the addition of double-barrel blowers to equalize the equation.

As for the possibility of an M7, all there is to see are a large scoop at the front of the hood and two smaller scoops at the rear. With years of AMG S-Classes and Audi S8's behind us, if there is an M7 on the way, all we can say is: it's about time.

[Source: World Can Fans]

Spy Shots: Twin-turbo M5 and M7 prototypes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amgaudibmwe63m5m7mercedess65s8twin turboTwinTurboTue, 11 Sep 2007 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/985964/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/09/11/spy-shots-twin-turbo-m5-and-m7-prototypes/985964/article-detail.xml 985964 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/m5_turbo_spy_shot_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/m5_turbo_spy_shot.jpg <![CDATA[2008 Audi A8 gets 2.8 FSI, new features, and subtle tweaks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/07/2008-audi-a8-gets-subtle-tweaks-new-features/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/07/2008-audi-a8-gets-subtle-tweaks-new-features/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/07/2008-audi-a8-gets-subtle-tweaks-new-features/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click image for photo gallery

Audi's delightful A8 flagship sedan sees a number of refinements made for the 2008 model year, with the lion's share of the attention being paid to things that aren't immediately visible from the outside. The biggest addition is the 2.8L FSI six-cylinder that will be offered (in Europe, at least), which will give the big sedan fuel economy of around 28 mpg and the lowest CO2 emissions in its class at 199g/km. Power is rated at 210bhp, and the engine is good enough to allow the big cruiser to make the 0-62 run in 8 seconds. More direct steering and a revised air suspension are intended to make the '08 A8 an even more engaging partner to the person behind the wheel. And it's not as if the '07 is a slouch in that department to begin with. Audi's also building in new safety features, with a side-assist system that will alert drivers when a vehicle is in the sedan's blind spots and a lane departure warning system that will keep an eye on lane markers and alert the driver with a vibration in the steering wheel should he or she begin to go astray. Finally, the car is said to quieter than the 2007 edition.

Visually, Audi has updated the single-frame grille, incorporated new lighting in back, added new wheel styles, put turn indicators on the outside mirrors, and will offer a number of new paint finishes. New interior colors and inlays are also on tap. In short, Audi's taking a good thing and making it better. You won't hear us complaining.

[Source: Audi AG]

Gallery: 2008 Audi A8

Continue reading 2008 Audi A8 gets 2.8 FSI, new features, and subtle tweaks

2008 Audi A8 gets 2.8 FSI, new features, and subtle tweaks originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008a8a8 la8 W12A8LA8W12s8w12Tue, 07 Aug 2007 10:06:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/959434/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/08/07/2008-audi-a8-gets-subtle-tweaks-new-features/959434/article-detail.xml 959434 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/08/08a8_hi_001lo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/08/08a8_hi_001lo.jpg <![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Audi S8]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/09/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-audi-s8/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/09/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-audi-s8/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/09/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-audi-s8/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2007 Audi S8
Click image for high-res photo gallery

This edition of "In the Autoblog Garage" is brought to you by the letter S and the number 8. Alone, each is just another mundane alphanumeric character. When positioned next to each other on a vehicle bearing Audi's interlocking rings, however, they turn into something very special. The character pair becomes shorthand for 5.2 liters, 10 cylinders, 450 horses, 398 ft.-lbs., 4.9 seconds, 155 miles per hour, and $110,000+ in the case of the Daytona Grey Audi S8 tester that had been deposited in my driveway. Yep, it was going to be a pretty good week.

Gallery: 2007 Audi S8

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Audi S8

In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Audi S8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007 Audi S82007AudiS8A8Audi S8AudiS8featuredin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGarageS8V10V10 FSIV10FsiMon, 09 Jul 2007 13:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/933188/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/07/09/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-audi-s8/933188/article-detail.xml 933188 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/07/s8garage_med003_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/07/s8garage_med003.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Audi RS6 with turbo V10]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/16/spy-shots-audi-rs6-with-turbo-v10/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/16/spy-shots-audi-rs6-with-turbo-v10/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/16/spy-shots-audi-rs6-with-turbo-v10/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We thought throwing a detuned version of the Lamborghini Gallardo's V10 in the Audi S8 and S6 was a brash move on behalf of Ingolstadt, but news from World Car Fans is that the next RS6 will receive a turbocharged version of the 5.0-liter V10 producing between 520 and 550 bhp. We previously thought the RS6 may get the Q7's top petrol engine, a 4.2-liter FSI V8 tuned to 500+ horsepower, but it would be strange to give the top A6 model two less cylinders than the S6. Still, this V10 makes 520 horsepower without the help of a turbo in the Gallardo, so it still seems strange to detune the engine and slap a turbo on it to increase the power back up to a level that can compete with the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. Either way, Lamborghini can't be pleased that a high-performance saloon and wagon from Audi will soon be pumping out more power than its entry-level exotic supercar.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Audi RS6 with turbo V10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Oct 2006 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gallardors6s6s8Mon, 16 Oct 2006 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/685623/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/10/16/spy-shots-audi-rs6-with-turbo-v10/685623/article-detail.xml 685623 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/10/6061016.003.1m_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/10/6061016.003.1m.jpg <![CDATA[Audi S6 and S8 priced for U.S. consumption]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/07/audi-s6-and-s8-priced-for-u-s-consumption/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/07/audi-s6-and-s8-priced-for-u-s-consumption/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/07/audi-s6-and-s8-priced-for-u-s-consumption/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Audi has announced that the 2007 S6 sedan will start at $72,000 in the U.S., while the 2007 S8 (Euro-spec model shown) will begin at $92,000. Don't forget the $700 destination charge that's not included in the price, as well as the $1,300 gas-guzzler tax for the S6 and $1,700 for the S8. Still, for now these two vehicles stand as the least expensive way to mash the throttle of the Lamborghini Gallardo's V10, which has been detuned to 435 hp in the S6 and 450 hp in the S8. With that kind of motivation, the S6 can charge to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and the larger S8 can reach the same mark in a more impressive 4.9 seconds. Neither are quite as fast as the Gallardo, which can reach 60 mph in a hair under four seconds, but can the raging baby bull carry four people in comfort? We think not.

[Source: Audi]

Audi S6 and S8 priced for U.S. consumption originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Sep 2006 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pricingS6S8Thu, 07 Sep 2006 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/665185/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/09/07/audi-s6-and-s8-priced-for-u-s-consumption/665185/article-detail.xml 665185 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/09/s8050037lr_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/09/s8050037lr.jpg -1 2