• Athletic 4.0 TFSI twin-turbo V8 develops 382kW and 650Nm
• Storming acceleration performance: 0-100km/h in 4.1sec
• The fastest, most powerful Audi S model in history is priced at $279,000

"Strength and sophistication complement each other perfectly in this extraordinary performance vehicle," said Andrew Doyle, Managing Director of Audi Australia.

"The Audi S8 offers a very rare combination of pioneering technology, interior excellence and understated performance that will appeal to highly successful business executives who are also passionate drivers," said Mr Doyle.

The 4.0 TFSI twin-turbo V8 engine produces 382 kW and develops 650 Nm of torque between 1,700 and 5,500 rpm. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h only takes 4.1 seconds and acceleration ends at a top speed of 250 km/h. The 4.0 TFSI engine, whose sound is now even more sonorous, consumes on average 9.6 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres and a CO2 equivalent of 225 grams per kilometre.

Audi's technological expertise is evident in this advanced engine, from the layout of the cylinder heads with the hot side on the inside, to the twin-scroll turbochargers and the cylinder on demand (COD) system that shuts down four of the eight cylinders when operating under light throttle loads. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system and the active engine mounts suppress undesired noise and vibrations during these phases to enhance the feeling of luxurious comfort inside the cabin.

The eight-speed tiptronic in the S8 offers the perfect compromise between sportiness and efficiency, delivering power to a quattro drivetrain supplemented by a sport differential at the rear axle. Among the chassis highlights are the adaptive air suspension sport and dynamic steering.

As expected of such an exclusive vehicle, an extraordinary level of standard equipment is available on the Audi S8, including highlights such as:

• 21-inch alloy wheels in 5-triple-spoke S design
• Matrix beam LED headlights
• Head-up display
• Digital TV reception with DAB+ digital radio
• Heated and ventilated front sport comfort seats, with massage function
• quattro sport differential that actively distributes torque between the rear wheels
• adaptive air suspension sport
• Sports tuned dynamic steering with variable ratio
• Electric sunblinds for rear doors and windows
• S specific interior and exterior design touches and special carbon finishes
• Active lane, side assist and park assist systems
• Adaptive cruise control with stop and go function including Audi pre sense plus
• Power assisted door closure
• BOSE surround sound system
• Audi connect

Pricing (Manufacturer List Pricing (MLP) – excludes dealer delivery and statutory charges)

Audi S8
S8 4.0 TFSI quattro tiptronic 382kW 650Nm $279,000

– ENDS –

Fuel consumption of the models named above:

Audi S8:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 9.6;
Combined CO2-emissions in g/km: 225

The Audi Group delivered approximately 1,575,500 cars of the Audi brand to customers in 2013. In 2013 the company reported revenue of €49.9 billion and an operating profit of €5.03 billion. The company is globally operating in more than 100 markets with production facilities in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm (Germany), Gyor (Hungary), Brussels (Belgium), Bratislava (Slovakia), Martorell (Spain), Kaluga (Russia), Aurangabad (India), Changchun (China) and Jakarta (Indonesia). Since December 2013, the brand with the Four Rings has been producing cars also in Foshan (China). In 2015, Audi will start production in São José dos Pinhais (Brazil), followed by San José Chiapa (Mexico) in 2016. Wholly owned subsidiaries of AUDI AG include quattro GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy), the sports motorcycle manufacturer. The company currently employs more than 73,500 people worldwide, thereof more than 52,500 in Germany. Total investment of around €22 billion is planned from 2014 to 2018 – primarily in new products and sustainable technologies. Audi is committed to its corporate responsibility and has anchored the principle of sustainability for its products and processes in its strategy. The long-term goal is CO2-neutral mobility.