2009 Audi S8 Lockhart TX

December 9, 2009   By Brian Alexander, Road Test Editor

2009 Audi S8

2009 Audi S8
DriverSide Overview
Most luxury performance cars elicit more contempt from fellow motorists than they do praise. Over the top in just about every way with V-12 power and mortgage-sized price tags, it’s hard for the common man not to be overcome with jealousy when one such overindulgent culprit rolls by, chugging down high-test octane like free beer at a Guns n’ Roses concert. But there also exist a handful of premium cars like the Audi S8 that manage to get it just right, striking that delicate balance between elegance and excess, forcing onlookers to view it in silent appreciation rather than relentless disdain. Despite its high-output V-10 engine, gaping front grille and massive 20-inch alloy wheels, the S8 manages to maintain the standard A8’s sophisticated charm, blending style and function both inside and out in a way that’s as German as Oktoberfest and speeding on the Autobahn. Yet, when you’re blessed with an open mountain road, the luxurious S8 turns into a snarling 450 horsepower beast, with confidence-inspiring dynamics and tireless composure. Air ride suspension allows for the best of both worlds, minimizing body roll and maximizing ride comfort, so you can enjoy the well-trimmed cabin and near silent cabin at both suburban and freeway speeds. Find a long stretch of road, mash the gas and enjoy bliss.








What's to Like
Peak torque comes on at a low 3,500 rpm, so physics-defying power is always available no matter what gear you’re in. This isn’t a hardcore super sedan with crashy suspension and a deafening exhaust, but rather a fast luxury sedan with a beautifully controlled ride and neutral handling characteristics. It’s a hard combination to nail, but by all accounts Audi has done it.

What's Not to Like
Virtually nothing. The $96,200 price tag can be a turnoff, but for those considering the purchase of an S8 money isn’t likely to be an issue. Consumption of fossil fuels, on the other hand, will alarm even the most affluent simply due to the frequency of fill ups. If that’s the price one must pay for owning a V-10 Audi, then so be it.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
For a car banging on the door of 4,600 lbs, the S8 is surprisingly agile. Steering feel is light at residential speeds but weights up properly as speed increases, and helps communicate the chassis’ brilliantly balanced handling to the driver. You can forget about playing Jason Statham and performing ludicrous power slides around every turn – the big Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system keeps such hooliganism to a minimum, gathering up any loss of grip quickly and without incident. All 398 lb-ft of torque are available at low revs, and above 4,000 rpm the engine really starts to put on speed with delivery that’s neith...

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