D3 A8 Quattro Series II

MINOR trim and equipment level changes were accompanied by the grafting of Audi’s new ‘single frame’ grille on all editions. A lighter and more efficient 4.2-litre FSI V8 was introduced in mid-’06.

In mid 2006 Audi added a 4.2-litre V8 TDI, beating market leader Mercedes-Benz S-class to the diesel punch in the upper-luxury sedan segment.

Offering quattro all-wheel drive, the $200,000-plus A8 TDI boasts sports car-like performance from its twin-turbo 4.2-litre TDI V8, which develops 240kW at 3750rpm and 650Nm from 1600rpm.

The beefy diesel endows the car with a zero to 100km/h sprint of 5.9 seconds and a top speed governed to 250km/h. Average fuel consumption is 9.7L/100km combined, giving the limousine a touring range of 950km from its 90 litres fuel tank.

Audi has added some spice to the 2007 A8 lineup, with the arrival of the S8.

Like the S6, Audi has tweaked and re-engineered the Lamborghini Gallardo V10 for service in the uber-limousine all-aluminium space frame A8 and given its unladen weight is just 30kg more than the S6, the big sedan exhibits similar degrees of performance to its smaller sibling.

The V10 is at the very heart of the S8. With 331kW at 7000rpm and 540Nm at 3500rpm, 11kW more power but the same torque as the S6. Both share the same six-speed tiptronic auto and similar torque split of 40/60 front and rear.

The S8's all-alloy body means the bigger sedan will still sprting to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds and effortlessly reach its governed top speed of 250km/h.

Visually, the S8 has alloy-look wing mirrors, discreet front and rear spoilers, quad exhaust system, 20-inch alloys and massive brakes, including the option of ceramic front and rear stoppers for a cool $20,000.

The S8 is priced at $259,900 S8.