A more powerful version of the Audi S8, called the S8 Plus, is set to go on sale in the UK from January. Audi claims the 597bhp super-saloon will become the "pinnacle of sporty performance" in the luxury car class.
Read our review of the 2016 Audi S8 here
Powering the S8 Plus is the same twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine used by the standard 513bhp S8, but with power boosted by 84bhp. Torque peaks at 516lb ft in normal operation, but an overboost function can temporarily lift that to 553lb ft. Audi claims the S8 Plus can reach 62mph from rest in 3.8sec - making it the fastest S8 model yet.
The S8 Plus's top speed is limited to 155mph, but an optional dynamic package can lift that figure to 189mph. The dynamic package also includes carbon-ceramic brakes and a modified sports exhaust system.
The standard features list has been increased for the S8 Plus to include ambient lighting, full leather interior, power-assisted doors and a DVD player. The car sits on 21in alloy wheels. Rivals include the Mercedes-AMG S63, which produces 577bhp from its twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 engine.
The S8 Plus is priced from £97,700 - almost £17,000 more than the standard S8.
Callum McAvoy
Get the latest car news, reviews and galleries from Autocar direct to your inbox every week. Enter your email address below:
Join the debate
Add your comment
I have no problem at all with
Pointless
What, no RS8?