2002 Audi S8

Sometimes Audi reminds me of that guy who works longer and harder than anyone else, but for reasons no one – he especially – understands, the big promotions never come. I’m not referring to Audi’s smaller offerings, which are attracting plenty of deserved attention. But its flagship sedan, the A8, has never caught on in the U.S. despite fine engineering and premium luxury. Last year Audi added the A8 L with a longer wheelbase and a backseat with more room to stretch, but still didn’t ignite much spark. Now we have a third A8, this one called the S8. “S” is to Audi what “M” is to BMW, denoting the automaker’s performance tuner. And this performance has definitely been tuned. The Good News
The S8 may look like a mild-mannered luxury sedan on the outside with only six-spoke wheels, brushed aluminum mirrors and subtle “S8” badging on the trunk distinguishing it, but underneath that quiet skin is beast unleashed.

By adding cams with more lift, a new intake manifold and a more free-spirited exhaust among other things, Audi coaxes 50 more horses (that’s not a misprint) out of this 4.2-liter twin cam V-8. That brings the total to 360 horses, with 317 foot pounds of torque. What’s more, redline on this 5-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual mode is a heady 7000 rpm.

Quick? Try 0-60 in 5.8 seconds, the quarter mile in 14.4 at 99 mph in independent tests. Remember this is a BIG car.

The package also includes firmer shocks, stiffer springs, thicker anti-roll bars, a slightly lowered ride height, beefier brakes and 18-inch tires. In short, Audi didn’t mess around. Also in their corner here is Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive traction, something none of the other big boys can boast.

A righteous exhaust note, marvelous sure-footedness, great stopping power: This S8 is an amazing performance sedan. Yet, the ride displays none of the harshness you expect when luxury sedans assume a more muscular stance. In this regard, Audi establishes a new benchmark.

And they understand luxury needs to be a big part of the formula, too. Swathed throughout from headliner to pillar to seat in the most luscious gray “Alcantara” suede paired with fine wood trim and brushed aluminum accents, the interior speaks of both sport and comfort. Bose sound, heated seats front and back, sunshades, sunroof: It’s all there, including eight airbags.

The Bad News
Although I adore the potential underfoot on this S8, I wish it were not quite so eager. I found myself having to nudge the accelerator gently, lest this S8 pounce like a puppy. I prefer my power more restrained on takeoff, not quite so ticklish.

Likewise, the variable-assist steering, which feels wonderfully easy around town, never really gels at speed like you want with this kind of performance car. I’d like a heavier, more connected touch.

Another complaint is the headroom. It didn’t bother me so much, but constantly messed with the crown of my 6-foot-1 husband’s head. He pronounced it much too limited.

Finally, accompanying that exquisite exhaust note in the test car was a chorus of squealing brakes and a rattle of unknown origin in the driver’s door. Not much harmony there, I’m afraid.

Gas mileage
EPA rated at 15 mpg city/21 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $72,500;
Price as tested, $78,975

Is it worth it?
Audi has built a terrific luxury/performance sedan in this S8, with extraordinary power and poise. It is truly a driver’s car, but one that doesn’t sacrifice the passenger either. But, you pay handsomely for it. Even trimming off $3,500 for the suede interior, you’re still paying almost $75,000 by the time you add gas guzzler tax and destination.

The S8 is not as quick as the Jaguar XJR, but it has those impeccable Teutonic instincts the Jag can’t claim. It lacks the BMW M5’s gutsy manual shifter, but it has Quattro. And if you want to compare it to Mercedes S55 AMG, the S8 can instantly save you more than $26,000.

That said, this Audi till doesn’t excite me like any of the aforementioned sedans. Like that poor guy who does everything right but still gets passed over, this S8 has what it takes to get the job done, but not necessarily to succeed at this price. It’s a fabulous, fast car without the looks, the impressive nameplate or the overall seduction-factor that makes people want to part with that kind of cash.

All things considered, I kind of feel sorry for it.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.