S8
The Audi S8 is the high-performance variant of the Audi A8 luxury sedan, produced since 1996. It combines power, advanced technology, and exceptional comfort. Available in both short and long-wheelbase versions, the S8 is equipped with the quattro all-wheel-drive system and, depending on the generation, features naturally aspirated or twin-turbo V8 engines. This page presents the various S8 versions referenced by ScanRacer, including production years, variants, rarities, and available detailed pages.
Variants by year
2019
2013
2012
2005
1996
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
The Audi S8 is the high-performance variant of the Audi A8 luxury sedan, produced since 1996. It combines power, advanced technology, and exceptional comfort. Available in both short and long-wheelbase versions, the S8 is equipped with the quattro all-wheel-drive system and, depending on the generation, features naturally aspirated or twin-turbo V8 engines. This page presents the various S8 versions referenced by ScanRacer, including production years, variants, rarities, and available detailed pages.
History
The Audi S8 was introduced in 1996 as the high-performance variant of the A8 sedan. The first generation (D2) was produced from 1996 to 2003, featuring a 4.2-liter V8 engine producing 340 hp, enabling a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 6.2 seconds. In 1999, the power was increased to 369 hp, reducing the acceleration time to 5.6 seconds. The second generation (D3), produced from 2006 to 2010, was equipped with a 5.2-liter V10 FSI engine producing 450 hp, with a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 5.1 seconds. The third generation (D4), produced from 2012 to 2018, introduced a 4.0-liter V8 TFSI engine producing 520 hp, allowing a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 3.6 seconds. In 2016, the S8 plus version was launched, offering 605 hp and a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 3.3 seconds. The fourth generation (D5), launched in 2019, is equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 TFSI engine producing 563 hp, with a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 3.8 seconds. This generation is available in both short and long-wheelbase versions, with the long-wheelbase variant exclusively offered in North America.
Generations
The first generation (D2) of the S8 was produced from 1996 to 2003, equipped with a 4.2-liter V8 engine producing 340 hp, enabling a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 6.2 seconds. In 1999, the power was increased to 369 hp, reducing the acceleration time to 5.6 seconds. The second generation (D3), produced from 2006 to 2010, featured a 5.2-liter V10 FSI engine producing 450 hp, with a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 5.1 seconds. The third generation (D4), produced from 2012 to 2018, introduced a 4.0-liter V8 TFSI engine producing 520 hp, allowing a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 3.6 seconds. In 2016, the S8 plus version was launched, offering 605 hp and a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 3.3 seconds. The fourth generation (D5), launched in 2019, is equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 TFSI engine producing 563 hp, with a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 3.8 seconds. This generation is available in both short and long-wheelbase versions, with the long-wheelbase variant exclusively offered in North America.
Key differences
The main differences between the S8 generations concern the engines and performance. The first generation (D2) was equipped with a 4.2-liter V8 engine producing 340 hp, while the second generation (D3) introduced a 5.2-liter V10 FSI engine producing 450 hp. The third generation (D4) switched to a 4.0-liter V8 TFSI engine producing 520 hp, and the 2016 S8 plus version increased the power to 605 hp. The fourth generation (D5) reduced the power to 563 hp but improved performance with a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 3.8 seconds. Short-wheelbase versions were available up to the third generation, with the long-wheelbase variant introduced in the fourth generation.
Photo recognition
To identify an Audi S8, look for specific design elements such as the Singleframe grille with aluminum inserts, distinctive front and rear bumpers, quad exhaust outlets, and 21-inch alloy wheels. (productinfo.audi.co.jp)
Important versions
The 2016 S8 plus version is notable for its increased power of 605 hp and its 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 3.3 seconds, making it the fastest in S8 history. (press.audi.co.uk)
References
- Audi S8 Official Media SiteAudi USA
- Audi S8 Official CatalogAudi Japan
- https://www.productinfo.audi.co.jp/models/s8/specifications/productinfo.audi.co.jp
- https://www.productinfo.audi.co.jp/models/s8/features/productinfo.audi.co.jp
- https://www.audi.co.jp/ja/models/a8/s8/audi.co.jp
- https://www.productinfo.audi.co.jp/models/s8/productinfo.audi.co.jp
Technical specifications
Structured data available for versions linked to this model.
| Version | Power | Torque | Top speed | Drivetrain | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 331 KW @ 7000 RPM 450 HP @ 7000 RPM 444 BHP @ 7000 RPM | 398 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 540 Nm @ 3500 RPM | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) | All Wheel Drive / 6-speed automatic | Gasoline |
Frequently asked questions
- What years was the Audi S8 produced?
- ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 1996 - 2019.
- How many Audi S8 examples are documented on ScanRacer?
- 1 published scan from 1 member, with the latest photo added in June 2026.
- What is the power output of the Audi S8?
- The sourced technical data lists 331 KW @ 7000 RPM 450 HP @ 7000 RPM 444 BHP @ 7000 RPM.