The ABT Audi S8 is “faster than a current generation 992” thanks to the German tuning company’s extensive performance upgrades.
The standard S8’s 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 already puts out 563bhp which seems to be more than enough for a fast but discreet luxury limousine. One would also assume a 3.9-second 0-62mph sprint would be adequate. Apparently not… ABT has substantially upped the S8’s power output with a new ECU. It’s now running 690bhp and 650lb ft of torque.
That is a colossal increase and the difference in performance is clear. 0-62mph has been cut to a Carrera 4S-beating 3.4 seconds (3.6 for the Porsche) and on to a top speed of 167mph when the limiter is taken off. That gets even more impressive when you realise the S8 weighs 2.3-tonnes and is over five metres long!
To access the increased top speed, you would first need to equip ABT Power and carbon ceramic brakes. No further handling upgrades were deemed necessary as the tuner hailed the S8’s “meticulously designed standard suspension” and chassis.
Normally, there would be some fairly noticeable aesthetic tweaks once ABT are done with a car but in this instance, the S8 “maintains an elegant, understated appearance”. The only external changes are two new alloy options, available in 20-inch or 21-inch, a subtle carbon fibre lip spoiler on the tailgate and ABT badges.
Inside, the subtle indications that this is not a standard S8 continue, with an ABT start/stop cap and gear selector cover and a step on the accelerator pedal.
We’ve no idea how much the ABT Audi S8 will cost just yet, but the standard S8 starts at just shy of £100k. It will not be cheap.
Let us know what you think of ABT’s changes in the comments section below or via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
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