AUDI S8 1996-1999 Photos, engines & full specs

Audi already stepped up its game and challenged BWM and Mercedes-Benz in all segments but dared even more than its competitors when it introduced the S8.

The hottest version of the A8 range appeared on the market in 1996, and it was a stunning marketing move. Even though its main rivals already had more powerful engines than what Audi provided underneath the S8's hood, those were not exactly sporty. Those were just big barges with big powerplants. But the S8 was more than that. It was a sports car with four doors and the luxury of an executive sedan, competing against the British Jaguar XJR.

Audi was very good at hiding the car's performance. The S8's exterior looked almost identical to a regular A8, albeit there were a few differences. Still, only a trained eye would have spotted those. For starters, there was a tiny little gray and red badge on the grille that said "S8." From its profile, the automaker installed a specific set of light alloy wheels, named Avus, after the carmaker's 1991 concept car. On the profile, the bystanders could have noticed the silver door mirrors' caps, which were unique to the S8. At the back, the car sported the same dual exhaust pipes with chromed tips as any other mundane A8.

The interior was a different story. Audi struggled to offer a cabin filled with amenities such as high-bolstered bucket seats. Leather upholstery and automatic climate control were standard. Moreover, the S8 featured a standard navigation system, although its indications were shown on a small TFT display between the tachometer and speedometer.

But the most significant change was under the hood, where a pumped-up 4.2-liter V8 delivered 340 PS (335 HP) to a standard six-speed manual gearbox with an option for a five-speed automatic (Tiptronic). Moreover, the S8 had a lowered suspension by 20 mm (4") than the regular A8 and a stiffer suspension.