Photo: MTM
The one car that is seemingly missing from the RS range of Audi and that everyone seems to want at the same time is the RS8. It is, if you will, a similar situation to BMW’s 7 Series range that lacks a proper M7. However, tuners can provide the extra adrenalin rush if you really want it and that’s what MTM did with its new Talladega S model.
Last November, the Audi tuner released the ‘normal’ Talladega model that was also based on the S8 and had ‘just’ 760 HP coming in from under the bonnet. That must’ve been considered inappropriate and they seemingly decided to put together an even angrier version: the Talladega S.
Just like its brother, this one is also built atop an Audi S8 base coat and uses the same 4-liter twin-turbo V8 that makes just 520 HP in standard guise. It’s the same plant from the RS7 too but with a different power rating.
After the tuner was done with it, however, the power levels reached up to the impressive 802 HP number while torque went ballistic at 945 Nm (697 lb-ft), an incredible amount if we’re to look at the size of the mill. Yet, once again, this goes to prove the huge potential these mills have.
The sheer performance went up as well (or should we say down?). The zero to 100 sprint (0-62 mph) takes just 3.1 seconds now thanks to the quattro all-wheel drive system that is capable to handle all that grunt, while doubling that speed takes just 9.9 seconds. Of course, going up to 300 km/h (186 mph) is not a big deal, taking just 29 seconds while the top speed is now rated at 350 km/h (218 mph).
It all sounds extremely impressive but what we’re really not all that enthusiastic about is the looks of the thing. Sure, the color is a subjective matter but the rear wing looks really out of place.
We understand that at speeds over 124 mph it helps with downforce but maybe it could’ve been a bit more subtle. I don’t know, we’re just saying.
Other visual changes include 21” rims with special ZR tires that hide new ceramic brakes behind them along with a lowered air suspension. And then... there’s the price.
The starting price for the Audi S8 is €124,300 while the kit from MTM will demand nearly €100,000 more, taking the total to €222,249 (including the price of the new car). That’s for the entire kit with the wheels, body parts and everything on. Wowza!
Just like its brother, this one is also built atop an Audi S8 base coat and uses the same 4-liter twin-turbo V8 that makes just 520 HP in standard guise. It’s the same plant from the RS7 too but with a different power rating.
After the tuner was done with it, however, the power levels reached up to the impressive 802 HP number while torque went ballistic at 945 Nm (697 lb-ft), an incredible amount if we’re to look at the size of the mill. Yet, once again, this goes to prove the huge potential these mills have.
The sheer performance went up as well (or should we say down?). The zero to 100 sprint (0-62 mph) takes just 3.1 seconds now thanks to the quattro all-wheel drive system that is capable to handle all that grunt, while doubling that speed takes just 9.9 seconds. Of course, going up to 300 km/h (186 mph) is not a big deal, taking just 29 seconds while the top speed is now rated at 350 km/h (218 mph).
It all sounds extremely impressive but what we’re really not all that enthusiastic about is the looks of the thing. Sure, the color is a subjective matter but the rear wing looks really out of place.
We understand that at speeds over 124 mph it helps with downforce but maybe it could’ve been a bit more subtle. I don’t know, we’re just saying.
Other visual changes include 21” rims with special ZR tires that hide new ceramic brakes behind them along with a lowered air suspension. And then... there’s the price.
The starting price for the Audi S8 is €124,300 while the kit from MTM will demand nearly €100,000 more, taking the total to €222,249 (including the price of the new car). That’s for the entire kit with the wheels, body parts and everything on. Wowza!
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