Volkswagen Group owns both Bentley and Audi. That means a lot of platform and technology sharing between the most expensive quattros and Britain. But what does that mean in the case of a drag race between the new Audi S8 and the even newer Bentley Flying Spur?
We still remember the launch of the "normal" Audi A8 quite vividly. Two things stood out, the pre-sense system that raised the suspension when you were getting T-boned and the W12 engine. Yes, you could buy a W12 in this thing, and it made just as much power as this S8.
However, Bentley is now the only manufacturer with a W12, despite significant investments to develop it. But that doesn't necessarily mean there needs to be a performance gap between the two.
Before we check out the weekend drag race CarWow put together, let's just look at some specs. Not many people know about the new S8, probably because it looks a bit boring. But this is a slightly sporty version of the flagship quattro limo with a long wheelbase and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.
It also comes with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system if you're into fuel-sipping V8s. The Bentley Flying Spur is arguably much more interesting to look at. It will eventually offer a 4.0 TFSI as well, but for now, it's powered by a W12 6.0-liter producing a very impressive 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque.
It's also heavier and way more expensive, but you expect that from a car with chandeliers for headlights. But can just 63 extra horsepower really overcome a weight deficit of about 400 lbs? The outcome of the drag race is very close, with the Bentley winning by a nose. However, the W12 proves itself visibly superior in the rolling race.
However, Bentley is now the only manufacturer with a W12, despite significant investments to develop it. But that doesn't necessarily mean there needs to be a performance gap between the two.
Before we check out the weekend drag race CarWow put together, let's just look at some specs. Not many people know about the new S8, probably because it looks a bit boring. But this is a slightly sporty version of the flagship quattro limo with a long wheelbase and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.
It also comes with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system if you're into fuel-sipping V8s. The Bentley Flying Spur is arguably much more interesting to look at. It will eventually offer a 4.0 TFSI as well, but for now, it's powered by a W12 6.0-liter producing a very impressive 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque.
It's also heavier and way more expensive, but you expect that from a car with chandeliers for headlights. But can just 63 extra horsepower really overcome a weight deficit of about 400 lbs? The outcome of the drag race is very close, with the Bentley winning by a nose. However, the W12 proves itself visibly superior in the rolling race.