Like the all-new S6, the 2007 Audi S8 draws power from an aluminum, Lamborghini Gallardo-derived 5.2-liter, 40-valve V10 with dual overhead cams and direct injection. Also like the S6, the S8 uses a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission to push power to all four wheels through Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system, a setup that incorporates front and rear locking differentials as well as a center Torsen limited-slip differential. However, unlike the S6, the 4,278-lb. S8 is mostly aluminum, adds an extra two inches of wheelbase, and tacks on nearly six inches of overall length. Thanks to minor changes made primarily to the exhaust manifold, the S8 boasts an extra 15 ponies. That equates to 450 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, while torque remains unchanged with 398 lb.-ft. peaking at 3,500 rpm (90 percent of the maximum torque is available from 2,300 to 6,200 rpm). The V10 was chosen over the 450-horsepower W12 available on the A8 because of weight savings and improved balance. Audi reports a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds, or 0.2 seconds faster than the S6.

Under the 2007 Audi S8's skin is an impressive collection of sport-oriented hardware, such as a performance-tuned, load-leveling multi-link suspension that can be adjusted on-the-fly for firmness and a ride height 20 mm lower than the base A8; a speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering assembly that is 10 percent more responsive than when used in the regular A8 application; and the afore-mentioned quattro system, which with its 40 percent front/60 percent rear distribution, offers the slight rear-drive bias preferred by enthusiasts. Those folks will likely also appreciate the attractive 20-inch alloys and 265/35 Z-rated performance tires that fill the wheel wells, behind which is a four-wheel antilock disc braking system using ventilated rotors and bolstered by electronic brake force and electronic brake assistance technology.