New Audi S8 Turning to Porsche for Twin-Turbo V8, Hybrid Power
The 2018 Audi A8 just made its official debut, and already there’s reports of what the high-performance S8 version will entail.
According to Evo, the new Audi S8 will get its powertrain from Porsche, but two models will be offered. The standard Audi S8 is expected to be powered by the new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 found in the Panamera Turbo, but it will likely be detuned from the Panamera’s 550-horsepower figure.
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There will also be an S8 Plus model, sporting the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid’s powertrain that pairs the twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor for a combined system output of 680 hp. Again, the hybrid powertrain will likely be detuned to not step on Porsche’s toes.
The move makes sense, considering the new Audi A8 shares its platform with the Porsche Panamera. And this isn’t the first time the Audi S8 has turned to other automakers within the Volkswagen Group for its powerplant. Previously, it used a 5.2-liter V10 adapted from the Lamborghini Gallardo, while the current model uses the twin-turbocharged V8 found in the Bentley Continental GT.
[Source: Evo]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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