The first generation of the executive three-volume Audi S8 - a "charged" version of the flagship model A8 with the factory index D2 - debuted in 1996, at the same time it went on sale in the European market. The car differed from its "civilian" counterpart with sporty notes in the exterior and interior, lowered suspension and a powerful engine under the hood.
In 1999, the "German" went through a planned update, after which it was produced unchanged until 2002.
The "first" Audi S8 is a full-size sedan of the European F-class, or to be more precise, of its premium segment.
The length of the car is 5034 mm, of which 2880 mm are allocated for the gap between the axles, the width is 1880 mm, and the height is 1418 mm, the ground clearance is 120 mm. In the equipped state, the German three-volume vehicle weighs a minimum of 1730 kg.
Specifications. The "driving force" of the S-version of the "eight" of the first generation is a gasoline atmospheric V8 unit with distributed injection, which, with a volume of 4.2 liters, generates 360 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque (before restyling, it produced 20 "horses" and 20 Nm less).
In combination with the engine, a 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic transmission worked, as well as the "family" quattro technology with an asymmetric division of thrust between the axles in a ratio of 40:60 in favor of the rear.
At the heart of the original Audi S8 is the Volkswagen Group's D2 platform, which features independent multi-link suspension at both the front and rear. In the arsenal of the car there is a Servotronic steering with hydraulic booster. The braking system is expressed by ventilated disc devices and Bosch anti-lock technology.
The owners of the 1st generation Audi S8 include a prestigious appearance, a powerful engine, a luxurious interior, sophisticated steering, excellent dynamics, an efficient all-wheel drive system and a high level of comfort.
The sedan is not without its drawbacks - high prices for original spare parts, expensive maintenance, low ground clearance and increased fuel "appetite".
