Which Audi S8 Model is Fastest in a Drag Race?

TL;DR

The D4 Audi S8, with its 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, outperformed the other models in the drag race, completing the quarter mile in 11.9 seconds. Despite its heavier weight, the D5 was slower, taking 12.1 seconds. The video showcases the evolution of the Audi S8's performance over different generations through various drag race tests.

Transcript

I've got every version of the Audi S8. The D2 with a 4.2 L natural aspirated V8. The D3 with a 5.2 L natural aspirated V10. The D4 with a 4 liter twin turbo V8. And the latest, the D5 also with a 4 liter twin turbo V8. We're going to race them over the standing quarter mile to see how their performance has changed over time. I'm Alson and you're wa... Read More

Key Insights

• The D2 Audi S8 features a 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine with 360 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque.
• The D3 model has a 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine producing 450 horsepower and 540 Nm of torque.
• The D4 Audi S8 is equipped with a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 520 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque.
• The D5 model, the latest generation, also uses a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 but produces 571 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque.
• The D4 model completed the quarter mile in 11.9 seconds, outperforming the other generations.
• Despite its advanced technology and power, the D5 was slower than the D4 in the drag race.
• The D3 model completed the quarter mile in 14.5 seconds, while the D2 took 14.9 seconds.
• Older Audi S8 models, while cheaper, may incur higher maintenance costs due to potential mechanical issues.

Questions & Answers

Q: What engine does the D2 Audi S8 have?

The D2 Audi S8 is equipped with a 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine. It produces 360 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque. The power is delivered to all four wheels via a 5-speed automatic gearbox, and the car weighs 1,750 kg. This model was introduced in 2001 and was priced from £61,399.

Q: How does the D3 Audi S8 perform in a drag race?

The D3 Audi S8, featuring a 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine, completed the quarter mile in 14.5 seconds during the drag race. With 450 horsepower and 540 Nm of torque, it showed significant improvement over the D2 model but was outperformed by the newer D4 and D5 models.

Q: What are the specifications of the D4 Audi S8?

The D4 Audi S8 is powered by a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, producing 520 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque. It features an 8-speed automatic gearbox and weighs 1,975 kg. Introduced in 2012, it was priced from £79,000. It completed the quarter mile in 11.9 seconds, making it the fastest among the S8 models tested.

Q: Why did the D5 Audi S8 lose to the D4 in the drag race?

Despite having a more powerful engine with 571 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque, the D5 Audi S8 was slower than the D4 due to its heavier weight of 2,220 kg. The increased weight impacted its acceleration, resulting in a quarter mile time of 12.1 seconds, slightly behind the D4's 11.9 seconds.

Q: How does the D4's performance compare to the D3 in rolling races?

In rolling races, the D4 Audi S8's twin-turbo V8 engine demonstrated superior torque delivery and acceleration compared to the D3's naturally aspirated V10. This allowed the D4 to pull ahead decisively, showcasing the advancements in engine technology and power-to-weight ratio over the D3 model.

Q: What challenges do older Audi S8 models face?

Older Audi S8 models, such as the D2 and D3, may face mechanical issues due to their age, leading to potential maintenance challenges and costs. While they may be cheaper to purchase initially, the risk of faults and repairs can increase overall ownership expenses over time compared to newer models.

Q: What is the significance of the D4's dynamic mode?

The D4 Audi S8's dynamic mode optimizes its performance by enhancing throttle response and adjusting the suspension and transmission settings for sportier driving. This mode contributed to its superior quarter mile time of 11.9 seconds, highlighting the benefits of modern driving technology in performance vehicles.

Q: How did the D5 perform in brake tests compared to other models?

In brake tests, the D5 Audi S8 struggled to stop as efficiently as the D4, despite its advanced braking technology. The heavier weight of the D5 impacted its braking performance, demonstrating that increased power and features do not always translate to superior handling in all driving conditions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The D4 Audi S8, with its 4-liter twin-turbo V8, emerged as the fastest in the drag race, completing the quarter mile in 11.9 seconds. Despite being heavier, the D5, with 571 horsepower, finished in 12.1 seconds, showcasing the evolution of Audi S8's performance over time.

• The video compares all generations of the Audi S8, highlighting their engine specifications and performance in drag races. The D4 model's superior power-to-weight ratio allowed it to outperform the newer D5, which was expected to dominate due to its increased horsepower.

• Through various tests, including rolling races and brake tests, the video illustrates the strengths and weaknesses of each Audi S8 model. The D4's performance in dynamic mode and its efficient power delivery helped it secure the top position among the four generations.