Audi S8 Plus Adds Oomph

Audi AG has amped up the horsepower of its S8 full-size sedan by 16% with a new high-performance "Plus" variant.

The car's twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine has been tuned to make 605 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque and as much as 553 lb-ft in short bursts in over-boost mode. This compares with 520 hp and 481 lb-ft in the standard S8.

The increased output propels the S8 Plus from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (190 mph unlimited).

In the S8 Plus, the compact V-8 gets modified exhaust valves and reworked turbochargers. The engine management system also has been modified to optimize performance.

In both models, the twin-turbocharged V-8 is mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Power is sent to all four wheels via Audi's ubiquitous Quattro system.

Other goodies include carbon fiber-reinforced ceramic brakes, 21-inch alloy wheels and matrix LED headlights. Styling is differentiated from the base S8 with several carbon fiber features, including a blade on the front apron, air inlet flaps, side mirror housing and rear diffuser. The Plus model also gets an exclusive matte paint finish.

The new S8 Plus will be priced at €145,200 ($162,000) in Germany, where it will go on sale in November. North American availability hasn't been announced. A video of the vehicle is available here.