Some would say it was worth the wait. After a four-year absence, the Audi S8 returns in 2007 with a 450-hp 5.2-liter V10 direct fuel injection engine based on the Lamborghini Gallardo -- it is the first V10 ever offered in an Audi vehicle. This sport version of the full-size luxury A8 sedan combines speed, power, and racing performance within a subtly elegant and upscale personal touring machine.
Quattro all-wheel drive adds to the confident handling, and the 2007 S8 also offers an adjustable air suspension with four modes. These include automatic, dynamic, comfort, and lift. An auto/manual 6-speed Tiptronic is the only transmission offered. ABS, front and rear airbags, traction, and stability control are also standard. The 2007 S8 offers some exterior clues to its road-burning performance, including quad exhausts, numerous badges, xenon headlights, a rear and chin spoiler, faux aluminum trim, 20-inch wheels, and menacing vertical chrome slats on the wide-mouthed grille. The ful-size luxury cruiser seats four passengers comfortably and comes with the full complement of equipement. This includes plenty of power features, heated front seats (heated rear seats are optional), memory settings, a Multi-Media Interface trip computer, Valcona leather seats with extra support when taking tight turns, and carbon fiber trim. There is little missing here, and if you need more, option packages add on adaptive cruise control, 4-zone climate control, a navigation system, power sunshades, a ski sack, satellite radio, parking assist with rear camera, and remote start. Clearly Audi is trying to satisfy all the needs of every driver. The 2007 S8 can be both an upscale business car or a personal cruiser ready to sail on the open road. Drivers like the smoothness of the Tiptronic, the precise and responsive handling, the V10 grunt and noise, and the quattro performance. Major issues appear to be fuel economy and the overall cost of the car.