New 2009 Audi S8

Not for the faint of heart, or light in the wallet, the 2009 Audi S8 is so fast; it should require you to get a pilot’s license to drive it.

The S8 is basically the A8 on steroids. The S8 boasts a 5.2-liter V-10 engine that generates 450-horsepower and 398 pounds-feet of torque, and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic manual shifting. Feel what it’s like to fly and go from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The standard quattro® permanent all-wheel drive system imbues the S8 with maximum grip and excellent agility in a variety of weather and road conditions. The advanced Adaptive Air Suspension offers a lower ride height and increases the limits of handling and cornering ability. 20-inch split-spoke alloy wheels a deck lid spoiler and deep grille with lower side portals add to the S8’s menacing exterior. The S8 ranks well with the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG and Jaguar XJR when it comes to power and refinement.

One change that Audi made was to add more standard features such as,16-way power adjustable front sport seats, dual climate control, front 6-way heated seats, leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel, six CD changer, iPod integration, navigation system, Bluetooth capability, BOSE premium sound system with AudioPilot noise compensation and 10 speakers. If that wasn’t enough, Audi’s Multi Media Interface (MMI) allows you to control and manage ride dynamics, your entertainment system, interior environment and the navigation system. An available The Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System has over 1,000 watts of power, 14 speakers and a pure, rich sound to match your powerful engine.

State-of-the-art safety features include first-in-class Side Assist that monitors both sides of the vehicle and flashes a warning signal if a car enters your blind spot. Standard dual front airbags, front knee and side airbags, and optional rear side airbags protect all occupants in a collision. Standard Lane Assist uses an array of sensors to detect when the car is outside of the traffic lanes, sending a warning via a vibrating steering wheel. A large, 18-inch brake system provides supreme stopping power with minimal fade.

With plenty of cutting-edge tech features, standard amenities and enough raw power to run an air-craft carrier, the 2009 Audi S8 is a real player in the luxury sedan segment.