Last Auto news - Audi S8 up close

Last Auto news - Audi S8 up close Still in the early stages of development, our team of spies has managed to capture Audi’s A8 flagship testing in Germany.

The new Audi A8 flagship is on its way and these exclusive pictures show the next-generation S8 up-close for the first time. Dressed all in black, beneath its elegant, executive exterior beats a ferocious performance-packed heart.

The car in the pictures was spotted outside a service station in Germany by our team of eagle-eyed spies, but don’t judge this Audi on first appearances - this is no ordinary car. Apart from a few subtle giveaways the Audi’s identity would have remained anonymous, but the pair of twin exhausts at the rear and the extra large brake rotors and callipers reveal a much more exciting story.

Still in the early stages of development, the test car we captured is not wearing any badges and doesn’t feature any of the sportier bodywork that is worn across the “S” range.

As well as its sportier and more aggressive appearance, the S8 will get the usual upgraded suspension, brakes and powertrain. Details on what engine will feature under the bonnet are still unconfirmed but according to rumours it seems that a smaller 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 will replace the Lamborghini sourced 5.2-litre V10 found in the current car. Mated to an eight-speed gear box, the S8 will also get Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system giving it exceptional handling to match its and effortless performance.

Launch dates are still to unknown but judging by the car in the pictures it looks most likely that the S8 will be heading to next year’s Geneva show where it will make its world debut.