It’s time for the world’s executives to toss that old S8 in the bin, as the all-new 2020 Audi S8 sedan has arrived. Under its giant, clamshell-like hood the car once again packs a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine, this time making 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.
Standard equipment includes an active suspension that uses cameras to read the road ahead, four-wheel steering, and Quattro all-wheel drive. The rear differential is Audi’s Sport unit, which brings torque vectoring to the party. The suspension features air springs, which it uses to lift or push down each wheel to mitigate road imperfections, to lean the car’s body into corners by as much as three degrees when in Comfort mode, or to raise the body slightly to ease ingress and egress when the door handle is pulled.
While it’s not yet clear what will be available on the U.S. car, tech goodies include adaptive cruise assist that combines adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, and lane tracking. If buyers check all the boxes, the S8’s central driver-assistance controller utilizes five radar sensors, six cameras, 12 ultrasound sensors, and a laser scanner to compile information.
In U.S. cities capable of supporting it, a new traffic-light information feature pings the city’s infrastructure to inform the driver of the legal speed necessary to ensure catching the next green light. If you happen to get caught at a red light, the system will also tell you how long until it turns green again.