The Next Audi S8 May Get the Panamera Turbo’s Engine

According to German automotive publications Auto Bild and autoevolution, the next-generation Audi S8 is expected to arrive later this year with the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 as the Porsche Panamera Turbo. Since Audi and Porsche are both part of the Volkswagen Group, it’s not entirely surprising. The S8’s output is reportedly expected to be around 530 hp—less than the Panamera Turbo’s 550 hp, but more than the current S8’s engine.

Source: The next Audi S8 will arrive this year with the same engine as the Porsche Panamera Turbo

Audi S8 vs. Porsche Panamera Turbo

That got me curious about the current Audi S8, so I looked up the specs and compared it with the Panamera Turbo.

The numbers are remarkably close. The S8 Plus also comes standard with:

Matrix LED headlights, a sport exhaust, 21-inch factory wheels, heated and ventilated seats, BOSE speakers (also standard on the Panamera Turbo, perhaps?), soft-close doors, floor mats, a rear sport differential, adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, park assist, and Audi drive select (Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, Individual)

By contrast, nearly all of those features are optional on the Panamera Turbo. In our case, adding options to our Panamera Turbo cost more than 3 million yen. Look at it that way, and the S8 is quite a bargain.

How Does the S8 Drive?

That said, I used to own an A3 (2.0T). It had plenty of power and was a very good car overall, but there were aspects of its driving enjoyment and smoothness that left me underwhelmed. It could feel a little disconnected, and even on the highway, pushing the pace brought on some unsettling side-to-side movement. So even if the S8 shares its engine with the Panamera Turbo, that doesn’t necessarily mean it will match the Porsche’s planted feel, high-speed stability, or handling.

What Does My Husband Think?

I asked my husband what he thought of the news. His take:

Well, S8 owners will probably be pretty pleased to have a Porsche-built engine under the hood. I’ve also heard rumors that the V6 from the 4S could find its way into the S6 and other models. But no other manufacturer can replicate that ride and performance, so they can have the engine for all I care (￣ー￣)w

Wait, who does he think he is, talking like that… (-_-)

Still, once it actually goes on sale, I’d love to take it for a test drive!