S8 Efficiency

Improved Efficiency

Innovative efficiency measures

The improved fuel consumption of the new S8, despite the increase in power, is all down to the combined technologies of the Audi modular efficiency platform. These include the recuperation and start-stop systems, and the newly developed 'cylinder on demand' technology. The 8-speed tiptronic in the S8 also manages to seamlessly unite sportiness with efficiency.

All of these advanced technologies, combined with the innovative lightweight Audi Space Frame, have contributed to a decrease in fuel consumption and an increase in efficiency for the new head of the S family.

Start-stop

In heavy traffic, your car still uses fuel and releases C02, even when it's stationary. The automatic Start-Stop function counteracts this problem by switching off the engine when your car comes to a standstill. As soon as you touch accelerator, the car restarts.

Recuperation

When you're coasting or braking, the car's alternator generates electricity. Recuperation allows it to be stored so when you're accelerating or driving a a constant speed, the stored electricity is used to drive the alternator. Recuperation reduces fuel consumption by up to 01. litres every 100km and also reduces CO2 emissions.

Cylinder Management System

Audi's new Cylinder Management System lies at the very heart of the S8 performance and efficiency. The innovative system works on the "cylinder on demand" principle and deactivates certain engine cylinders when you're cruising or at low revs, but switches back in an instant when you need more power. This functionality improves the effectiveness of the V8 engine under different driving styles and conditions, and optimises efficiency and economy helping to lower both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The switching between 4-cylinder and 8-cylinder operation is barely discernible, and is made even smoother by the additional Active Noise Cancellation system which compensates for any intrusive noise from individual engine speed-dependent frequencies. Via four concealed microphones in the interior headlining of the vehicle, cabin noise is recorded and then analysed by computer. If any intrusive sounds are detected, it broadcasts an anti-noise signal via the audio system which effectively cancels out the intrusive noise frequency.

8 speed tiptronic transmission

A ratio for everything

The 8 speed tiptronic transmission combines ratios which allow quick acceleration and low rev cruising to maximize efficiency.

Management of the new tiptronic is handled by the innovative dynamic shift program (DSP, which is networked with the detailed route data delivered by the MMI navigation system. The DSP uses this information to incorporate approaching corners or junctions into its shift strategy, so the days of an automatic gearbox changing gears mid-corner are behind us.

A major benefit of having 8-speeds is the wide spread of ratios between first and eighth gear. This not only reduces fuel consumption by around 8% but also is flexible enough to allowing dynamic, sporty acceleration and refined, low-rev, high-speed cruising.