Tag: Quattro

1985 Audi 4000S Quattro – REVISIT

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The Audi 4000S Quattro we featured last November is back up for sale with a lowered Buy it Now price of $11,300 from the original asking price of $13,000. Will a bit of a discount be enough to move this four-door, all-wheel drive modern classic?

1985 Audi 4000S Quattro on eBay – REVISIT

The below post originally appeared on our site November 23, 2012:

With Ur Quattro prices on the rise, where’s an Audi enthusiast to turn for affordable, all-wheel drive fun. The 4000S Quattro is a good place to start. The compact sedan of Audi’s range, the 4000S Quattro appeared in 1984 with a 2.2 liter five cylinder engine and the all important all-wheel drive system. I’ve seen few of these for sale in good condition, but this car for sale in Chicago has under 50,000 miles on the clock and looks rather tidy.

1985 Audi 4000S Quattro on eBay

1985 Audi 4000S Quattro, 46.247 Original miles. Black with Brown interior. I am the second owner of the vehicle since August 2011, the car was parked in a garage since 1996 to the summer of 2011 when I got it. Original paint in very good condition whit some dings here and there,expected for a car with this age and 98% body rust free just on the suspension side there is rust as shown in some pictures. Original Brown interior in perfect condition. Flawless crack free dash, Clarion head unit with bluetooth, USB and jack connection. Polk speakers in the back. Perfect headliner. All electronic systems in proper working condition. Windows, Cruise control, A/C and heater, sunroof, wipers, etc. All glass and trim in very good undamaged condition and tinted windows on the back.

All service and maintenance are current. Belts, hoses,brakes, bushings, fuel systems, H&R springs, KYB shocks, etc. Brand new exhaust and muffler. Newer summer tires and rims on 16 inch with around 2000 miles, plus brand new winter tires on the original wheels. Car drives and runs perfectly. A/C blows cold. I do have the factory cassette stereo in proper working condition.The only problem that I don’t like is that one fuel line got broken and instead of having a solid metal fuel line there is a rubber hose line.

1. Car located in Chicago Illinois

2. Clear title in hand

3. Payment dun in 3 days or less via PayPal

4. Buyer is responsible with the pick up or shipping of the vehicle

The tinted windows, dark gray paintwork and aftermarket wheels give this car a nice fresh look but are not overly modern for its decidedly 1980s looks. While it has low mileage, $13,000 is way out of line with current 4000S Quattro values. At the very high end, you might get $6,000 or so for a clean, low mileage car like this. Most 4000S Quattros in decent condition that I’ve seen for sale in the last year have ranged from $3,500 to $5,500. Barring the high price, it’s nice to see there are still some of these versatile sedans left roaming the earth.

-brian

2007 Audi RS4

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With an original MSRP just a tick under $70K, the RS4 is something that an ordinary Joe like myself could only fantasize about owning. The naturally aspirated, 420 bhp V-8 that revs to 8250 rpm with an exhaust note that rivals that of any super-car is an absolute enthusiasts dream. With the six-speed manual as the only available gearbox, highly tuned suspension and a lap time around the Nurburgring just over the eight minute mark, what is not to love about this masterpiece…oh yeah…the price.

Luckily 5 years later these cars are attainable in the used market with prices coming down to reality.  This stunning Sprint Blue over Black leather RS4 for sale in Tempe, AZ is a clean example of an affordable super-sedan.

2007 Audi RS4 on eBay

To the ordinary consumer, the 2007 Audi RS4 represents a bit of a mystery. Why would someone pay $66,000 for the RS4 when the basic A4 goes for only $28,240? The A4’s 2.0L 200-horsepower engine is a fine one, and who needs more?Well some folks just like to go a bit faster than their fellow drivers. For them, Audi makes the 340-horsepower S4 V8. For $47,500 you get a four-door sedan that will surprise drivers of many midlevel sports cars at impromptu traffic light derbies.But if you want to go hunting bigger game, Audi offers the $66,000 RS4. Audi has taken a lot of their Le Mans-winning racing technology and funneled it into this limited-production special. The 4.2L V8 will rev to a lofty 420 horsepower, and make fully 90% of its 317 lb-ft of torque at just a bit over 2,000 rpms.But the RS4 is not just a one-trick pony. A fully hydraulic dynamic ride control not only limits body lean to enhance the RS4’s cornering capabilities, but also delivers a surprisingly good ride.Audi has tuned the RS4’s quattro AWD system for maximum performance and it allows a bit more wheel spin for improved acceleration. The electronic stability control is also programmed to allow a smidge more tail-hanging-out fun, than in the A4. This 8.0 version of Audi’s ESP even incorporates a brake rotor drying function in the latest potion of electronic wizardry.There aren’t a lot of overt touches to the outside of the RS4 to give away the performance potential. Larger tires, unique wheels and some potent exhaust pipes are the main clues to the curious onlookers. Inside you’ll find a few more signs of just how unique the RS4 is. Genuine carbon fiber is used in tasteful doses as accents. The sport seats are built by the world famous Recaro brand. They provide opulent comfort and also hold you tightly when you take your RS4 through your favorite twisties. The pedals are covered with alloy bright work with rubber inserts for better traction.There is even a “Sport” button that changes the throttle mapping for even faster response; and it opens the V8’s exhaust system some for an even more ominous rumble.The RS4 has the usual standard luxury touches one expects from Audi: sunroof, xenon self-leveling lights, power all around, climate control, rear park assist, and a six-disc CD changer. A Premium Package adds navigation, auto-dimming mirrors, a memory feature for seats and mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth, power rear sunshades, Sirius satellite radio, and a Bose sound system. Rear side air bags are also optional.The Audi RS4 is not for everyone. But, for those lucky few who want AWD supercar performance, without the discomfort of a low-slung two-seater, the RS4 may be the peak of desire.

Now I know what you’re thinking $34K for a car with 72K miles, ridiculous….and in many cases you’d be correct. Not in this case. We’re talking RS4 here, the 4 door version of the R8. Well, almost. The RS4 is certainly a stunning performer and in Sprint blue, it’s a looker too. This car is priced a tick high for the mileage as I’ve seen cars in the 60K mile range for about the same price. No matter what the price, these cars will definitely have longevity in the Audi circles, and I suspect the depreciation will be very slow.

-Brian

1992 Audi UrS4

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The UrS4 is where it all started for Audi’s S program in the US. With turbo 5 cylinder power and Quattro AWD this was the beginning of an era for Audi; an era that is still going strong. These days it’s becoming incresingly rare to see one of these cars as clean as this black on black S4 for sale in WA state.

1992 Audi UrS4 on audifans.com

Selling a very clean, well maintained, rare UrS4. Possibly the first one that came into the U.S. due to the VIN. Car is black on black, which is one of 50 in this color combo for the year. 148k original. For 20 years old, thats quite low. Only owned, and driven by pure enthusiasts. Bible of maintenance history. Car has never been in an accident, original paint and clearcoat in exceptional condition. Body is laser straight, not one scratch or door ding ever. Always garaged.

Upgrades include RS2 turbo, RS2 exhaust manifold, RS2 green top injectors, software, fuel regulator. Samco black silicone hoses. Custom front mount intercooler, comparable to the Apikol one, yet was made to fit correctly under the front bumper, while retaining the factory bumper grills. Porsche Big Black 4 piston calipers which are needed on a 170mph car. Bilstein struts with lifetime warranty. Powder coated black valve cover. Last timing belt jobe less then 30k ago. Wheels professionaly refinished with warranty. Properly relayed and wired headlights with HID balasts, foglights can run with highs/lows, rockguard on lenses. Dual rear fogs for brake checking, at the touch of a button. All integrated of course. S2 3 spoke steering wheel (original included as well). Not a beverage ever spilt on the interior. Ghost fuel pressure and boost pressure gauges mounted in glovebox. Bose stereo completely overhauled, with OE specs, sounds great. 10 disc in trunk. Everything works flawlessly on the car, inluding heat, A/C, sunroof, cruise, all heated seats, every single light and gauge.

Intentionally professionally built as a daily driver, yet capable on the autobahn. You wouldnt know its pumping 350hp unless you hit the throttle, and hold the hell on. Drives straight, smooth. Runs perfect, looks perfect. No disapointments. This is the ultimate sleeper. 509-869-1669

Pricing on this car isn’t as simple as KBB.com, because if it were, we’d be looking at a $5,000 car. These cars have a huge following with Audi and German car enthusiasts the like and with cars like this becoming increasingly rare, a premium is being paid. Having traveled only ~7,500 miles per year its whole life this gently worn S4 offers all of the right options and upgrades to command a top dollar in the UrS4 market. While not as desirable as the pearl white, a black on black S4 is a close second in desirability. Couple that with the RS2 upgrades and immaculate condition, and this car is with the $11K price all day long.

-Brian

1994 Audi RS2

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In my spare time, I collect 1:18 scale model cars. Living in an urban area with limited parking, it’s a way of enjoying some of my favorite vehicles on a smaller scale. One recent acquisition to my collection was an Audi RS2 made by a specialty manufacturer out of France. I’ve always admired this collaboration between Audi and Porsche, especially when they are painted in the iconic Nogaro blue. In another six years, these cars will begin to be legal for importation into the US. Unfortunately, by that time the prices on these cars will surely have skyrocketed. That’s not at all surprising, given a short two year production run with under 3,000 produced.

This RS2 for sale in Barcelona was treated to a recent restoration to the tune of over €20,000.

1994 Audi RS2 for sale on Mobile.de

Audi RS2 totally restored in December 2011. New engine with 9500 km (current 210,000). Newly painted. Aesthetically perfect. I have the invoices of repair for value (+20000 Euros). Brakes 8 calipers and rims 18″ Porsche 993 turbo with Bridgestone 235/35/18. Exhaust MTM. Metallic catalyst 200. Xenon kit. Bluetooth.

While it doesn’t wear its original Porsche Cup wheels, the 993 Turbo style wheels don’t look out of place on this fast estate. At over $30,000 USD equivalent, this car isn’t for everyone. For some, it is a drop in the bucket considering the combination of performance and practicality. Look up Q ship in the dictionary, and this five-door, 311 horsepower beast with Porsche DNA would fit the profile.

-Paul

1987 Audi 4000CS Quattro

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Audi sedans of the late-80s just don’t have the performance reputation of Mercedes and BMW, as the most notable reports of their acceleration were when it supposedly happened with no driver input. The good ones, however, started bringing Audi’s secret weapon, something BMW was just beginning to play with and Benz wasn’t into yet. The irreplaceable Quattro on a good-looking sedan set Audi apart, and today’s 4000CS is a great reminder of this. The seller is a bit of Audi fanatic and it shows.

1987 Audi 4000CS Quattro for sale on eBay


Selling a 1987 Audi 4000 cs Quattro. Car is white with gray interior. Great condition car. under 140k. Mint Interior. No rust on this car and its a California Car. New Fuel Pump and Cooling Fan switch. Car runs and drives very well. Takes a try or two on cold starts tho. 5 speed manual, rear diff lock. power windows, locks, sunroof. 138K. MINT interior. Like New, cloth is soft. Bolsters solid. Has been redone and is soft like brand new off the showroom floor. no sun damage or anything, its brand new material..Just installed a brand new driver side rear door handle. All Doors open.:) Brakes work perfect and well. Ebrake works as it should. All calipers have audi rings on them. Exhaust sounds good other than catalytic converter problem. Tires are 75% and matching. All Bushings feel good and Steering is tight. Stereo Works and sounds pretty good. Original Leather Wrap Steering Wheel, Horn Works.
Car does need a catalytic converter, the one thats on it rattles at times and needs replaced. cruise control doesnt work, have the unit to make it work, needs installed. Has H.I.D. Bright Headlights. one side needs bulb. power mirrors seem to work, but the mirror isnt moving barely at all. All Glass is good. Has A/C and it works, but isnt ice cold. Great winter car.
Car has been repainted at some point as it was originally black in color. Whoever did the paintwork did not do the best quality of paint and its not the best. Dont expect a perfect paintjob because it is not. Have lots of pics on photobucket. Go to photobucket or http://s120.photobucket.com/albums/o172/hoopster21/ or search for hoopster21 which is my profile there and go to albums and then its there in the 1987 audi 4000cs Quattro album. I have been selling off my audi’s and I need this one gone as I need the room for another project I have.

I love how this car looks. Even if the paint isn’t perfect, white with black accents and wheels looks perfect (though the emblems on the front quarter are a little too big). A new interior is a great addition, and 140k miles isn’t too bad other than needing a new catalytic converter. The 2.2l isn’t magic at 115hp (25 years ago, no less), but I’d say it’s begging for some VW/Audi plug-n-play. With a $2,700 Buy-It-Now, it’s a great start for what could be an amazing Audi. Even as is, it looks like a good buy to me.

-NR

1990 Audi V8 Quattro

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The predecessor to the modern A8 luxury sedan, the V8 Quattro was Audi’s answer to the BMW 7-series, and the Mercedes-Benz S-class. The Audi V8 was purpose built to be the ‘flagship’ offering for Audi, and served to elevate the image of Audi to that of a serious luxury contender.

With top of the line amenities, and V8 power this well preserved 1990 V8 Quattro is a pristine example of the gentleman’s sedan.

1990 Audi V8 Quattro on craigslist.com

This is an opportunity to own a rare Audi V8 Quattro. This car is unique because it is over 22 years old but still looks and drives like it is brand new. This car only has 34,800 miles on it! I am the second owner of the car and have taken excellent care of it. This car has been dealer serviced its entire existence and I have the records to show it. The car had a complete timing belt service done about 5k miles ago at the local Audi dealer. The car also got new tires all around 5k miles ago. This car is very powerful and is comfortable and quiet. With the legendary Quattro all wheel drive this car is extremely stable in any road condition. You will never again be stranded when it snows it Seattle. Last winter I drove it through 8 inches of snow and the car never lost traction. The car had a professional exterior detail 3 months ago so the paint shines like new. There are not any dents on any part of the body. The engine purrs and doesn’t leak a drop of any fluid. I would like to see this vehicle go to an Audi enthusiast who will continue to take excellent care of this vehicle. With the extremely low mileage and recent timing belt service this car could be a reliable vehicle for many more years.
Call, Email, or Text 206-227-4759

These cars are the definition of a tank for the roads. The combination of V8 power, Quattro AWD, and an almost 2 ton curb weight, there was little that mother nature could throw at it that would phase it. The rarity and relative obscurity of these cars means that you hardly ever see them around, they just were never as popular as their German counterparts. These cars are valued in the $5,500 to $6,000 range making the $8,500 asking price tough to swallow, but in this condition, with such low miles, a premium must be paid. If this car were in the $7500 range, I’d be more apt to buy, and if it were the rare 5 speed, I’d already be on a plane.

-Brian

1993 Audi S4

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Since the early ‘90s, Audi has utilized the “S” to signify its high performance production vehicles. The inaugural S car was the C4 bodied S4. Based on the Audi 100 sedan, the S4 featured a 227 horsepower turbo charged and intercooled 2.2 liter five cylinder power plant, and legendary Quattro AWD.  The combination of power, and all weather capability quickly became a thing of legend.

This clean Black over Ecru example for sale in Layton, UT is a very well kept example of the car that started it all.

1993 Audi S4 on eBay

 RARE RARE RARE 1993 Audi S4 5 cyclinder turbo!!!!!! This is truely an amazing  car. This was one of Audi’s best. If you know Audi then you know how amazing and rare this car is. This car runs and drivs great. Turbo boost really well and the engine pulls hard. The 5 speed manual transmission shifts extremely well. This car is truely a blast to drive. Automatic door locks, automatic windows, sunroof, leather, Quattro, turbo.
The features this car has is endless and well ahead of its time. More importantly  than features is the engine. Its a great engine. Have original owners manual and sticker. Now this car isn’t new or I would be asking much much more. Will need front brakes. Alternator bearings  are making noise. A/C blows cold but only from top vents. Its a ’93 and for the year has way low mileage and is honestly in great condition.

This is a car that I’ve lusted after for years, and is certainly one that is near the top of my bucket list. With 148K miles, and great looks this car would be great for a collector, or someone looking to make a powerhouse. Average retail on these cars is in the $5,000 area, and taking in to account the cleanliness and low mileage (relatively speaking) of this car I think it will sell for every bit of that $5,000.

While the low mileage and unmolested mechanicals are highly desirable, these cars are not without their problems. But as needy as these cars may be, you’ll quickly forget all about it once the snow falls, because that’s where these cars shine.

-Brian

 

 

1986 Audi 5000 CS Turbo Quattro

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To say that the Audi 5000 has an interesting story is an understatement. When introduced to the US market in 1983 it was the top of the market in aerodynamics, achieving some of the lowest drag coefficients to date. With flush mounted glass, tight body gaps, and simple (yet slippery) body panels, it appeared as though the car of the future was here. With the legendary 2.2l turbo 5, Quattro AWD, and great styling, the future looked bright.

This all came to a screeching halt when Audi issued a series of recalls on the 5000 citing instances of “sudden unintended acceleration”. Owners were complaining that the car would accelerate, even under breaking, which resulted in a 60 Minutes segment, and several law suits for wrongful injury and even death.

Audi later eliminated the 5000 name plate all together, with the C4 generation leaving it only as a fond memory for Audi nerds all over.

This 1986 5000 CSQ for sale in Brooklyn, NY sent to us by one of our readers is a great example of why these cars are so beloved.

1986 Audi 5000 CS Turbo Quattro on eBay

I have tons of spares for this car that are also for sale.
The car has 221k on the clock, runs very well, does not consume oil and is a very solid car. I wouldn’t hesitate to drive this car across the country. If you’d like to run a carfax, the VIN is WAUHE0449GN051010 Since purchasing the car this past february I’ve …

  • flushed the cooling system with g12++ (everything came out super clean from the flush).
  • Replaced the thermostat and fan switch with low temp (80 degree) units.
  • replaced the radiator, and upgraded the fan to a quiet s-blade unit with seven blades.
  • As of this week the suspension has been overhauled, and all reused parts were cleaned and painted (including the spring hats that you can’t even see).
  • The car sits on bilstein sports and H&R springs that provide a 1.4″ drop from what you see in the photo below.
  • New control arms.
  • sway bar bushings
  • strut bearings
  • front and rear upper bushings, dust boots, etc….
  • the car sits on 16×8 A8 monoblock wheels with new Kumho’s that though “modern” still look like they could be period correct.
  • Ben Swann Software w/ a 2.1 bar wastegate spring.
  • the K26 is in perfect condition and feeds into to a two piece downpipe.
  • the diverter valve feeds a samco hose to keep things in check when you let off the accelerator.
  • very clean boost and air/fuel gauges installed in center vents, center vent modified and still works!
  • The car has a new alternator and battery as well.
  • Rewired all harnesses that go to driver’s door controls with factory repair wire and correct harness tape.
  • i also replaced the wiper blades. 😉

On the highway I get 31.5mpg all day long.
additional work which will all be addressed before the car changes hands:

  • the car came with a lifter tick due to stuck cam followers/lifters, rebuilt lifters will be going in.
  • i have a vacuum leak in the heater control that prevents the vents from blowing hot air, this will be fixed. the previous owner replaced the heater core, and i think the unhooked vacuum line was just a byproduct of that job.
  • the previous owner pulled the headliner fabric (i assume it was sagging), so i can pull and re-trim the headliner and (perfectly working) sunroof.

work that i can do, but won’t mess with unless you want me to.

  • fix a dent above the rear bumper below the trunk from when the previous owner got tapped in a parking lot
  • fix another small dent along the bodyline just below the rear right wheel opening from the same tapping
  • repaint the car

photos detailing any of the cars flaws (minimal) will be provided up on request.
the car will be thoroughly detailed inside, outside, and underhood before delivery. you’ll be able to eat off of it.
currently there is a properly and well installed Zex nitrous system on the car, big bottle, very full. I can include this kit with the car, or uninstall it, depending on what the buyer wants to do.
Full specs of the car can be found here http://www.audiworld.com/model/5000/86-5000.shtml

Anyone that has driven one of these knows the definition of a tank. The heavy weight, ample power, and Quattro make these cars virtually unstoppable no matter what mother nature throws at you. The owner of this car has done extensive maintenance, and has turned this 26 year old car in to a solid daily driver. With a BIN price of $3800, this car is priced to sell, average retail value on these is $4200, and with all of the maintenance, clean interior, and solid body, this is well above average.

-Brian

 

Theme Week: 1982 Audi Quattro

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Of all the cars throughout Audi’s history, the one that made the biggest splash on the automotive scene was the Ur Quattro in 1980. Four wheel drive technology applied to a car built for the street was nothing new. Jensen was the first to market with the FF, which employed a four wheel drive system from Ferguson Research. Audi, however, perfected the all wheel drive concept for non all terrain vehicles and used competition as a showcase for the technology, winning the World Rally Constructors’ Title in 1982 and 1984. This Ur Quattro is for sale near Audi’s home of Ingolstadt, Germany.

1982 Audi Quattro on eBay Deutschland

Here in a rare Audi Ur Quattro. Built in 1982 with her original 140,000 km. Previous owner installed a new turbocharger about 25,000 km prior. The exterior paint is original spot color from Audi. The Ur has three letter entries, original letter is available. Rust is only on a sill at the seam and can be seen on the surface, otherwise I have not seen anything.

Paint still looks very good since the car was always dry in the hall. Of course there is the odd scratch or bump. Features: steel sunroof, electric windows and electric door mirrors, original radio, aluminum 8 x 15 wheels. Since the last drive the front brakes have frozen. This Ur should be taken with a trailer due to the condition of the brakes. They may be gone already but a long distance ride should be taken at your own risk. Delivery in the vicinity is possible, but please ask beforehand. Car can be seen in the vicinity of Ingolstadt. Three small, about 3-5 mm in diameter rust bubbles noticed on the roof and the side panel. Sorry it was not noticed before. The car is current being inspected due to a snapped cable under the bonnet.

We’ve featured a few Ur Quattros here at GCFSB, the last one being a lower mileage example that was selling for $17,500. With the fixes this Quattro needs, I’d suspect bidding to inch close to $15,000 USD, but not much beyond that. With a tidy exterior and interior, this is a landmark car that is worthy of the few fixes it needs to return to its former glory.

-Paul

2007 Audi S8

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If you ask any average car guy what his ideal sports sedan would be, you’ll likely get an overwhelming response of M5, maybe a few true BMW guys that will say Alpina B7, and of course there would be the remaining AMG guys, but few would even respond with S8.

The S8 is the forgotten soul in the sports sedan scene, but why is that, the rarity?  the subtlety?

Whatever the reason this is one of the most overlooked sports sedans, and these days one of the best bargains out there (thank you depreciation).  With an original MSRP of over $90K, these cars are a bargain for both a sports car, and a luxury sedan.  With 450HP, the 2 ton S8 would do 60mph in 4.9 seconds, so it was no slouch, however in a market where the E60 M5 boasts 500HP, and a run to 60 in 4.5 seconds, the S8 was just plain out gunned…on paper at least.

What most overlooked in the S8, was the fact that this was a solidly reliable, every day car.  Sure you could daily drive an M5, but being from the Northeast, I know what 500hp, and RWD do in the snow….nothing.  Quattro is what set the S8 apart, and what makes it an all-around performer in the real world.

Fast forward 5 years, introduce the bargain of the used sport sedan market.

2007 Audi S8 on eBay

 

Thank you for taking a moment to visit our latest Certified Audi offering. This 2007 Audi S8 has been pampered since birth and it shows. It is still covered by another 4 years and 30,000 miles of warranty, something you can’t say for many 2007 automobiles. This car comes to you accident free and ready to drive.

If you think there’s no point spending almost $100,000 for something with a 450-horsepower Lamborghini-sourced V-10 engine no one notices, then read no further. Audi’s new S8 isn’t for you. But if you like the idea of a big, fast, elegantly tailored limousine that slips effortlessly–and rapidly–under the radar, you’ll love this car. In an era when AMG Benzes are getting bolder and brassier with every model and BMW’s M cars are heading for techno-overkill, the subtle new S8 is the stealth-fighter of sport sedans.

You see, the S8 is a selfish pleasure. Nail the gas and that direct-injection, 5.2-liter V-10 emits a deep, velvety growl–a smooth-jazz remix of the Lamborghini Gallardo’s mighty bellow–and gives a satisfying shove between the shoulder blades. You can fan the Tiptronic paddles on the six-speed automatic if you like, but it’s better to let the computer do the thinking and allow the tach needle to kiss 7100 rpm on the upshifts, the engine clearing its throat with a soft whump! between each ratio.

Keep your right foot buried, and you’ll hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and 100 mph in 12.0 and nail the standing quarter mile in 13.4 seconds at 105.6 mph. No, it isn’t nosebleed-quick like an S65 Benz (for the record, AMG’s ueber-limo nails 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, 100 in 9.3, and the standing quarter in 12.4 seconds at 116.5 mph, blowing the doors off a Porsche 911 Carrera S in the process). But there’s a crispness and flair to the big Audi’s power delivery that betrays the Italian soul buried deep in the machine.

That is the engine, of course. The basic architecture is shared with Lamborghini’s 513-horsepower, 5.0-liter Gallardo V-10, but the bores have been enlarged to boost capacity. Forged connecting rods allow a 7200-prm redline, and offset crankpins permit an even 72-degree firing cadence, smoothed further by a balance shaft located in the center of the block. The engine uses Audi’s FSI direct-injection system, which pumps fuel directly into each combustion chamber at high pressure, allowing a compression ratio of 12.5:1 and more efficient combustion. The result is not only a healthy 450 horsepower at 7000 rpm, but also, thanks to the variable intake manifold, a useful 398 pound-feet of torque at 3500 rpm.

Why a V-10? Audi claims it’s the perfect compromise between a V-12, which would need a longer block and suffer from more internal friction from the additional cylinders, valves, etc., and a V-8, which would be more compact, but would have larger, heavier pistons and wouldn’t rev as freely as a result. Offset bores mean the engine is just 26.9 inches long, with all ancillaries attached. Just as well, because most of it is hanging out ahead of the front axle.

Only dedicated Audiphiles will note the S8’s unique 20-inch alloys, quad exhaust (somewhat more tastefully executed than the bazookas you find peeking out from under the rear bumper of an AMG Benz), and trademark alloy-finish exterior mirrors. The discreet S8 moniker on the trunk and V-10 badges on each flank don’t exactly scream for attention. But that’s what makes this car so appealing. The S8 is for the driver who doesn’t have to show off–and knows it.

 

With V10 Lambo power, Quattro AWD, and finished in black, with the black leather interior, this S8 pushes all of the right buttons.  At 67K miles, I’d be hesitant to take on the maintenance of this monster; however this car is CPO to 100K which calms the nerves when getting in to a car like this.  The $39,995 this S8 is priced just a tick below retail, and it’s priced right where a comparable M5 would be.  So 5 years later, it seems as though all of those things that caused buyers to overlook the S8; the rarity, subtlety, in my eyes make it the most desirable option in the used sports sedan market.

-Brian