Audi S8 test drive since 2006 sedan
Poetry and mechanics
Imagine yourself for a moment in a rather pleasant role. You have a free 150,000 and, as a result, the opportunity to buy a sporting car of a representative class. What are the options?
Recently, the magnificent Audi S8 entered the market, and the choice seems almost obvious. The role of a sports and representative bestseller is destined for this car. However, an interesting alternative to the German sedan is found in the person of Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT. Similar in price and dynamic characteristics, cars in fact turned out to be very different. The first at our disposal was a spectacular and as a rockless Rock, which we already wrote about on the eve of the official premiere. Some believe that against the backdrop of their German competitors, the A8 family looks dry and conservative. Perhaps it is so, but personally this style impresses me. And the way they decorated S8, too. 20-inch wheels, some decoration elements, chrome and output nozzles will not allow you to confuse this sedan with its civilian relatives. The machine attracts the eye, power, concentrated in the 10-cylinder motor, the giant is clear in appearance.
However, Maserati Quattroporte should appear nearby, as everyone turns away from the German, he becomes uninteresting. Everyone is gambling and discussed by the laws of high automotive fashion Italian. This car is a visual illustration of emotional, you can even say a poetic, approach to design. The sports version of Quattroporte, like its German opponent, has external differences from a regular model. True, there are much less of them. The first and, perhaps, the main one is 20 -inch wheels with seven knitting needles. The option is available only for Sport GT.
The false radiator grille is taken by a dark net, and a small red inscription Sport GT flaunts on the medium -sized body racks. Otherwise, in appearance, this is quite ordinary Quattroporte, which we admired during the first meeting (see Motor, No. 105, February 2005). Graceful, light design visually conceals the size of the car. And the bend of the hind wing excites the same as the first time. - The classic is not subject to time!
Once in the S8, the first thing I have already habitually admired the quality of materials and assembly. Yes, Audi interiorists today, perhaps, are ahead of the planet. Like S6, polished metal and lacquered carbon are generously used here. A small three -spoke steering wheel seems ideal, the steering wheel switches of the automatic transmission seem to find the fingertips themselves. The chair is not the same as on the S6 - the laws of the representative genre are still forbidden to use pseudo -generation buckets. However, despite the abundance of electro -regulations, the seats liked less than on the younger ESC. However, we will not look for spots in the sun - the ergonomics of a large sports Audi is traditionally made at the highest level for four rings. A high -class Bang & Olufsen audio system with 14 speakers deserves a special mention, including two high -frequencies automatically advanced from the front panel when the ignition is turned on. At the same time, the MMI system monitor leaves the central part of the console. High technology parade. I sit in Maserati and find myself in a completely different world. If the interior S8 is made taking into account all the standards of modern mass automotive, then an individual style is much brighter here. This applies to design and ergonomics. Planting is slightly higher than in Audi. The range of adjustment of the position of the chair and the steering wheel is shorter. But what a steering wheel! It is simultaneously elegant, functional and sports. Pleasant perforated skin, the most convenient tides in the seals of the grip. At the wheel there are large blades of the switches of a mechanical checkpoint with electronic control. Unlike Audi, they have one drawback - do not rotate with the wheel. However, if you ride according to the rules of the ring racing, then switching during operation should be excluded.
The chairs went to Sport GT from the civilian version. They are quite comfortable, and the hot nature of this car resembles embossed recesses that fix the bottom of the back and the hips. And yet in such a car I would like to see more racing seats. Curious some ergonomic techniques of Maserati designers. For example, the control of the central lock displayed to the console - one key opens, the other closes. Such a respectful attitude to the secondary, in general, functions, are probably dictated by aesthetic considerations. On the console, for beauty, there should be just the number of buttons, and what functions will be hung on them - the second thing.
Alas, a multimedia control unit is arranged according to the same principle: the keys beautifully compiled by rhombics are not intuitive and not quite convenient - they require addiction. Yes, and the menu on the color display is abundant. But what is the texture of the aluminum surface of the pedals, how many magnificent skin in the interior decoration! The trident himself is, in the end! In terms of salon, unambiguous leadership for the S8. Wider, and the stock of space (for the legs, including) more in front and behind. But QUATTROPORTE has several additional elements of Vita’s dolce, such as electroregulations of the second row, separately turned on the massage function in the pillows and backs of the seats, ventilation (front and back). In the S8 from behind, separate climate control (like an opponent), and the seats are equipped only with heating. In both machines, the rear passengers can hide from prying views behind the curtains in the amount of three pieces (on the rear window - with an electric drive).
I have more to my heart the style of the Maserati salon. There is something from a supercar here, a cute highlight. Whereas the interior S8 refers to a whole line of modern Audi, made in a single corporate key. At the same time, Audi wins as an assembly. A manually made Italian sedan boasts, for example, a crooked skin with skin on a parking brake handle. Audi literally has nothing to complain about. Unless to the cricket in the area of \u200b\u200bthe retractable screen. However, in the Maserati salon, the ear also catches extraneous sounds - when passing irregularities. However, they do not annoy. Time to start motors! In S8, this can be done both with a key and a button (with a fingerprint recognition). In Maserati, this function is traditionally implemented. Both cars have a fiery heart-motor with a supercar pedigree. The S8 engine was described in detail in the last issue of the magazine on the example of S6. Let me remind you only that for the leader of the lineup they prepared a forced version. 
If the Audi engine is seriously different from the fact that it stands in Lamborghini Gallardo, then Maserati inherited the Ferrari power unit only with some cosmetic changes - in the impregnated space, a masterpiece of engineering from Scuderia! The difference is noticeable. The V10 motor is more combed, calm, one might say, balanced in German. This is especially well felt against the background of the explosive temperament of the Maserati engine. By the way, for the Sport GT version, the acoustics of the exhaust system are reconfigured. And how the engine is rampant at high speeds! Hitterly spinning to the limiter, it captivates with metal ringing notes. Audi sound is much more deaf, low -frequency. However, this motor, of course, is ready to fire at high speeds. And yet he is relatively quiet. By the way, the sound design of the S6 was brighter. Apparently, the song of the S8 engine was strangled intentionally, with an eye on the representative genre. And then to say, the constant rumble of the exhaust on the S6 on the highway annoyed the rear passengers. Quttroporte was originally endowed with a more sports character. Distribution on the axes of Maserati 47/53 in favor of the rear. The longitudinally located motor is in the base, behind the front axle. A six -speed gearbox with a Dual Select automatic switch mechanism is blocked with the rear bridge. The machine is equipped with a self -locking differential (30%).
The Audi picture is different. Designed as a VIP car, he cannot offer a racing layout. Here is a traditional all -wheel drive with the TORSEN center differential, and the motor, as in the S6, is in front of the wheels. But the S8 has a different trump card - an aluminum body, hence the best hardness of twisting and smaller mass. The pneumatic suspension S8 not only changes rigidity at the request of the driver, but also allows varying the height of the body, this is an obvious advantage in urban operation. The patented Maserati (Skyhook) scheme has only the possibility of changing the rigidity of shock absorbers. Sport GT suspension is redistributed in a more sports way. And the advanced transmission control algorithm allows you to switch the steps 35% faster than on the usual version.
On the go, the S8 is perceived unambiguously as a representative car, even if you choose a sporting suspension mode. Great sound insulation, excellent interchange from vibrations - S8 does not notice small seams, potholes and bumps. Another thing is Quattroporte. In the settings of the chassis of the Italian, a truly racing character is traced. Even when Skyhook is relaxed, sitting inside the four -door, pretty shakes. The machine meticulously monitors the relief of the roadway. What if you press the treasured Sport key? From the point of view of comfort, a uniform mockery of class foundations is obtained - a five -meter Quattroporte is so much strains the suspension muscles that it becomes like a charged sport cap!
This is what causes the difference in the behavior of machines in marginal modes. Rather, the difference in the sensations of the driver. Even if the speed of performing a controllability exercise in competitors will be the same, the pleasure behind the wheel of Maserati will be incomparably large. S8 behaves reliably and safely in any situation. The rolls are small, it should be implicitly behind the wheel. However, this machine is much stronger than Quattroporte, insufficient rotation is expressed. In order to effectively pass the turn sideways, it is necessary, as on the S6, before entering the trajectory with counter -scenery, after which, playing with gas and the steering wheel, you can drag the car in sliding in the arc as many souls like.
Nevertheless, the favorite topic S8 is not protracted drifts, but movement at high speed along the highway. Autobal setting. A large car devours kilometers, passing the distorted information about speed sitting behind the wheel. Moreover, with its growth, the feeling of unity with the S8 only intensifies. The steering wheel is heavy, zero is clear, no screening and trajectory deviations are observed even on a bad road, the suspension impeccably practices a broken profile. There is no hint of buildup. In gentle high -speed turns at speeds at 200, you can hold the steering wheel with one hand - the honed settings of the chassis and the constant full -wheel drive operate overdrawn. However, S8, with all its outstanding dynamic and running qualities, is not able to charge emotions as a Quattroporte does. In the Italian sedan, the driver feels like inside the car. Noise insulation is weaker, the duo of the motor and exhaust acts very convincingly. And how pleasant these sounds are! The Audi automaton switches the gears quickly and smoothly, this is good for everyday drive. But if you want pepper, then a six -speed Maserati gearbox is exactly what you need. With intensive acceleration, it grows up increased gears faster and is not at all lost on braking, accompanying each switching down with short verified inflames. Definitely, the company used the time after our first acquaintance with this car wisely. In terms of QUATTROPORTE, 2004, the QUATTROPORTE was damp. In the automatic mode of operation of the gearbox, unpleasant pauses occurred. And now everything is fine both in automatic and manual. By the way, you can choose a gearbox control method by pressing a key located on the central console.
Sport GT reactions is more acute than that of a competitor. If you feel that you control Audi at the wheel of Audi perfectly, very powerful, but at the same time a very large and massive car, then Maserati rides like a brisk car a couple of sizes smaller. It is clear that with such data, Quattroporte behaves completely differently in corners, provoking the driver on pranks and even hooliganism. She is much more willing to be screwed into turns. Insufficient rotation is more pronounced. And if you confidently put pressure on the accelerator pedal, then Quattroporte, without thinking twice, goes into sliding with the rear bridge. And here you have to be very careful. The loaded back, if you quickly do not take accurate short corrective actions by the steering wheel, will begin to overtake the front, and the car will be exposed across the road. But, having trained and learned to feel borderline states, on the Italian sedan you can conquer any road begging. Such a spectacular and picky style of turning turns to the German competitor, alas, is not available. 
On the other hand, uncompromising settings of the chassis turn into minuses, it is worth maserati to get on a broken road. Passengers are shaking mercilessly, on the bumps the car jumps off the trajectory. When moving in a straight line, Quattroporte painfully reacts to the rut and a broken route of the track - it is far from the target stability and equanimity of S8. In the brakes, an approximate parity, but the Audi potential seems large, at least based on the size of the disks and calipers. As for the brake pedal, the Quattroporte, as it seemed, is a little more sensitive and with a slightly better feedback. In this test, we give the QUATTROPORTE SPORT GT championship, and S8 is content with the second step of the podium. This choice is largely emotional and therefore subjective. In everything, the correct, impeccable German loses to the opponent in charisma and individuality. And in our opinion, these properties of Quattroporte in today's life are simply precious, without exaggeration. Prices and equipment Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT
The standard Sport GT equipment includes an electronic traction and course stability control system, a 6-speed gearbox Maserati Duoselect, double front and lateral airbags, bi-cynon headlights, separate climate control, cruise control, Hi-Fi sound system with a subwoofer , multimedia system Bosch-Blaupunkt (navigation system, on-board computer, radio, CD), light, rain and tire pressure, multifunctional sports steering wheel with electroregulations, electroregulation of front seats with memory function, mini-bar with a coolation system in the front armrest , carbon inserts in the cabin, 20-inch wheels, brake discs with perforation, sports exhaust system. The car in standard configuration is estimated at 148,600.
Audi S8 prices and equipment
The basic package of S8 includes: the ESP course stability system (unites ABS, EBV, ASR, EDS), the emergency braking system Brems Assistent, side and front pillows of the driver and front passenger, upholstery from Valcona leather, climate control, cruise, cruise, Sports front seats with electroregulation and memory function, on-board computer, adaptive xenon headlights, doors car driver, rain sensor, tire pressure sensor, Keyless-Entry system, portable adaptive air suspension. For the car in the basic version, dealers ask $ 152,400.
Source: Motor magazine [November 2006]
