What's all this about?

Audi's given the S8 executive saloon a shot in the arm. With more power and torque, this special model is called the S8 plus.

Why did it think it needed more power?!

We're not sure, but we're also not arguing. The plus builds on the 520hp S8 spec to deliver 605hp and 700Nm, with 750Nm available on a time-limited overboost function. This makes the car pretty quick, we can tell you.

How quick are we talking?

Supercar pace. The 0-62mph sprint takes a mere 3.8 seconds and the top speed can optionally be raised to almost 190mph.

Hell fire! How do you go about that?

Specify the Dynamic Package and the speed limiter is raised from 155- to 190mph. You also get carbon ceramic brakes and a sports exhaust system to allow the 4.0 TFSI biturbo V8 engine to shout a bit louder about its performance credentials.

Are there any other clues as to the potential of the S8 plus?

Very few. The standard S8 is subtle and so is the plus. There are lots of bits of black trim - either gloss black, matt black or carbon fibre - fitted either as standard or as options to the exterior. Look for them on the boot lip spoiler, side air inlets, front apron blade, front grille and the rear diffuser. The S8 plus gets two fat oval tailpipes at either side of the rear bumper and the Floret Silver matt-effect paint in these pictures is specific to the 605hp model; all other S8 colours are available too.

What else marks it out?

Inside is a lot of red stitching, red piping and plenty of Alcantara and leather. It has soft-close doors, four-zone climate control, a Bose surround sound system and MMI navigation plus with MMI touch. Outside are Matrix LED headlights and 21-inch wheels, with other options available.

How did Audi get the extra power?

A tweak to the ECU, modified exhaust valves and revised inner geometry for the 4.0's turbo. All S8 plus models have an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic, sports adaptive air suspension and dynamic steering, these last two tuned specifically for this car by quattro GmbH.

What's it like on fuel?

Not bad for a 600hp+ behemoth - anything between 29.4- and 30.1mpg, wheels and tyres depending, with CO₂ emissions of either 216- or 225g/km. That's probably because the mainly aluminium Audi S8 has a body-in-white that weighs just 231kg.

And how much?

It starts at £97,700 on-the-road, which is a fair step up from the £80,735 starting price of a normal S8, although you do obviously get more kit, more exclusivity and more power for the extra cash.

Matt Robinson - 5 Aug 2015