Audi S8. Or “Why Is This Living Room Moving So Fast?”
Through luck of acquaintance, I had the chance for a ride in the passenger seat of an Audi S8 yesterday.
Being a naturally curious person about all things car, German, fast, luxury, I immediately began investigating my surroundings upon entering. One thing became clear very quickly: this thing is more comfortable and better equipped than most livings rooms. Fine and supple leather adorned many surfaces, embellished at strategically chosen places with carbon decor, aluminium and only the finest hint of unapologetic plastic.
The technical aspects of this machine also did not fail to impress.
This car will, if you were wise and placed your option checkmarks accordingly, drive itself at a safe distance behind others, keep itself within the lane, emergency brake when things get too close in front, direct light around other traffic while illuminating the rest of the world for you, infrared-view whatever kind of that world is still not illuminated and warn you if a person or a deer is trying to hide there, massage you, create four climate zones inside, play music with live orchestra quality, park itself, pre-heat itself for you…*
*Most of that are options not included as standard
…oh, and it has an engine attached to four wheels, too*. Propelling that complete paragraph above from 0-100km/h in a little less under four seconds, and onwards to electronically limited 250km/h.
*Engine and wheels actually included as standard
The experience of all this - touchable - luxury getting up to speed in a manner defying traditional things like weight, air resistance or physics in general, is certainly something to behold. You get the feeling that one of your senses must be betraying you, that such acceleration cannot be possible in something of this size.
But it is.
It's also quite expensive.
But, if you can afford it, it's absolutely worth it. Don't forget to check those options. ;)