Originally Posted by MBZFAN

I actually agree with you more than my post may have indicated. My "racing" days are limited to long entrance ramps on expressways, so personally 400 horsepower is quite enough. With that being said, I am more referring to Audi's desire to fully penetrate the Mercedes/BMW market. Audi has done much with their gorgeous interiors, but the horsepower "number" is a key part of the product. Most people who spend the additional $25k (USD) for an S55 never utilize the power potential of the vehicle, but more for what the AMG package portends. The "65" series Mercedes is a diifferent animal entirely, more comparable with other $180k (USD) Bentley's. I'll say it again. Mercedes has 500hp, BMW has 500hp and if Audi wants to be a player on this field, they need 500hp.

Regarding the long wheelbase S8, which by the way, I think is a great idea with the Lambo engine, is not available in the US, except in the shorter version.