I launched 0-60mph Audi's own classic S8 😱😂

[@Tinseiman]

Less than 0.2 seconds off it’s claimed 0-60 time after 160k miles is impressive! Lovely car. Manual shifting via the gear lever in my 2019 S3 is the same - push forward for up, pull back for down, but I very rarely bother as it feels odd moving a gear lever without using a clutch.

[@Afraz_9n3]

Same thing in all auto vag cars with a manual mode. My dad's Audi Q3 is the same but I think the paddle shifters are better than the lever itself

[@DolleHengst]

And a 37 metre braking distance is great as well for such a heavy old car

[@HeavenlyWarrior]

No, because you british people use mph and almost the rest of the world use kph and the claimed time is from 0-100 km/h, not 0-60 mph because 60 mph is 96 kph. The correct way would be 0-62 mph.

[@jj-fk9ez]

??????? it was looked after by audi, of course its going to be in the most pristine condition a car could be in. this is not impressive, at all. if this was some random persons car, it would not perform that well.

[@joaquinvillasenor4818]

Usually VW’s up shift by pushing the lever.

[@iandavidson99]

One word... Ronin!

[@Rocinante_1980]

You giving your age away LOL. The kiddies born in the 2000’s as I’m sure there are many of them here, will say WHAT !!! , and have to use google to see what the hell you are talking about 😂. It was a brilliant movie though.

[@sanelemelane]

Hahahaha the only reason why I clicked on this video!🤣

[@nsweeney3970]

Hands down, one of the best movie car chases ever!

[@oljikk]

@@sanelemelane haha me too

[@user-vk4vd7vr5t]

Racing a Citroën XM V6 😎😎

[@mu1138]

I always loved that car. The design, the engines, the spirit... this car has soul. I wouldn't mind owning one myself.

[@jody024]

Me too.

[@Big1_]

You will pay more taxes than fuel.

[@rkan2]

@@Big1_ Teslaswap it

[@lukemelone2197]

I’m the proud owner of a silver one. Only thing is the automatic transmission has a thing for failing

[@raycroal]

@@Big1_ what the whole 260 quid a year wow

[@ankbrq]

Pure elegance. One of the best proportioned cars ever.

[@masoodrazaq]

My brother and I bought a nice example of this S8 (1999) for about $7000 in Dubai, and still keep it today. My brother added a CarPlay stereo and spent another $1000-2000 for maintenance and detailing. It’s pretty perfect, in stock condition in dark blue with Avus wheels. A timeless, understated design that still drives like a dream today. The driving position and feel of the vehicle is very low, like a sports car. Feels light on its feet. I think the 0-60 time is in the low 5s, and the engine roars nicely when you put your foot down, like a plane taking off. A great purchase and good way to live out all of your Ronin fantasies!

[@BonBon-ue9rz]

Love these retro reviews!! Keep them coming.. they are way more interesting than new cars!

[@adammepham2567]

I was selling Audi’s for a main dealer ‘97 to ‘99 and we had an S8 demo. When Merc drivers came in going on about ESP on E or S classes we’d take them up the road in the S8 and chuck it around some corners! At the time to most incredible performance for what was a big car. Great engine that naturally aspirated 4.2 👌 A de-tuned 296bhp version was also available in the standard A8 range….cracking engine as well.

[@rkan2]

Best with 2.5 TDI or even better a 1.2 TDI swap lol :D

[@S70AMG]

You are delusional lol, these are horrible to drive. Any audi after the urs4 is horrible at taking turns lol. Too much fanboying

[@Creedmoor65]

Happy to say that I've owned one since 2007. Still my daily driver. Until I saw this video, I thought mine was the best maintained in the World. Now I'll have to settle for the best in Australia. Since I bought this we have had all the other luxury German brands in our family (wife), they have come and gone. I will never sell the S8, way too cool.

[@lukemelone2197]

As an owner of one with a bad transmission in America, I totally agree and I’m never selling mine

[@snbala]

How classy and elegant the first generation looks, compared to the fussy current one. Even if the tech is behind, the old one has a real presence.

[@bcsbcs1642]

theree you go with the boomer

[@lukemelone2197]

I actually see the new one as an evolution of the old one. I’m getting the new one but I’m not at all selling my 2002 silver S8

[@edwinnijmeijer8444]

This was the number 1 car when I was a mechanic at Audi around 2000. Still love that car but hearing it’s a old car now just hurts😅

[@Big1_]

What is old and what is not? what is old? 10 years? 20? 30? or 60? If the car stills operative, its not old.

[@edwinnijmeijer8444]

@@Big1_ it only means that I’m getting old 😉

[@Big1_]

@@edwinnijmeijer8444 years are only numbers.

[@raycroal]

@@Big1_ tell that to my athritis

[@alexjordan7984]

This was the first time I saw you respecting a car and not throwing away parts. Keep on the good work!

[@ThePippin89]

I had a C5 RS6 for a while. Lightly modified it sat at 530bhp and 900Nm. It was fast enough to excite, took the family in comfort, had that gorgeous V8 rumble, and at one time I picked up a 4 seated sofa in the back of it. To this day I maintain that if you only want to have 1 car on the road and want something to do everything you can do no better!

[@mikealanzo]

S8 = Ronin, no matter what generation!

[@EFerrorfile]

I always loved the looks of these old S8's. It has a real presence, elegant car.

[@rogeradshead7345]

Had a 2001 S8 for 13 years. You're right about the gearbox: Mine was rebuilt at circa 100k miles. First production auto to change up at 7000rpm.

[@LA63003]

What about the rover 45 v6? That also does 7000rpm but could be a year newer

[@gmc8092]

7000rpm? like an random opel then?

[@gingermeig]

Great vehicle and the normally aspirated 4.2 liter was a really reliable engine. Audi was way ahead of the game back then.

[@mildlystronk]

Oh man, I used to have this car back in 2008. The engine was amazing indeed and the handling was quite good for a big elephant. You could make it oversteer a bit as well if you added a bit more steering angle. Miss you s8 D2!

[@highlandmalt6368]

I'm lucky to own one like this, but 2002, 170k miles, but they wear the miles so well, you'd never know it. Less rattles in the cabin than my 2020 SQ7, no exaggeration. I get 26mpg on a decent run. Really great modern classic. Only downside is some parts are tricky to obtain.

[@epicclips3284]

The fact that this is older and greater in production quality than the most cars exist today is quite astonishing

[@olik136]

it also doesn't look like some alien attack space ship... I think especially BMW and Mercedes are overdoing it with their design massively..

[@epicclips3284]

@@olik136 yeah bmw's grill and Mercedes new electric series is too much compared to how there designs used to rule the industry

[@epicclips3284]

@Modern Classic Collectables yep cannot agree with you more , not even a single modern car can compare with the golden classics

[@PuerRidcully]

@@epicclips3284 BMWs beaver teeth look good on some models (F80) in some colors. I didn't like it at first, but it grew on me.

[@jasonkillsformomy]

@Modern Classic Collectables Sure the Germans were much better then than now, but Toyota and Honda has always been on top.

[@Rekettyelovag]

Oh, this is the best looking Audi sedan ever. Loved these since I was a kid!

[@seanpugh6792]

I still think the URS4 and URS6 look a little better but yes these are incredibly beautiful and timeless

[@ElRayDelRio]

@@seanpugh6792 The URS4 is the ultimate Audi of the 90s! The B5 S4 is also a blast too drive but I do want to sell my B5 and B6 S4 Avant and find a URS4/URS6 Avant to match my limo

[@Rekettyelovag]

@@seanpugh6792 Yes, these share the same visual principles, I guess. They are lovely as well.

[@SimonWallwork]

Is it really worth 10-15K? I paid 3250 for mine in 2009. Still got it and still love it. btw, it's not just some panels that are aluminium, it's the entire bodyshell- and most of the suspension and power train are ally too. One of the big differences between the A8 & S8, which you missed, is the gearing. The S8 is shorter geared by quite a bit. Nice video.

[@1u5t1n]

Only 3250? You did more than ok. Btw, a car is worth whatever a person is willing to pay for it. I assume they're getting rarer, so you're not gonna find a good one on every street corner. Checked the prices on E30 BMW's lately? I just did and 10k for an S8 sounds pretty sweet.

[@MatWatsonCars]

Check if your car was damaged with a 10% discount with Car Vertical here: www.carvertical.com/gb/landing/v3?a=watson&b=38b26e3a&voucher=watson Or just head to Car Vertical at a later date and use the Watson10 discount code!

[@mikeantonios]

Hi Mat try the BMW E23 it is such a brutal car

[@olik136]

is there a German alternative for this type of service? I don't know if any of this information would be publicly available here

[@benjaminwillis3545]

Mat review a rover sd1

[@kamran6998]

actually Wood look good for real Mat

[@saccoearth007]

Try the Mercedes Benz S123 300TDT

[@Flokfgs]

I have the 3.7 liter version and I love this car.

[@greatgatsby4898]

My experience with the D2 A8 was epic, in 1996 January on the autobahn and I saw an indicated 273kph. I was also thrilled by the tiptronic gearbox especially in manual mode. That the up/downshift action was as odd as Matt mentioned is something I could never forget. Thank you Mr Watson

[@TheGhiaDriver]

I love how classy and understated yet imposing this generation of Audi's were. Much pretty it over the blingy big grilled design of today.

[@gurrysir316]

I've owned mine for 10 years and it's a beast. Turns heads and I've been asked numerous times to sell it. It's not a cheap drive but you don't buy this car expecting 50mpg. Love it

[@gmc8092]

no head turned, it's an audi, cool ppl do not do Audis, no one never, least go merc..

[@th3orist]

the build quality of the big german brands during the 90's and 00's was something else. i bet a current day A8 will feel worse quality wise when it reaches the age this particular A8/S8 has today. just the other day i was driving a BMW E46 325i and it felt more robust and well put together than a current day 3 Series bmw.

[@cloterico]

I have a BMW E39 from 1996 with 317.000 km, almost 200.000 miles and it is amazing how robusto it still is.

[@a_single_white_female]

I promise you today's versions are better in every way.

[@twainjones]

I had 4 E36s. Not a *single* rattle in the interior after 20 years of thrashing and still tight through the curves. Never drove a new one and I don't wanna.

[@Moonlight-hq3gi]

@a single white female lie 🤣

[@sonywayneso2856]

Lol all the rusted Merceds from that era would disagree.

[@SupraTompan]

I have a 2001, facelifted S8, mine is original 6 speed manual. I'm never selling it, It's pure love.

[@Jeff_F7]

exactly. Surprised Mat didn't mention that the d2 S8 did come with a manual, at least until the latest years.

[@SupraTompan]

@@Jeff_F7 Also forgot that the seats are Recaro 😅 AND that the chassi (exluding subframes rear/front) is aluminium, not only the whole exterior. Edit: I'd also show the jack stand (aluminium).

[@Jeff_F7]

@@SupraTompan Exactly. I forgot that too TBH.lol.

[@AVC-Works]

I had three of these with manual 6 speed gearboxes... Loved them! Miss them! I had the 340hp pre-facelift btw. The last one was an exact copy as in the 1998 movie "Ronin".. a manual racing green with beige interieur S8... Sold it to a guy in the UK

[@anselchamplin9205]

how did those Manual swapped ones go? im looking to buy a 6 speed swap myself but they dont know trans was put in it.

[@94Di]

I hope you will do more classics like this. Old jags and mercs, beemers", bentleys etc

[@SA-zoom1]

There is a grey one with fsh and 125k for sale for £6300. Looks decent! And plenty about without crazy miles for well under 10k. Matt's quoted prices are very inflated. For not much than 10k you can get the V10 version with 450bhp.

[@Rasscasse]

I bought a rV10 one, just thought I’d keep it for a year, just to scratch the itch and then I would sell it on and buy something more normal. Still got it, five years and counting It’s a little bit addictive. Despite it being a member of Alcoholics Anonymous because of its drink problem! 🤣

[@Proctors1000]

@@Rasscasse I have a D2 S8, you don't buy these cars for efficiency that's for sure!

[@twainjones]

I had a 2000 S8 and I LOVED it. I live in Norway and it's an incredible car when you're in a hurry in snowy conditions. With Nokian Hakka7's it would rocket out of roundabouts no matter with a slight wag of the tail, leaving everyone else behind in the ice and the snow. Incredibly satisfying. It flows just as easy in the snow as a smaller car, I felt. But Mat is dead on about how to attack the curves. Really tight and sporty driving position with good bolstering on the seats. The autobox went on mine from a typical drum problem with these. 5k loss :/ I had mine done with resonator-free exhaust and it scared the living daylights out of people when I gave it the beans. So fun. Unfortunately, only the pre-face 340hp version was offered in a manual. Oh yeah, and it's really easy to swap up and down on the stick and there are write-ups for it on forums.

[@donatasdo1063]

you totally wrong, and facelift been from factory manual... i have one FC with manual DGV by win code

[@AutoAbsolute]

This was a classic design era for Audi that I argue they will never recapture.

[@raduionut78]

Great video! Please, do a '97 - 2009 Saab 9-5 Aero, manual (especially a pre 2005 one). Also, a Volvo S60 T5 (around 2002), or an S60R.

[@Knightmare22]

Man, this car is so awesome! So glad that you mentioned those things to look out for in this car to give me something to think about when or if I buy this car😄

[@bradthelad8180]

Could we see a drag race between all generations of the S8 Mat?

[@ilandman4evr]

Awesome review loved every moment of it. A 2001 E38 sport would be groovy I've always loved E38 and E31 840ci a well. Looking forward to those reviews Matt.

[@boydiedj3718]

I’d love you to review the Volvo t5R. The yellow estate one. Was supposedly a cossie eater!

[@CapeRides]

One of these used to make appearances at the local track and I was always surprised how big it was, called it the mothership... Hardly won races but did put up a good fight

[@powereire]

Love the old car reviews. Way more interesting than the new stuff

[@martian9999]

if you can't afford a new S8, then you certainly can't afford an old one.

[@96bresh]

Hi mat! Take a Drag race between old Audi S! S3 8L vs S4 b5 vs S6 c5 vs S8 d2

[@gerardmcmillan8591]

This was the best Audi S8 design ever to me. Still looks good and I'm always looking for ones for sale. I love it's modern understated design lines.

[@dragospahontu]

This engine is pretty reliable compared to the 4v versions.

[@xbunea]

What is the difference? The 32v versions are pretty reliable as well I know at least 10 people with old 32v 4.2 D2 A8s and they usually don’t have problems if the maintenance is on point

[@sageen]

@@xbunea Really? You know 10 people who all drive a8? Sounds fishy

[@AVC-Works]

I've owned three manual gearboxed 4v S8's... these engine are rocksolid

[@dragospahontu]

@@xbunea the cylinder liners were better on the 5v. 4v is also good, but older building techniques.

[@dragospahontu]

@@sageen 😆

[@martinmcdonald4207]

That is impressive performance for a car of it`s age with such mileage. Must have been well looked after over the decades.

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

I test drive this back in 2007. A beautiful machine.

[@AmjidMajeed]

Deirdre: “Larry, Can you Tell Vincent what it is you need”? Larry: “Something very fast. Audi S8 (D2). Something that can shove a little bit. I’m also gonna need a nitrous system.” #Ronin

[@georgecromar4094]

Great car to review Matt, thank you. Just wanted to say that the whole, not just the body panels, is aluminium. The gear changes can adjusted via the computer software and the seats etc differ from the regular A8. There was the A8 Sport that had the same seats as the S8, and 7(?) spoke 18" wheels and lowered suspension.

[@MrHaun]

Its getting harder to find parts for the D2 A8. Regardless, I do still miss my old 2001 A8L. Such a big luxurious car.

[@thehamburglar11]

Man do I miss these type of videos, - I am so over the CarWow drag races this has been the first video i've watched in a couple months with Mat cause I just cant watch another drag race and brake test video and i've been around since i think 3.2 million subscribers whereas now your at what 7 mil? lol

[@OfficialTomP]

Jaguar XJR Supercharged, the late 90s / early 00's one, that's a near 400hp car you can get for less than 5k.

[@kyblckwd246]

I listened to that door closing about 5 times

[@ThaboTshuma]

1:22 Matthew... you working out little buddie?😯😂

[@utcougar]

I have a 2008 Lexus LS460 which reminds me of the good old days. 4.6L V8 380 hp NA. 0-60 5.3s

[@dragospahontu]

It looks the best and I bet it drives as good as it looks.

[@74MarkIsotta]

I remember in 2003 I had one from 2000 with 6-speed manual. Fuel consumption was around 21 mpg, bur there was also oil consumption around 1l per 650 miles. Sold it in 2007 because maintance and insurance was very expensive. Speed limiter was gone so I did over 177 mph on Autobahn probably around 160 in reality. Very comfortable car and in the beginng I hit rpm limiter often. There is a reason why not many are left, it's not rust but the electrical system and mechanics, my o my what a money pit this cars are.

[@simonlangner]

What a beautiful classic! Built to last, from a time, when using robust, durable materials were considered luxury, not unnecesary tech gimmicks...💪

[@JimmyMoultray]

Moar old fast car reviews in Mat Watson style!

[@johnweir9639]

I like the wood on the dashboard. Wood and leather, the ideal materials for an interior.

[@iainarthur7713]

Loved my D2 S8, lovely light blue with black leather. Sold it for about £10k IIRC when I needed cash moving house. Still miss it :( . Edit to add - the gearbox was exactly as Matt describes, it was like it hadn't heard you the first time for kickdown, then smashes it :)

[@alsaku33]

Back in the good ole days...meaning you had to know what to look for. I love the sleeper subtle changes. Yes, I am old. 31 to be exact 🤕

[@dcs0113]

Amazing....one of the few autos that still look sexy as hell even now👍

[@LewisM2k8]

I had one of these with a rs6 torque converter no issues with the gearbox was a machine everyone stopped and stared when it went by lol

[@Proctors1000]

Not just aluminium body panels but chassis too, Audi Space Frame.

[@komikher8486]

The face lifted version are one of the most beautiful sedans ever made

[@robk6346]

I purchased my “dream car” 2002 S8 back in 2009. Fifteen years later, it still puts a big smile on my face. My wife has asked why our brand new minivan sits in the driveway while the S8 gets a spot in the garage 😅…

[@blondiebxl]

Well, a wooden trim still looks waaaay better than the ubiquitous carbon fiber or piano black trim car companies are throwing at their interiors these days...

[@r390gt1lm]

I got an S4 with the same engine! Hell yeah! Only mine does 0-60 in 4.7s

[@TMmwangi]

Matt you are on a mission to drive up prices

[@MatWatsonCars]

I should buy the car first before posting!

[@darrenstone3693]

I've always loved these early S8's

[@ziLeT11]

Hi Mat. You are one of the best in your job right now! It fits you so nice,keep up m8. Here's a subscribe.

[@Dan_druft]

Can you do a video with the best looking saloon car ever made, the BMW E38 7 Series. Such a cool looking car.

[@chris425amp7]

This is a D2 facelift an my favourite, yes only going up in value. The gearbox is showing it's age but what a car Audi S8🔥

[@bttawfiq]

I've had a 2003 Audi S6 with the same engine, it was a fun engine, smooth, sounded great, the down side is the gearbox indeed, it behaved like it was meant for slow, gentle driving only.

[@kimkis584]

It was funny, I got into trouble when one customer came in for state inspection, I tried to open one of armrest , things just fly to customer coffee, at the end I had to perform full detail interior.

[@sxmori]

I had a stroke reading that title That’s one gangster Audi tho, and it even has the same engine as the original Audi R8

[@cannyscott]

No soft limiter yet you never revved it past where the soft limiter would kick in???

[@djbarnes6991]

One of my fav Audi’s… Just love them.

[@lambat30]

Mat you should do a review on an E38 7 series

[@ZeFleischwaffe]

This is the nicest looking Audi ever made. Elegant, understatement, classy, but it still packs a punch. And yes, Ronin.

[@LucasSi919]

That chassis S8 is awesome! I Always loved them since the days i layed eyes on one and worked in it. I love the fact that they are underrated, hopefully we can keep it that way hahaha. This as a 6 speed manual is a perfect family car

[@ishhussain2099]

Had the 2002 D2 S8 final edition around 10 years ago……should not have sold it!

[@TomleyRC]

I like that you have blessed the old school Audi with an Old school Go-Pro on the steering shroud... attention to detail... like it. Now you should have thrown a Casio on ya wrist to top it all off :)

[@pawelisy]

Ive just got A8 D3! Very quickly falled in love :) gr8 cars! I drove back home on the highway and didnt much noticed that Im going 210kmh (130mph)

[@charity9685]

This brings memory , my mom owned this car back in 2003 and it was a beast we owned until 2007 after that an Audi A8 d3 4.0 tdi and 2 d4 2013 and 2016 4.2 tdi

[@christuber86]

I actually own an early facelift '99 S8. Have had it for over 8 years now. Love the car. It has so much more feel to it than newer models. The build quality is excellent. Mine has done about 265.000 kms now and still hardly any issues. The only real drawback on these is the gearbox. I love that it has the power and performance of a decent sportscar, but it's not built for that. It's built to get you to your destination in style, comfort and get you there quickly if necessary.

[@SimonWallwork]

Christopher- exactly what I have. 2000 model, the first of the FL cars but reg'd in late '99. Mine is at 160k miles now. Did you get to 265k on the original gearbox?

[@1ledzeppelin11]

My dream car after seeing it in Ronin, ten years later I bought one. 1999 model. Beautiful machine when it was working but lots of money spent keeping it on the road over the years. If you are going to buy one of these, understand that you will spend a bomb over the years. Same for any big German of that era.. Also make sure you are not up for a faulty Takata airbag recall. Mine failed the test and Audi bought it back off me.. The best car I have ever been in and I miss it every day but I don’t miss the bills when something went wrong.. Great video 👍

[@averagepainter]

i always had a liking for machines that aren‘t perfect or that you can treat more harshly. i like the aspect of reaching a limit. not like today where a 911 turbo can basically go the speed of light.

[@johnlratcliffe]

Had an A8. Liked it. Only cost about £800! I think they had double glazed door glass?

[@Rasscasse]

Yes they did John. The sound insulation in the cabin, because of the double glazing was superb. When I changed from my D2 to a D3, one of the first things I noticed what they had made the double glazed side glass thinner. It was my impression that the first model was over engineered and then when they decided to build the D3, they worked out to build it cheaper.

[@bapr3887]

@@Rasscasse D2 was Piech work, probably work of life. It had to be over engineered, it had to be better than S klass, 7 series, Lexus LS. Second over engineered car, by Piech was Phateon.

[@virumzzgaming]

I've had a a D2 S8 on a 52 plate and many other D2s. Fantastic cars love them.

[@joshuaminke6629]

slap a couple turbos on it, with an upgraded gear box. and it would an ultimate sleeper

[@richieduck67]

The Transporter approves

[@mervinprone]

Another good thing about this: ITS A 4.2 V8! No turbo, no supercharger. Very reliable. Still going strong 20 years later!

[@xmodgt1419]

My first car ever was an Audi, since then I love them not because they are Audi, is the sensation that they transmit over you.

[@rogeradshead7345]

Dark wood finished helped to stop it looking dated. Working TV was a novelty in the day. Spring-loaded phone prep actually worked.

[@MikelTube]

Had a D3 (wow),a D4 (ok) and now a D5 (oops) … i saw this model going from Bentley wise craftmanship to plastic…. So getting rid of it to change it for a low milage D2 V8 3.7. Drove it twice 40 years ago… fell in love and could afford the first one at 45… a D3 second series.

[@alfredopopescu2873]

You have to do the review of the Passat W8 is a very cool classic!!

[@heskcbl2969]

BMW e63 M6, I know you’ve done the M5 but BMW V10s never get old

[@Matwiej19]

I bought one in 2008. Car had 6 years back then, full option. The quality of the interior was amazing, everything was soft and 0 noises. 80k on the clock as well. I got the car on Autobahn to 295kmh so 180mph ish. It was beautiful peace of engineering. Let keep in mind this is over 20 years old car. Oh the engine was just mind blowing. This sound. Sold it as need it cash.

[@seanpugh6792]

Mat you have been having a lot of vintage 5 cylinder Audis on the channel lately. But I have NEVER seen you post a video of the 5 cylinder turbo first Gen Audi URS4/URS6. They’re of the same cloth as the Rs2, S2, 200 20vt and probably the most underrated and reliable Audis ever produced along with having an insanely high top floor for modifications. Please get a C4 chassis on your channel the time has come…