The Executive's Getaway Car - Aluminum Dreams

When Audi launched the D2 S8, they weren't just building a faster A8 - they were crafting the ultimate sleeper. The 2001 model year represented peak evolution of this aluminum-bodied autobahn missile. Think 'Ronin' chase scene, but with heated massage seats and parking sensors. At its heart sits the 4.2L V8, massaged to 360hp - a number that seems modest until you factor in that aluminum space frame keeping weight under 4,000 lbs. Pure physics at work. The five-speed tiptronic wasn't the quickest shifter, but it had that bulletproof feel you want in a car that could cruise at triple digits all day long.

The '01 got some sweet upgrades over earlier models: stiffer suspension bits, better brake cooling, and that subtle trunk lip spoiler that you'd miss unless you knew what to look for. Plus, the 18-inch Avus wheels still look modern two decades later. The Quattro system? It made BMW's xDrive feel like amateur hour.

Inside, you're surrounded by stuff that still impresses: solar sunroof that powers the ventilation while parked, double-paned glass that makes highway noise disappear, and leather everywhere - even on the headliner. Those sport seats aren't just comfortable; they're works of art in Valcona leather. What to watch for? Timing belt services are non-negotiable, and those aluminum body panels aren't cheap to repair if someone gets friendly in a parking lot. The air suspension can get expensive when it ages, but most surviving examples have been converted to coilovers by now.

Pro tip: Factory navigation is ancient tech - don't sweat it if it's been upgraded. The rare six-speed manual European versions exist, but they're unicorns in North America.