Latest news with #S8
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UnitedHealth downgraded, Home Depot upgraded: Wall Street's top analyst calls
The most talked about and market moving research calls around Wall Street are now in one place. Here are today's research calls that investors need to know, as compiled by The Fly. Top Upgrades: Stifel upgraded Home Depot (HD) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $425, up from $405, following the Q1 report. The firm is surprised the shares didn't rally post earnings, with accelerating comparable sales through fiscal Q1 "the key positive takeaway," with April U.S. comparable sales up nearly 2.5%. BofA upgraded AutoZone (AZO) to Buy from Neutral with a price target of $4,800, up from $3,900, to reflect increasing confidence in the company's recession resilient history, ongoing share gains, potential inflation benefit from price increases, potentially more favorable dynamics in used versus new car sales and continued tailwinds from maturing commercial programs. HSBC upgraded Bilibili (BILI) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $22.50, up from $21.50. The firm has turned more constructive on the soon to launch S8 at the end of May, which it says contains major updates to game play, maps and characters as the game celebrates its one-year anniversary. Deutsche Bank upgraded Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $35, up from $20. The firm now sees an attractive setup ahead of the Phase 3 data in Prader Willi syndrome in early Q4. Northland upgraded Evolv (EVLV) to Outperform from Market Perform with a $7.50 price target after Evolv held its first earnings call with its new CEO and CFO following the company's restatements. Top Downgrades: HSBC downgraded UnitedHealth (UNH) to Reduce from Hold with a price target of $270, down from $490. The company's CEO change, the pulled 2025 guidance, and alleged Medicare fraud have resulted in its market cap halving since the Q1 results, the firm tells investors in a research note. Scotiabank downgraded Myriad Genetics (MYGN) to Sector Perform from Outperform with a price target of $6, down from $20. While the firm continues to believe there is opportunity for Myriad to execute against its Oncology and Women's Health business ambitions over the next several years, 2025 is likely to be "a transitional year," the firm tells investors in a research note. More bearish on the stock, Compass Point downgraded PennantPark (PNNT) to Sell from Neutral with a price target of $5.75, down from $6. RBC Capital downgraded CAE (CAE) to Sector Perform from Outperform with a price target of C$38, down from C$41. The shares trade the most expensive in the sector, making the solid long-term trends in pilot training and defense spending appropriately reflected at current levels, the firm tells investors in a research note. Top Initiations: Deutsche Bank resumed coverage of Intel (INTC) with a Hold rating and $23 price target. The firm has confidence in new CEO Lip-Bu Tan's ability to formulate a transformation strategy that can reaccelerate "profitable and sustainable growth," but says the execution of this strategy and eventual achievement "will likely be challenging and time consuming." Jefferies initiated coverage of SelectQuote (SLQT) with a Hold rating and $2.75 price target. The firm says SelectRx's strategic redirect to even higher acuity members, the recent Department of Justice lawsuit, "suboptimal" cash conversion, and a "complicated balance sheet" keep it on the sidelines. Stifel initiated coverage of Atlas Energy (AESI) with a Buy rating and $15 price target. The firm says its positive view is based on the company's "high-quality, low cost" mines, low-cost delivery system, including its proprietary Dune Express, and growth opportunities provided by Atlas Energy's recently acquired power generation business Moser. Oppenheimer initiated coverage of Tvardi Therapeutics (TVRD) with an Outperform rating and $65 price target. The firm sees an "underappreciated opportunity" for the company's lead asset TTI-101, a first-in-class STAT3 inhibitor, in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. William Blair initiated coverage of Lifecore (LFCR) with an Outperform rating. Minimum volume commitments from Alcon (ALC) represent "a solid foundation for Lifecore's achievable midterm revenue guide," says the firm, which projects revenue will grow at an 11.6% compound annual rate from FY25 to FY28, consistent with Lifecore's guidance.

Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bilibili: HSBC sees better outlook and valuation, upgrades to buy
-- HSBC upgraded Bilibili (NASDAQ:BILI) to Buy from Hold in a note on Wednesday, citing a stronger outlook in gaming, advertising, and profitability, along with an undemanding valuation. The bank also raised its price target to $22.50 from $21.50, implying roughly 25% upside. 'We are encouraged to see Sanmou Season 7 (S7) beat our / Street expectations,' HSBC analysts wrote, adding that they are 'more constructive on soon to launch S8,' which is expected to debut in late May with significant updates. HSBC lifted its game revenue forecasts by 6 to 8% for 2025-2027 and increased overall topline projections by 2%, also citing 'better-than-expected VAS driven by quality user growth.' First-quarter results exceeded expectations, with non-GAAP net profit 25% above HSBC estimates and 40% above consensus. This was attributed to 'lower-than-expected R&D and G&A expense.' HSBC now expects a 20% revenue increase in the second quarter, driven by 61% year-over-year growth in games, 19% in advertising, and 10% in value-added services. 'More resilient performance in high-margin game and ad businesses can support stronger earnings prospects,' the analysts wrote. In advertising, growth was underpinned by improved ad load, higher eCPM, and growing user traffic. HSBC expects 'ad tech improvement is expected to further enhance user targeting and conversion.' Bilibili is also building out its AI capabilities by fine-tuning open-source models and plans to launch a text-to-video tool for content creators by the end of 2025. At 22x 2025 earnings and with 48% non-GAAP EPS growth forecast for 2026, HSBC believes Bilibili's valuation is compelling. Related articles Bilibili: HSBC sees better outlook and valuation, upgrades to buy UnitedHealth Group shares drop on report of secret nursing home payments BofA sees rising China risk for EU tech firms as domestic shift deepens Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data


India Today
01-05-2025
- India Today
Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus gets Rs 47,000 discount, but read this before considering it
Back in the day, when models like the Galaxy S6 Edge, S8, or S9 ruled the Android space, their "Plus" counterparts commanded as much attention as the standard versions. They offered bigger displays, larger batteries, and often a slightly more premium experience. However, since the introduction of the Ultra series with the Galaxy S20 lineup, the "Plus" models have found themselves stuck in the middle — not as compact and accessible as the standard variant, nor as feature-packed as the Ultra. Still, that middle ground has its appeal, especially for those who want something bigger without going all the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, for example. This was Samsung's top-tier offering just a few months ago, and now, it's available for Rs 52,999 — a massive Rs 47,000 discount from its original launch price of Rs 99,999. For context, the recently launched Galaxy S25 Plus starts at that very same Rs 99,999 mark. While the S25 Plus does come with its own improvements, at this price, the S24 Plus becomes an incredibly compelling option. Here's why it still holds strong in makes the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus special?First, let's talk about the display. The Galaxy S24 Plus features a 6.7-inch QHD+ Super AMOLED panel with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. That's the kind of display you'd typically find on much more expensive phones, including Samsung's own Ultra models. It's sharp, vibrant, and one of the best screens you can get at this Under the hood, the phone runs on Samsung's in-house Exynos 2400 chip, paired with 12GB RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. In day-to-day use, this hardware delivers smooth performance, whether you're gaming, multitasking, or streaming. Benchmark numbers aside, the real-world experience is fluid — and for most users, that's what matters. Notably, this was also the model where Samsung made 12GB RAM standard on the Plus and Ultra life is another strong suit. The 4,900mAh battery easily lasts a full day with mixed usage, and while it supports 45W fast charging, you'll need a compatible charger for optimal speeds. Wireless charging is supported too, though capped at 15W. It's not the fastest in its class, but it's reliable — and that counts for a quality, as expected, is premium. The phone uses an aluminium frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both sides. It feels sturdy yet sleek in hand, and the design — while similar to the S23 and S25 series — is clean, minimal, and durable. You also get IP68 water and dust resistance, which is always a welcome performance is solid, too. The setup includes a 50-megapixel primary sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. While it doesn't match the versatility of the Ultra's camera system, it still captures detailed, well-balanced shots in most lighting conditions. How do I know? Well, I've personally used the Galaxy S24 extensively in 2024, and both the standard and Plus models share the same camera hardware. Low-light performance is decent, and videos come out stable and crisp. Even the 12-megapixel front camera holds its own for selfies and video is another area where Samsung shines. The Galaxy S24 Plus launched with Android 14 and One UI 6.1, and Samsung has promised seven years of software and security updates — a rarity in the Android world. You also get a suite of Galaxy AI features, including Live Translate and Note Assist. These aren't just gimmicks; they genuinely enhance the user experience in meaningful course, there are alternatives worth considering. But none of them quite match the all-round balance of the Galaxy S24 Plus at this discounted that's where this deal stands out. You're getting a flagship-grade experience with top-tier display, solid performance, premium build, and long-term software support — all for nearly half the launch price. If you're someone who wants a big phone with flagship-level features but without the Ultra price tag, the Galaxy S24 Plus at Rs 52,999 is a smart, well-rounded choice in 2025.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UltiMaker Unveils the UltiMaker S8, Engineered for Enhanced Productivity and Precision
The UltiMaker S8 delivers up to 4x more productivity and improved part quality, without sacrificing security, reliability or ease of use. Combined with new materials in the UltiMaker Marketplace and updated features in UltiMaker Digital Factory, the UltiMaker S8 offers one of the most versatile, professional 3D printing solutions on the market today. NEW YORK and GELDERMALSEN, Netherlands, March 11, 2025 /CNW/ -- UltiMaker, a global leader in desktop 3D printing, today announced the launch of the UltiMaker S8 3D printer, its next-generation solution designed to significantly boost productivity while maintaining high-quality precision, security, and reliability. The UltiMaker S8 was engineered for productivity, capable of speeds up to 500mm/s and accelerations up to 50,000mm/s2. Equipped with advanced features like the new UltiMaker Cheetah motion planner, high flow print cores, and an improved feeder system, the UltiMaker S8 can deliver up to 4x the productivity of its predecessor, the S7. The combination of these features enables the new printer to deliver parts faster than before, without compromising on part quality, making it ideal for businesses that require fast turnaround times. Designed to handle demanding applications, the UltiMaker S8 excels at printing high-strength, high-performance parts with engineering-grade materials. The S8 supports dual extrusion, allowing users to create complex parts with multiple materials in a single print job. The S8 is compatible with UltiMaker's wide range of materials in the UltiMaker Marketplace, which offers over 300 materials to choose from, including the new UltiMaker Nylon CF Slide, a copolymer offering wear resistance, temperature resistance of up to 180°C, and PFAS-free performance. Now widely available is Cura Cloud on UltiMaker Digital Factory, the new cloud slicer powered by UltiMaker Cura, the world's slicer of choice. Digital Factory was designed to streamline every step of the 3D printing process, and, with Cura Cloud, users can slice, manage, and print all from one platform. Cura Cloud adds a unique element that enhances the workflow and creates a smoother, more efficient process. Digital Factory also provides a range of subscription plans to help users boost production, giving them customized options based on their needs. Whether producing prototypes or production-ready components, the S8 offers flexibility like no other professional 3D printing solution on the market today. "We believe that the UltiMaker S8 sets a new standard in 3D printing, building on the legacy of the S series with significant improvements," said Marc Uyttenboogaard, Product Manager at UltiMaker. "We have engineered the S8 to provide faster printing speeds, improved reliability and precision, robust security features, enhanced connectivity, and dual-material capabilities. Integrated with Digital Factory and Cura, the S8 offers users a simple, secure, and efficient 3D printing experience." Key features of the UltiMaker S8 include: Increased Productivity and Improved Print Quality: At the heart of the UltiMaker S8 is a powerful, newly developed electronics platform, offering up to 5x the processing power of the UltiMaker S7. UltiMaker Cheetah enhances motion control, resulting in precision of 0.15mm ± 0.15% and eliminating issues such as ringing, blobs, and mechanical stress which typically occurs at high speeds. UltiMaker Cheetah enables the S8 to achieve up to 4x faster print speeds than its predecessor, for high-performance production timelines. The S8 introduces hot-swappable AA+ and CC+ print cores, designed for high-flow to match the printer's increased speed. The new cores deliver 2.5x more flow, improving efficiency and quality in composite and engineering-grade material printing. The newly designed hardened feeder module provides better material control, ensuring reliable performance at high speeds. This innovation optimizes the printer's ability to handle diverse materials without compromising quality. Seamless UltiMaker Ecosystem Integration: The S8 seamlessly integrates with Digital Factory, ensuring an optimized workflow with minimal effort. Digital Factory allows users to manage their print jobs easily and securely from anywhere. With preset and custom subscription options for users, from individuals to global organizations, Digital Factory helps streamline 3D printing workflows and collaboration across teams and time zones. The expansion of Cura from desktop to the cloud takes the powerful slicer and makes it accessible to all Digital Factory users. Additionally, the latest Cura 5.10 beta release, available on the desktop version, comes with optimized print and material profile settings to streamline the process for users. Versatility with UltiMaker Marketplace: At launch is the availability of the new UltiMaker Nylon CF Slide is a breakthrough Nylon 612 CF copolymer designed for industrial applications where tribological performance is key. This high-performance, PFAS-free filament delivers excellent wear resistance, temperature stability up to 180°C after annealing, and a robust Z tensile strength exceeding 40 MPa. The new material is ideal for replacing POM in complex, custom designs, with proven ability to reduce friction and extend the lifespan of moving components. Compatibility with the UltiMaker Marketplace also gives users the freedom to experiment with the material of their choice. Future-proof Production: Powered by a completely revamped electronics platform, the S8 is equipped with 5x the processing power of its predecessor. This significant increase in processing capacity ensures the printer can handle the demands of the motion planner and support future updates, offering long-term productivity. "We are thrilled to add the UltiMaker S8, the next generation in our popular S series, to our growing 3D printing ecosystem," said Michiel Alting von Geusau, CEO at UltiMaker. "The S8 reflects our commitment to providing solutions that enable businesses to innovate and grow. Built with our customers in mind, UltiMaker's ecosystem is designed to enhance production while also providing lasting value for customers and partners." To learn more, join the UltiMaker S8 launch showcase on March 11th at 10:00 ET / 15:00 CET. UltiMaker executives will dive into the S8's advanced features, the new Nylon CF Slide, and the company's journey to continue enabling businesses with 3D printing to drive innovation forward. Watch the showcase here: For more information on the S8, visit About UltiMaker UltiMaker is a global leader in 3D printing, focused on shaping the future of manufacturing, product development, and education. With a wide range of cutting-edge 3D printing solutions, including the popular S-, Factor- and Method series, one of the widest portfolios of 3D printing materials on the market, and leading 3D printing software platforms–Cura and Digital Factory, UltiMaker is paving the way for innovation across industries. UltiMaker also offers MakerBot, the only 3D printing brand dedicated solely to education. Through the popular Sketch series, MakerBot offers the most comprehensive ecosystem tailored for classroom learning, educational advancement, and skills development. With a focus on reliability, precision, and innovation, UltiMaker is empowering customers to push the boundaries of what's possible. Learn more at Cura, Cura Cloud, Digital Factory, MakerBot, Method, and UltiMaker are trademarks or registered trademarks of UltiMaker. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Photo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE UltiMaker View original content to download multimedia:
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Audi S8 Quattro
Imagining a customer for the Audi S8 Quattro is a slightly complex exercise, but the car apparently accounts for 20 per cent of Audi A8 sales in the UK; so there must be plenty of them. This car's sheer size, its particular comfort and luxury tuning, its reserved performance styling and its unambiguous limousine classification all seem to mark it out as one not to drive but rather be driven in - which is a little at odds with its Audi Sport badging. So, is this the A8 for the CEO who travels in the back and just wants the car park status that it confers; or, as a more understated fast saloon, is it bought by someone who doesn't actually want people – colleagues, employees, tax accountants etc - to notice it? Might its owner be driven in the week, perhaps, but drive at weekends? Or are they just an A8 'patron' who wants a car with as much Audi-brand 'technik' as they can get? The answer to every one of those questions could well be 'yes', funnily enough - because this is a car of a genuinely broad luxury appeal, and no little interest to the keener driver. Having arrived as part of the current fourth-generation A8 range back in 2020, the S8 (which comes in short-wheelbase form only) offers a similar blend of big-hitting turbo-petrol V8 performance, top-level refinement, uncompromising luxury and understated performance styling as that for which so many of its predecessors have been known. But it offers even more Audi-typical advanced drivetrain and suspension technology as standard, much of which isn't available on any other A8. Quattro four-wheel drive is there to put the engine's 563bhp to effective use, of course, but here you get an active 'sport' rear differential in addition to the mechanical centre diff of other A8s, while four-wheel 'dynamic' steering comes as standard (it's an option on the rest of the range). And then there's the suspension, which is the really clever bit. While other A8s have a simpler adaptive air suspension system, the S8 gets what Audi calls Predictive Active Suspension, which mixes forward-facing cameras with a height-adjustable air suspension set-up that incorporates fast-acting electromechanical actuators at each wheel. The cameras scan the road, while electro-mechanical actuators constantly vary the car's ride height and manage its wheel deflections. Each wheel can be separately loaded or relieved depending on the road conditions across five driving modes. In Comfort+, the suspension tilts the body into corners to reduce lateral forces. In Dynamic, body roll is reduced to around half of that of a standard steel sprung suspension, according to Audi. While the same suspension can be optionally fitted to other A8s bought elsewhere in the world, Audi UK only offers the fully active set-up as standard on the S8. Under the bonnet, the S8 uses a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol with mild hybrid assistance. With 563bhp, its power was wound back by 34bhp over the ultimate version of the third-generation S8 – the S8 Plus, which used a less heavily developed version of the same engine. But with up to 1.8bar of turbocharger boost pressure, torque increased by 37lb ft, now peaking at 590lb ft on a band of revs between 2000 and 4500rpm. Those reserves are sent through an eight-speed torque converter equipped automatic gearbox with a manual shifting Tiptronic function, and Audi's Quattro four-wheel drive system, together with a 'sport' differential that constantly varies the amount of drive sent to each individual rear wheel. Audi made surprisingly big claims about the S8's efficiency when it first appeared in 2020. It uses both a cylinder on-demand system that automatically closes down one bank of cylinders on light throttle loads at urban driving speeds, and a new belt-driven 48-volt starter motor that operates in combination with a lithium-ion battery and a recuperation system capable of harvesting up to 8kW of energy during braking and coasting. That active suspension is quite the clever system, and you can tell as much as soon as you open the driver's door. Like other air-suspended cars, the S8 rises to meet you as you get in; but unlike others, it pops up on all corners surprisingly quickly, in less time than it takes you to swing open the door and slide inside. That's because each of the 48V suspension actuators can supply as much as 800lb ft of torque, be that to lift the car at each corner, to brace it against body movement or to trap and damp each wheel as it rebounds. As the door is closed, the air springs return to their nominal setting as the body is lowered again. It's a nice touch that showcases the advanced underpinnings of the new Audi every time it is driven. Inside, the S8 features subtle sporting updates to the standard Audi A8 interior. If you like more traditional Audi cabins, you might say there's precious little room for improvement anyway; since material quality is supremely high, and there are plenty of physical controls making usability easy. But with unique carbon fibre and aluminium trims, the new S8 manages to provide added appeal. Expensive looking and agreeably tactile materials combine with crisp and clear digital instruments as well as a standard 10.1-inch touch display for the infotainment functions, a lovely multi-function steering wheel and highly supportive sport seats to provide a truly first-class driving environment. Does it look a little dated compared with Audi's very latest, more digitally dominated interiors? Perhaps. But actually inhabiting it is none the worse for that. For the driver, the slightly obstinate feel of Audi's MMI touchscreen infotainment system (which often insists on an unusally firm fingertip prod to register an input) is a minor annoyance, likewise the omission of any separate physical cursor controller for the system - although it's still not the most distracting installation of its kind by any means, with usefully located shortcut keys to help you flick between menus. Since the S8 only comes in short-wheelbase form, it doesn't offer quite the expanse of second-row legroom as some A8s, but there's still plenty of space for full-size adults to travel in the back, with lots of the usual limousine treats (separate entertainment screens, seat heaters, etc) to entertain you while you're reposing. In the right conditions, this big Audi can feel brutishly potent, with earnest step-off qualities and unrelentingly urgent in-gear traits. The brawny engine is the undisputed star of the show, with the sort of sledgehammer performance to propel it from standstill to 62mph it in a scarcely believable 3.9sec. This is a limousine, remember. The slick shifting eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox and fast acting Quattro four-wheel drive system also play an integral part in the explosive accelerative and fast cruising ability. Together with the engine, they form an intoxicating combination that is further enhanced by a digitally augmented V8 soundtrack at least partly played over the speakers. Yet, as effective as it is under full load in sport mode, the S8's engine is also compellingly smooth on more measured throttle inputs in an altogether more relaxed Comfort+ mode. In city driving, it proves wonderfully flexible even in Eco mode, where the cylinder on demand system closes down one bank of cylinders, essentially turning the engine into a four-cylinder unit for brief periods. The most remarkable thing about the new S8 is the added breadth of capability brought by the adoption of Audi's Predictive Active Suspension and Dynamic All-Wheel Steering system. As well as varying the assistance acting on the steering of the front wheels, it adds a steering function to the rear wheels, which turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels at low speeds and in the same direction at higher speeds. The upshot is a newfound level of communication and response. Despite its generous dimensions, you can place the new S8 with added precision and confidence in any given driving situation. On more challenging roads, there's a welcome liveliness and neutral character to the big Audi which has tended to be notable by its absence in predecessor models. And, when you've an appetite for a more relaxing pace, that suspension has several other party tricks up its sleeve. Select Comfort+ operating mode and, when the forward sensors detect a speed bump up ahead, the body will first rise up by 50mm to create extra wheel travel; and then it will use those electric motors to cushion and manipulate the suspension struts as you pass over the top of it. If you take 'sleeping policemen' at 10-20mph, they go by uncannily smoothly and almost undetected. It's a truly eyebrow-raising experience. With 20in alloy wheels on the car as standard and a 21in set on our test car, the S8's low-speed ride has only average noise and vibration isolation, and it can't smother shorter, sharper inputs as effectively as bigger ones. Even so, the suspension maintains extraordinarily level and steady body control, even at faster cross-country speeds and on the motorway, as well as in town. Leave that Comfort+ mode active and it actually leans the car's body into longer, faster bends by up to 3deg (to the improvement of onboard comfort, rather than roadholding, Audi says); a trick the latest big Porsches have only recently appropriated. And it acts like an active anti-roll control system to sharpen the car's handling when you're using the Dynamic driving mode instead, by continually juggling the suspension's lateral stiffness between the front and rear axles. The net effect of the latter two features isn't quite as impressive as the S8's low-speed ride trickery, but they do contribute to striking high-speed handling precision for the car, as well as excellent outright stability at speed, and plenty of cornering roll-resistance and lower-speed agility too. In a simpler sense, the S8 feels as light, filtered and assisted though its controls as you might expect of a full-size limousine; and slightly managed and manipulated in its handling responses much of the time, rather than entirely natural, consistent and intuitive. It's generally easy to drive, though, and maintains a brisk pace very nonchalantly and comfortably indeed. The Audi S8 Quattro is certainly not a limousine for the high-ranking executive who wants to cut down on his expenses claims. All of the car's aforementioned cylinder shutdown and hybridisation technologies contribute to lab test 'combined' fuel efficiency of only 24.6mpg. Though there are both V6 diesel and petrol plug-in hybrid versions of the A8 intended to suit you better if efficiency is a higher priority. Prices start from just over £110,000, with Black Edition and Vorsprung edition versions of the car costing more, but bringing the tastiest tidbits of equipment specification. You can spend an awful lot more than that on a fast saloon car in 2025, of course; and this one has cruising capabilities and luxury credentials way in advance of most 'performance' options. The S8 is a car with plenty of pace and dynamic ability, but it has a particularly relaxed and refined character. That might disappoint those looking for greater outright excitement, but it makes this an usually effective fast luxury cruiser, and one of unique and special talents elsewhere too. Comfortable, composed, luxuriantly spacious and effortlessly fast executive transport doesn't get a whole lot better than this. Whatever your reason for choosing it in the first place, there's a very good chance that this highly advanced modern limousine will have it covered. Earlier incarnations of the S8 were persuasive ownership propositions, of course. The problem as far as enthusiast drivers were concerned is they all lacked the inherent engagement that sets a truly great car apart from a merely good one. As such, they never really rose to the challenge in a way Audi would have had us believe. Outstanding when charging flat out down an empty autobahn, but somewhat detached on more challenging back roads. This new model retains the traditional qualities that have made the S8 a car to cherish down through the years but brings a whole new dimension in dynamic versatility and verve. It connects with the driver on a whole new level. And on top of this, its advanced new suspension also provides the new flagship Audi saloon with a new found layer of comfort, making it a highly convincing all-season all-rounder. ]]>