The 2001 Audi S8 came from the D2-era performance luxury sedan formula, blending understated Audi styling with serious high-speed touring character. It sits in a generation that helped define the modern sport sedan as a car that could cover long distances quickly while still feeling composed and refined. For this exact model, the primary tire fitment is a 245/45R18 radial on an 18-inch wheel. That keeps the decision focused less on multiple fitment sizes and more on choosing the right radial within that size, with available options centered on blackwall performance-oriented series from BFGoodrich and Nitto. For owners preserving the car's intended stance and road manners, correct size, wheel compatibility, and overall condition matter most.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2001 Audi S8
The 2001 Audi S8 uses one primary tire size: 245/45R18. It is a radial fitment for an 18-inch rim, and the same size applies to the covered Base sub-model, so the main decision is choosing the right tire within that size rather than sorting through multiple factory fitments. That usually comes down to tire series, brand, load specification, and making sure the car still has the correct wheel setup.
A 245/45R18 uses a 245-millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and an 18-inch rim diameter. On a 2001 Audi S8, this is the primary modern radial fitment and matches the car's performance-sedan character far more closely than an older bias-ply sizing system would. Available choices in this size include blackwall tires from BFGoodrich and Nitto across series such as g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, and NT555 G2. Choosing within 245/45R18 lets the buyer stay with the intended fitment size while comparing brand character, rim-width compatibility, and load-related specifications.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward for the 2001 Audi S8. The covered Base model uses the same 245/45R18 radial size, so the key step is confirming that the car still carries the proper 18-inch wheel package before selecting among available tire options.
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2001 Audi S8 Base
The 2001 Audi S8 Base uses the 245/45R18 radial fitment on an 18-inch rim. That keeps tire selection centered on choosing the right modern radial within the proper size, while also checking that aftermarket wheels or suspension changes have not altered the car's actual fitment needs.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2001 Audi S8 Tires for Sale
Available 245/45R18 choices for the 2001 Audi S8 focus on blackwall radial performance tires from BFGoodrich and Nitto. The main points of comparison are tire series, rim-width compatibility, weight, and load-related specifications rather than sidewall style or construction type.
Common 2001 Audi S8 tire questions usually center on the 245/45R18 size, 18-inch wheel fitment, product differences within that size, and what to inspect before putting a performance luxury sedan back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2001 Audi S8?
The 2001 Audi S8 uses a 245/45R18 radial tire. That is the primary fitment size for this model and it matches an 18-inch wheel, making it the starting point for any replacement search.
Staying with 245/45R18 keeps the tire decision focused on selecting the right product within the proper size rather than trying to sort through multiple factory fitments. It is still worth confirming that the car has the correct wheel package, especially if it has changed hands, because aftermarket wheels or suspension alterations can affect clearance and wheel-width suitability.
What size rim does a 2001 Audi S8 use?
The 2001 Audi S8 uses an 18-inch rim with its 245/45R18 tire size. The tire's size code itself ends in 18, and the fitment is centered on that wheel diameter.
Wheel diameter is only one part of the check. Available 245/45R18 tires in this application commonly call for rim widths in the 7.5- to 9-inch range, so the actual wheel width should also be verified before choosing a tire. That matters even more if the car has aftermarket wheels, since correct diameter alone does not confirm full compatibility.
Does the 2001 Audi S8 Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 2001 Audi S8 Base uses the same 245/45R18 radial tire size. That means the covered S8 sub-model fitment remains consistent rather than changing by trim within this page's scope.
With the size staying the same, the real choice becomes which 245/45R18 tire best suits the car's current setup and intended use. It helps to verify wheel width, check for any suspension or ride-height changes, and compare product details such as load specification and tire series before settling on a replacement.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/45R18 tire for a 2001 Audi S8?
Start with the correct size and construction: 245/45R18 radial on an 18-inch wheel. From there, compare the available tire series, rim-width compatibility, weight, and load-related specifications to make sure the tire suits both the wheel and the way the car is driven.
A 2001 Audi S8 is sensitive to tire choice because it is a performance luxury sedan rather than a casual cruiser. Matching the proper size is only the first step. It also helps to confirm the actual wheel width on the car and make sure all four tires remain consistent in size and general type for balanced appearance and road behavior.
What brands offer tires for the 2001 Audi S8?
The available 245/45R18 tires for the 2001 Audi S8 come from BFGoodrich and Nitto. BFGoodrich options include several g-Force series, while Nitto is represented by the NT555 G2 in this size.
Brand choice matters less than choosing the right combination of size, wheel compatibility, and product character for the car's use. Looking at the available series side by side can help clarify whether the priority is a more all-season-oriented option, a sport-focused presentation, or simply a replacement that maintains the S8's proper fitment on its 18-inch wheels.
What tire series are available for the 2001 Audi S8?
The 2001 Audi S8 has 245/45R18 options in BFGoodrich g-Force Comp 2 AS, BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp 2, BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A, and Nitto NT555 G2. All are blackwall radial tires built around the same basic fitment size.
Those series give the buyer useful points of comparison without changing the underlying fitment. The best way to narrow the choice is to confirm the car's wheel width, then compare load-related details and the general character suggested by each series. That approach keeps the focus on fitment and intended use instead of assuming every 245/45R18 behaves the same way.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2001 Audi S8?
A period-style 2001 Audi S8 should stay with the 245/45R18 radial size on an 18-inch rim. Since the available products here are modern blackwall radials, the most authentic-looking choice usually comes from preserving the correct size, stance, and wheel relationship rather than chasing a vintage-style sidewall treatment.
This is a newer collector-era performance sedan, so visual correctness often depends more on proportional fit than on specialty sidewall styling. Checking original owner literature, marque-club references, or photos of well-preserved cars can help if exact presentation matters. Once the size and wheel setup are right, comparing tire series becomes the next step in preserving the car's overall character.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2001 Audi S8 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 2001 Audi S8 restoration because the tire size has a strong effect on stance, wheel-to-body proportion, and the way the car presents itself visually. The proper starting point is the 245/45R18 radial fitment on an 18-inch wheel.
Even on a modern collector car, a wrong aspect ratio or wheel mismatch can change the look noticeably. Restoring one of these cars is not only about making it roadworthy; it is also about keeping the overall presentation cohesive. That makes it worth confirming actual wheel dimensions and avoiding substitutions that alter the intended profile without careful measurement.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2001 Audi S8?
Yes. A 2001 Audi S8 may use the correct 245/45R18 size from the factory, but modifications can still change whether a given tire works cleanly on the car. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered offsets, lowered suspension, or brake changes can all influence usable fitment.
The safest approach is to confirm what is actually on the car before choosing a replacement. Measuring wheel width, checking inner and outer clearance, and looking for signs of rubbing under steering or suspension movement are more useful than relying only on the original size. That is especially important when replacing tires on a car that may have been modified by a prior owner.
What should I inspect before driving a 2001 Audi S8 on new tires?
Before driving a 2001 Audi S8 on new tires, inspect wheel condition, confirm proper tire pressure, and make sure the tires are seated correctly and clear suspension and body components. It also helps to verify that all four tires match in size and general type.
A quick road-use check should include looking for vibration, unusual steering feel, or signs of contact near the fenders or inner wheel wells. Since this is a performance luxury sedan, alignment condition and suspension wear deserve attention as well. New tires cannot compensate for worn steering or suspension parts, and those issues can affect both tire life and driving confidence.
How should 245/45R18 tires on a collector 2001 Audi S8 be maintained?
Maintain 245/45R18 tires on a collector 2001 Audi S8 by keeping pressures consistent, inspecting for irregular wear, and checking the sidewalls for age-related cracking, cuts, or bulges. Cars that see limited mileage still need regular tire checks because time and storage conditions affect rubber as much as road use.
Storage habits matter on a low-use S8. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition. It is also wise to monitor for slow air loss and move the car periodically if it sits for long stretches. A tire that looks acceptable at a glance may still need closer inspection before a longer drive.
