History of the Audi V8

[Edit] Debuting in 1988, the Audi V8 was Audi's first entry into the luxury high-end full-size sedan market.  Perhaps out of laziness or simply just for practical identifiability, Audi chose to name its sedan after the engine that sat under the hood, a 3.6-liter 250-hp V8.  At least you knew what you were getting going into the dealership.
The V8 engine was a twin-cam 32-valve -- a pairing of two Golf 1.8-liter, 16-valve, 4-cylinder engines.  Initially only paired with a 4-mode automatic transmission, the V8 was Audi's first quattro automobile to be paired with an auto tran.  The quattro technology distributed traction according to which wheels needed it the most in a given situation.  The four mode transmission was meant to tailor performance to driver desire.  You could set it to economy mode (E), sport mode (S), or manual mode (M).  The V8 was built on an Audi 100 platform, but its longer wheelbase increased interior legroom and comfort.  On the outside, it was hard to distinguish it from the 100, aside from its grill and large wheel wells.  Some owners wish it had a bit more flash.
Unfortunately, the first V8s suffered from the weight of all the interior standard features and the quattro technology, so it never quite lived up to its high-performance branding.  A competitive version was developed in 1990 and won the German Touring Championship Race.  Receiving a new engine in the '90s, a 4.2-liter, 276-hp DOHC V8 and an optional 5-speed manual that was offered for only a couple of years, the V8 took advantage of its newfound engine power.  Though still slow off the line, it performed best on the open highway, proving to be a speedy sports tourer with crisp handling and cornering.  Owners felt it was fun to drive, while still being luxurious, comfortable, and practical on the inside with its seating for five and such treats as heated leather seats and a power sunroof.  
The V8 was rated well by owners in terms of its driving performance, comfort, and durability.  The biggest complaints mirror those of all Audis: expensive parts and unhelpful dealers.  As Audi's upscale sedan offering, it paved the way for the A8 which - in the US - would be introduced three years after the V8's demise in 1994.

Receive reviews, photos, and articles about the Audi V8
Discussion Board
Displaying 3 of 5 topics
how remplase the serpentine velt in my audi 1990 v8 quattro?
1 posts. Created by caprio. Last post on May 12, 2008 at 11:47:12 AM
what is the top speed of audi V8 1993 4,2 litre
2 posts. Created by mk. Last post on Mar 7, 2008 at 7:58:29 PM
Dashboard removal on 1990 v8 quattro
3 posts. Created by Yarter. Last post on Nov 25, 2007 at 9:09:33 PM

Other Audi V8s

Prices coming soon!
Prices coming soon!
Prices coming soon!
Prices coming soon!
Prices coming soon!
Prices coming soon!
Prices coming soon!

More Audi Models

Audi A3 Audi A4 Audi A4 Avant
Audi A5 Audi A6 Audi A6 Avant
Audi A8 Audi allroad quattro Audi Q5
Audi Q7 Audi R8 Audi RS 4
Audi S3 Audi S4 Audi S4 Avant
Audi S5 Audi S6 Audi S8
Audi TT

Your Community

Ask the Car Gurus!
question mark Audi V8 Question?
What's your question?

Recent Picture
10/25/2006
Picture of a 1991 Audi V8 uploaded by a Car Guru

We have 19 Audi V8 photos, but we want more!  Upload your photos today.


Driven the Audi V8?
Write a Review
Upload Your Photos

Groups New!

Discover people
who share your passion.
Join or Create a Group!


Audi V8 Groups

USA vs Europe vs Far...
Benz GL55 AMG
Hood Ornaments


Newest Groups

supramania
1997 ford exscort
BMWs

Switch Cars

e-mail a friend E-mail this page to a friend
Audi V8 Email Updates Get Email Updates
RSS feed RSS feed
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to Google