View source for Audi V8

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{for|the engine of the same name|Volkswagen-Audi V8 engine}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Audi V8 (4C)
| image = Audi V8. VF.jpg
| caption = Audi V8
| manufacturer = [[Audi|Audi AG]]
| aka = 
| production = October 1988 – November 1993
| assembly = [[Neckarsulm]], Germany
| predecessor = 
| related = [[Audi 100|Audi 100/200]]
| successor = [[Audi A8]]
| class = [[Full-size car|Full-size]] [[Luxury vehicle#High-end luxury.2Ffull-size luxury cars|luxury car]]
| body_style = 4-[[vehicle door|door]] [[sedan (automobile)|saloon]] (sedan)
| layout = [[Longitudinal engine|Longitudinal]] [[Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout|front engine]]<br />[[Quattro (four wheel drive system)#quattro generation III|Quattro]] permanent [[four-wheel drive]]
| platform = [[Volkswagen Group D platform#D1|Volkswagen Group D1 (aka D11)]]
| engine = 3.6&nbsp;L ''[[Volkswagen-Audi V8 engine#3.6V8|PT]]'' [[V8 engine|V8]]<br />4.2&nbsp;L ''[[Volkswagen-Audi V8 engine#ABH|ABH]]'' V8
| transmission = 4-speed ''[[ZF Friedrichshafen|ZF]] [[ZF 4HP24 transmission#4HP24A|4HP24A]]'' [[automatic transmission|automatic]]<br />5-speed [[manual transmission|manual]] (3.6&nbsp;V8)<br />6-speed manual (4.2&nbsp;V8)
| wheelbase = '''SWB:''' {{convert|2702|mm|1|abbr=on}}<br />'''LWB:''' {{convert|3020|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| length = '''SWB:''' {{convert|4861|mm|1|abbr=on}}<br />'''LWB:''' {{convert|5190|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|1814|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|1420|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| weight = '''3.6:''' {{convert|1710|kg|lb||abbr=on|lk=on}}<br />'''4.2:''' {{convert|1810|kg|lb||abbr=on|lk=on}} (Quattro)<br />'''LWB:''' {{convert|1770|kg|lb||abbr=on|lk=on}}
| designer = [[Erwin Leo Himmel]] (1984)
}}
The '''Audi V8''' ('''''Typ'' 4C''') is a four-door, [[full-size]] [[luxury vehicles|luxury]] [[sedan (car)|sedan]], designed, manufactured and marketed by [[Audi]] in Germany from 1988 to 1993, as the company's [[Flagship car|flagship]]. As the first car from Audi to use a [[V8 engine]], it also was the first Audi to combine a [[quattro (four wheel drive system)|quattro]] system with an [[automatic transmission]]. Early cars used 3.6-litre V8s, while later cars featured a 4.2-litre version of the engine. The Audi V8 was replaced by the [[Audi A8]] in 1994, although the A8 was not marketed in North America until 1996.

The competition model of the Audi V8 won back-to-back [[Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft]] driver's titles in 1990 and 1991, with the championship winners being [[Hans-Joachim Stuck]] and [[Frank Biela]] respectively.<ref name="DTM90"/><ref name="DTM91"/> Audi was the first company to win back-to-back DTM titles.<ref name="DTM91"/>

==Overview==
Standard features for the Audi V8 included a [[multi-valve|32-valve]], [[double overhead camshaft]] (DOHC) [[V8 engine]]<ref name=ETKA/> and a four-speed electronically controlled [[ZF Friedrichshafen|ZF]] [[ZF 4HP24 transmission#4HP24A|4HP24A]] [[automatic transmission]] providing Audi's [[quattro (four wheel drive system)|quattro]] permanent [[four-wheel drive]] system.<ref name=AudiV8.com_trans>{{cite web|title=Das quattro-Getriebe im V8 (''The quattro transmission in the V8'')|url=http://www.audiv8.com/german/technology/getriebe.html|language=de|work=AudiV8.com|access-date=25 September 2012}}</ref> A five-speed (later in production six-speed) [[manual transmission]] was also available.<ref>{{cite press release|title=25 Years of Audi Quattro|url=http://www.audiusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=211|publisher=AUDI AG, INGOLSTADT, Germany / Audi of America – media site|date=22 February 2005|access-date=25 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023044743/http://www.audiusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=211|archive-date=23 October 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=Always a born winner – 30 years of Audi quattro|url=https://www.audi-mediaservices.com/publish/ms/content/en/public/pressemitteilungen/2010/03/02/always_a_born_winner.standard.gid-oeffentlichkeit.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008202216/https://www.audi-mediaservices.com/publish/ms/content/en/public/pressemitteilungen/2010/03/02/always_a_born_winner.standard.gid-oeffentlichkeit.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=8 October 2011|publisher=AUDI AG, INGOLSTADT, Germany / Audi-MediaServices.com|date=2 March 2010|access-date=25 September 2012}}</ref>

The Audi V8 had a [[galvanization|galvanized]] steel body, with a 10-year anti-perforation warranty (against [[corrosion]]).<ref name="audifans.com">{{cite web
 | title        = Pricing and equipment
 | url          = http://www.audifans.com/kb/V8_(model)#Pricing_and_equipment
 | access-date   = 25 September 2012
 | archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20090511192208/http://www.audifans.com/kb/V8_%28model%29#Pricing_and_equipment
 | archive-date = 2009-05-11
}}</ref> The Audi V8 was specifically designed to be a top of the range '[[Flagship car|flagship]]' car and included a number of luxury features as standard equipment, including [[leather]] seating and Audi's quattro all wheel drive system<ref name=ETKA/> (see [[#Features|standard features list]]).<ref name=AudiV8.com_overview>{{cite web|title=Der Audi V8 (''The Audi V8'')|url=http://www.audiv8.com/german/technology/about.html|language=de|work=AudiV8.com|access-date=25 September 2012}}</ref> The Audi V8 created a new elevated image for the company, providing a viable alternative to established competitors such as [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[BMW]].<ref name=AudiV8.com_overview/> In this regard, the car was a cornerstone in developing the history of the Audi marque as it is today.<ref name=AudiV8.com_overview/>

[[List of Volkswagen Group factories|Factory]] production commenced in October 1988, and ceased in November 1993,<ref name=ETKA>{{cite web|url=https://www.etkainfo.com/myetkainfo/init.do?lang=en |title=VW Group Official Parts Catalogue |language=de |publisher=Etkainfo.com |access-date=25 September 2012}}</ref> although sales of completed vehicles continued in 1994. It was replaced by the [[Audi A8]] in 1994.<ref name=Motor-Klassik>{{cite web|url=http://www.motor-klassik.de/audi-audi-v8-d11_4c--1214573.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130106041251/http://www.motor-klassik.de/audi-audi-v8-d11_4c--1214573.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 January 2013 |title=Audi V8 (D11/4C) – Technische Daten |publisher=Motor Presse Netzwerk |work=Motor Klassik |language=de |access-date=25 September 2012 }}</ref><ref name=TopCarGuide3.6>{{cite web|title=Audi V8 3.6 (1988–1994) |url=http://www.topcarguide.com/modification/1421/36 |work=TopCarGuide.com |access-date=25 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327154538/http://www.topcarguide.com/modification/1421/36 |archive-date=27 March 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Audi V8 1998 – 1994|url=http://www.autoevolution.com/cars/audi-v8-1988.html|work=AutoEvolution|access-date=25 September 2012}}</ref>

==Body style==
The Audi V8 used an enlarged version of the bodyshell from the ''Typ'' 44 [[Audi 100|Audi 100 and 200]] models,<ref name=ETKA/><ref name=AudiStory.com>{{cite web|title=The luxury class – The V8 |url=http://www.audistory.24max.de/old1/html/ed1.htm |work=AudiStory.24max.de |year=2000–2001 |access-date=25 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502182756/http://www.audistory.24max.de/old1/html/ed1.htm |archive-date=2 May 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref> and was based on a stretched version of their [[Volkswagen Group C platform#C3|Volkswagen Group C3]] [[automobile platform]], known either as the [[Volkswagen Group D platform#D1|D1 or D11]]<ref name=Motor-Klassik/><ref name=AudiStory.com/> platform. The Audi V8 differed from the Audi 100/200 with a unique [[Grille (car)|grille]] attached to the hood, new [[bumper (automobile)|bumpers]] and headlights, all-red tail lamps, 12 mm extended [[wheelbase]], wider track, pronounced [[fender (vehicle)|fenders]], and more wood trim in the interior.  Furthermore, only alloy wheels were offered, ranging from 15 to 17 inches.<ref name=AudiStory.com/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.audifans.com/kb/V8_(model) |title=V8 (model) – Knowledgebase |publisher=Audifans.com |access-date=25 September 2012 |archive-date=11 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090511192208/http://www.audifans.com/kb/V8_%28model%29 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In addition to the standard-length model, there was also a long [[wheelbase]] (LWB), ('Lang' in German) version of the V8 (refer to the infobox for differences in dimensions). It was assembled at [[Steyr-Daimler-Puch]] factory in [[Graz]] (see [[#Production figures|production figures]]).  This tradition would continue with the A8, offered in "A8L" format<ref name=AudiStory.com/> (though only in year 2010 A8L reached the size of the V8L).

A once-off experimental Avant (estate) version was built for the wife of former Audi CEO [[Ferdinand Piech]].  This car is no longer on display at the Audi Forum Ingolstadt, but in storage in Neckarsulm.
<ref name=AudiStory.com/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.traumautoarchiv.de/html/4259.html|title=Audi V8 Avant|language=de|date=21 November 2009|access-date=25 September 2012}}</ref>

==Powertrain==
[[Powertrain]]<ref name=ETKA/> detail of the Audi V8 featured one of two all-new, all-[[aluminium alloy]] [[internal combustion engine|engines]] – both [[petrol engine]]s, and both in V8 configuration with [[multi-valve|32 valves]] (four [[Intake valve|valves]] per [[cylinder (engine)|cylinder]]) with dual valve [[spring (device)|springs]], and four [[overhead camshaft]]s (DOHC).<ref name=AudiV8.com>{{cite web|title=Der Motor (''The Engine'')|url=http://www.audiv8.com/german/technology/motor.html|language=de|work=AudiV8.com|date=1 November 2008|access-date=25 September 2012}}</ref> The design set the pattern for future Audi-developed [[Volkswagen Group]] [[V8 engine]]s. In addition to using an all-aluminum alloy [[cylinder block]] (when the established material was [[gray iron|grey]] [[cast iron]]), the [[camshaft]]s were driven using a hybrid method. A [[synthetic rubber|rubber]]/[[kevlar]] toothed [[timing belt (camshaft)|timing belt]], driven from the front of the [[crankshaft]] operated only the exhaust camshaft in each bank.  The inlet camshafts were then operated via a [[simplex]] [[roller chain]] from the exhaust camshaft – the right bank, (cylinders 1–4) at the rear of the engine, and the left bank (cylinders 5–8) at the front of the engine, immediately behind the timing belt. This method reduced the complexity of the timing belt layout, and as a result, required fewer components, such as idler rollers and guides, and led to easier and less costly maintenance of the timing belt and associated components.  The intervals for changing the timing belts varied; the 3.6&nbsp;V8 ([[list of discontinued Volkswagen Group petrol engines#3.6V8|PT]]) required changing every {{convert|90000|km|-4}},<ref name=AudiV8.com/> whereas the 4.2&nbsp;V8 ([[list of discontinued Volkswagen Group petrol engines#ABH|ABH]]) had a longer interval at {{convert|120000|km|-3}}.<ref name=AudiV8.com/> A [[thermostat]]ically controlled electric [[fan (mechanical)|cooling fan]] also became standard, replacing the engine-driven [[viscous]] [[fan clutch|fans]] on earlier cars.  This not only provided forced airflow for the engine [[coolant]] [[radiator]], but also for the smaller [[motor oil|engine oil]] cooler.<ref name="audifans.com"/>

Audi's 'trademark' [[quattro (four wheel drive system)|quattro]] permanent (or semi-permanent, dependent on gearbox type) [[four-wheel drive]] system was the only offering for the drivetrain.<ref name=AudiV8.com_trans/> This normally distributes the engine torque as a 'default' 50:50 between front and rear axles, but can automatically dynamically apportion up to a bias of 20:80 to 80:20 front and rear.<ref name=AudiV8.com_trans/> The automatic transmission utilizes a hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch to apportion drive between front and rear axles,<ref name=AudiV8.com_trans/><ref name=AudiStory.com/> whereas the manual transmission variants utilize a [[Torsen]] type 1 Torque Sensing center [[differential (mechanical device)|differential]].<ref name=AudiV8.com_trans/> The rear axle final drive unit contains a Torsen type 1 Torque Sensing differential, instead of the more common hypoid open differential.<ref name=AudiV8.com_trans/><ref name=AudiStory.com/>

===Engines===
[[File:V8Quattro.JPG|thumb|1993 Audi V8 4.2 (US) with chrome 'V8' badge]]
Both available engines used a [[Robert Bosch GmbH|Bosch]] [[Motronic]]<ref name=TopCarGuide3.6/><ref name=AudiV8.com/><ref name=TopCarGuide4.2>{{cite web|title=Audi V8 4.2 (1991–1993) |url=http://www.topcarguide.com/modification/1422/42 |work=TopCarGuide.com |access-date=25 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327154543/http://www.topcarguide.com/modification/1422/42 |archive-date=27 March 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref> fully electronic [[engine control unit]] (ECU), with cylinder bank selective [[engine knocking|knock]] control,<ref name=AudiV8.com/> dual-barrel throttle valve, [[lambda]] mixture control via intake air volume metering and exhaust gas temperature sensor, and required [[gasoline|unleaded petrol]]. Fuel was delivered to the [[combustion chamber]]s via eight [[intake manifold]]-sited electronic [[fuel injection|fuel injectors]], fed from two [[common rail|common fuel rails]] (one per cylinder bank), and were sequentially 'fired' or activated in accordance with the engine's [[firing order]].  Whilst the 3.6&nbsp;V8 was able to use 95&nbsp;[[octane rating#RON|RON]] (91&nbsp;[[octane rating#AKI|AKI]]) fuel, for the 4.2&nbsp;V8, the more expensive 98&nbsp;RON (93&nbsp;AKI) 'SuperPlus' unleaded was required in order to achieve the quoted power output.<ref name=AudiV8.com/> The usage of 95&nbsp;RON in the 4.2&nbsp;V8 resulted in a lower power output, as well as increased fuel consumption.<ref name=AudiV8.com/>

At the initial launch of the Audi V8, the only offering was the 3.6-litre powerplant, which displaced {{convert|3562|cc|1|lk=on}}.<ref name=Motor-Klassik/><ref name=TopCarGuide3.6/> This [[V8 engine]] was derived from the 1.8 16V engine from the Golf GTI.{{Citation needed|reason=Huge if true|date=November 2024}} It was [[Deutsches Institut für Normung|DIN]]-rated with a maximum motive [[power (physics)|power]] output of {{convert|184|kW|PS bhp|0|lk=on}}<ref name=ETKA/> at 5,800&nbsp;[[revolutions per minute]] (rpm),<ref name=Motor-Klassik/> and generated a [[torque]] turning force of {{convert|340|Nm|0|lk=on}} at 4,000&nbsp;rpm.<ref name=TopCarGuide3.6/> In August 1991, Audi introduced a 4.2-litre engine, displacing {{convert|4172|cc|1}},<ref name=TopCarGuide4.2/> to complement the choice of the existing 3.6-litre V8. This shared many components from the 3.6&nbsp;V8, and the 4.2 unit was identical to the optional V8 used in the [[Audi S4#C4|Audi S4]] (aka ''Ur-S4''), sharing the same rated outputs and [[list of discontinued Volkswagen Group petrol engines#ABH|ABH]] identification code. Like the 3.6&nbsp;V8 model, the existing four-speed automatic gearbox remained available. However, a new six-speed manual gearbox replaced the five-speed manual.<ref name=ETKA/> This powerplant is identified by chrome 'V8' badges on the front [[Grille (car)|grille]] and at trunk lid, where in some cars also '4.2 quattro' badge is present.<ref>[[:File:V8Quattro.JPG|Image of 4.2 V8 Audi]]. Retrieved 25 September 2012.</ref>

====Details and performance====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width=100%;"
|-
![[List of Volkswagen Group engines|Engine]] (code)<br /><ref name=ETKA/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/others4/82v8/82v8.html |title=Hot cars |publisher=Lov2xlr8.no |access-date=25 September 2012}}</ref>!![[Engine displacement|Displacement]], [[Engine configuration|Type]]<br />[[Valvetrain]]!![[Fuel]] grade!!Max. Motive [[Power (physics)|Power]]<br />at [[Revolutions per minute|rpm]] ([[Deutsches Institut für Normung|DIN]] 80/1269/EWG)<br /><ref name=AudiV8.com/>!!Max. [[torque]]<br />at rpm!![[Transmission (mechanics)|Transmissions]]!!0-{{convert|100|km/h|0|abbr=on}}!!Top speed!!Dates
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|'''3.6&nbsp;V8''' ([[list of discontinued Volkswagen Group petrol engines#3.6V8|PT]])||3,562&nbsp;cc [[V8 engine]]<br />[[multi-valve|32]]&nbsp;[[Intake valve|valve]] [[Double overhead camshaft|DOHC]]||95&nbsp;[[octane rating#RON|RON]] (91&nbsp;[[octane rating#AKI|AKI]])<br />[[gasoline|unleaded petrol]]||{{convert|184|kW|PS bhp|0|abbr=on|lk=on}}<br />@ 5,800||{{convert|340|Nm|0|abbr=on|lk=on}}<br />@ 4,000<ref name=TopCarGuide3.6/>||4-sp [[ZF Friedrichshafen|ZF]] [[ZF 4HP24 transmission#4HP24A|4HP24A]] [[automatic transmission|auto]]<br />5-sp manual||9.9&nbsp;[[second|secs]]‡<ref name=Motor-Klassik/><br />7.6&nbsp;secs*<ref name=TopCarGuide3.6/><ref name=AudiV8.com/>||<br />{{convert|232|km/h|1|abbr=on}}‡<ref name=Motor-Klassik/><br />{{convert|244|km/h|1|abbr=on}}*<ref name=TopCarGuide3.6/><ref name=AudiV8.com/>||10/88<br />÷<br />11/93
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|'''4.2&nbsp;V8''' ([[list of discontinued Volkswagen Group petrol engines#ABH|ABH]])||4,172&nbsp;cc V8 engine<br />32&nbsp;valve DOHC||98&nbsp;RON (93&nbsp;AKI)<br />unleaded petrol||{{convert|206|kW|PS bhp|0|abbr=on}}<br />@ 5,800||{{convert|400|Nm|0|abbr=on}}<br />@ 4,000<ref name=TopCarGuide4.2/>||4-sp ZF 4HP24A auto<br />6-sp manual||7.7&nbsp;secs‡<ref name=AudiV8.com/><ref name=TopCarGuide4.2/><br />6.8&nbsp;secs*<ref name=AudiV8.com/><ref name=TopCarGuide4.2/>||{{convert|250|km/h|1|abbr=on}}<ref name=AudiV8.com/>||08/91<br />÷<br />11/93
|-
|colspan=9|‡ = ''with automatic transmission''&nbsp; &nbsp;* = ''with manual transmission''
|}

===Transmissions===
A choice of [[transmission (mechanics)|transmissions]] were offered.<ref name=ETKA/> A [[ZF Friedrichshafen]]-sourced four-speed [[ZF 4HP24 transmission#4HP24A|4HP24A]] [[automatic transmission]] with a [[torque converter]] was available throughout the V8 production run. Automatic transmission has three modes: "S" – Sport; "E" – Economic and "M" – Manual operation. St mode changes gears at higher rpms than E; M allows the driver to select gears using the lever.<ref name="Owners manual">{{cite book|title=Audi V8 quattro Owner's Manual: 1991|publisher=Audi AG|isbn=978-0-8376-1001-6|url=http://www.bentleypublishers.com/audi/owners-manuals/audi-v8-quattro-1991-om.html|access-date=25 September 2012}}</ref> There were also two [[manual transmission]] offerings – for the 3.6: a five-speed manual [[gearbox]], or later for the 4.2, a six-speed manual. Both manual transmission variants used a {{convert|240|mm|1|adj=on}} single-plate [[clutch]].<ref name="Owners manual" />

====Details====
The details of Audi V8 transmission are shown in the table below:<ref name=ETKA/>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width=100%;"
|-
!rowspan=2|[[Transmission (mechanics)|Transmission type]]<br />!!colspan=2|Identification!!colspan=8|[[Gear ratio]]s
|-
!Parts<br />code!!ID<br />codes!!1st!!2nd!!3rd!!4th!!5th!!6th!!Reverse!!Final drive
|-
|4-speed [[Automatic transmission|Automatic]]||018||AKD, AYU, AZG||2.480||1.480||1.000||0.728||—||—||2.086||4.111
|-
|5-speed [[Manual transmission|Manual]]||016||AWW||3.500||1.889||1.231||0.903||0.730||—||2.200||4.111
|-
|6-speed manual||01E||CBM,<br />CBN||3.500||1.889||1.320||1.034||0.857 (CBM),<br />0.806 (CBN)||0.730 (CBM),<br />0.684 (CBN)||2.750||4.111
|}

==Steering, brakes, wheels==
The Audi V8 came equipped with rack and pinion [[power steering|power assisted steering]] (PAS) as standard. An electronically controlled variable assisted 'servotronic' version was also available.<ref name=ETKA/> It was fitted with a high-performance [[brake]] system,<ref name=ETKA/> which included radially ventilated [[disc brake]]s front and rear.  The fronts were rather unusual – designed by [[Continental AG]] and sized at {{convert|310|mm|1}} in diameter by {{convert|25|mm|2}} thick, but the caliper was mounted inside the disc.<ref name=AudiV8.com_brakes>{{cite web|title=Die innenumgriffene Scheibenbremse (UFO) (''The 'inside to attack' disc brakes (UFO)'')|url=http://www.audiv8.com/german/technology/bremsen.html|language=de|work=AudiV8.com|date=26 March 2003|access-date=25 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Crikey! Look at these brake discs? (with image) |url=http://www.tyresmoke.net/forum/audi-chat/101408-crikey-look-these-brake-discs.html |work=tyresmoke.net |date=24 October 2007 |access-date=25 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226191113/http://www.tyresmoke.net/forum/audi-chat/101408-crikey-look-these-brake-discs.html |archive-date=26 February 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref> The fronts also incorporated electronic brake pad wear sensors.  The rears were {{convert|269|mm|1}} by {{convert|20|mm|2}}, and incorporated a cable-operated parking brake.  A [[Robert Bosch GmbH|Bosch]] [[anti-lock braking system]] (ABS) was also standard.<ref>{{cite web|title=Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) G-Force Sensor Modules|url=http://www.switchout.ca/educational-materials/abs-sensors/index.aspx|work=Anti-lock Braking System|publisher=Switch Out|access-date=25 September 2012|archive-date=26 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130226062218/http://www.switchout.ca/educational-materials/abs-sensors/index.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Standard wheels were {{nowrap|7.5J x 15 H2 ET35}} 'aero' style light [[alloy wheel]]s fitted with 215/60&nbsp;R15 steel-belted radial [[tire|tyres]].  Optional multi-spoke [[BBS Kraftfahrzeugtechnik AG|BBS]]-sourced (with Audi centre-cap badge) alloy wheels were also available, in either {{nowrap|8.0J x 16}}, or {{nowrap|8.0J x 17}} sizes.<ref name=ETKA/>

==Features==
[[File:Audi V8 innen.JPG|thumb|Audi V8 interior]]
The Audi V8 came standard with a range of features, including a [[Bose Corporation|BOSE]] audio system with eight speakers, [[walnut]] wood trim, leather interior, and heated seats. Some available colors included pearl white, lago blue (teal), blue mica, tornado red and black. All [[paint]] finishes were pearlescent or metallic. The lists below details other standard and optional features.<ref name=ETKA/>

===Standard===
Standard features that came with the Audi V8.<ref name="audifans.com"/>
{{div col}}
* Anti-theft vehicle alarm system
* Drivers frontal [[airbag]] (from 1991, front passenger airbag)
* Three-point seatbelts front & rear
* [[Procon-ten]] safety system
* Child safety door locks
* First aid kit (built in armrest in the rear seats)
* Two-side galvanized bodywork
* [[Air conditioning|Automatic climate control system]]
* Electronic [[cruise control]]
* Dual power [[side mirror]]s with electrically heated defog
* Power windows with rear window disable
* Power central locking system
* Trip information computer (6 function)
* Auto check system with radio function display
* Expandable storage/ski sack
* Tinted glass
* Rear window defogger
* Interior lighting courtesy delay
* Illuminated vanity mirrors, trunk engine compartment, glovebox, lighters and ashtray
* Audi/[[Bose Corporation|Bose]] eight-speaker music system
* [[GSM]] cellular telephone with hands-free feature (built in armrest between front seats)
* Walnut wood trim, woven wool carpets
* Power front seats with 4-position driver memory
* Electrically heatable front & rear seats
* Aerodynamic [[halogen lamp|halogen]] [[headlamp]]s with wiper/washer system
* Front wipers with intermittent mode and heated windshield washer nozzles
* Front & rear fog lights
{{div col end}}

===Optional===
Optional features that were offered with the Audi V8.<ref name="audifans.com"/>
{{div col}}
* Electrically heated door lock cylinders
* Sports front seats with extendable thigh support
* Power operated rear window roller sunblind, with manual operated rear side window roller sunblinds
* [[Webasto]] fuel-burning cabin heater
{{div col end}}

==Motorsport==
[[File:FoS20162016 0624 174522AA (27851603876).jpg|thumb|left|Audi V8 DTM]]
Audi developed a [[Group A]] competition version of the Audi V8 for entry into the [[Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft]] (DTM) (German Touring Car Championship) [[auto racing]] series equipped with a {{convert|309|kW|PS bhp|0|abbr=on|lk=on}}, later {{convert|340|kW|PS bhp|0|abbr=on|lk=on}}, 3.6 V8 engine and 6-speed manual transmission, and began racing with it in [[1990 Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft season|1990]] with Schmidt MotorSport (SMS) running the operation, and [[Hans-Joachim Stuck]], [[Walter Röhrl]] and [[Frank Jelinski]] driving.<ref name="DTM90">{{cite web|title=The DTM season 1990 |url=http://www.dtm.com/de/Historie/DTM-Saison-1990/index.html |work=DTM |access-date=25 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030090357/http://www.dtm.com/de/Historie/DTM-Saison-1990/index.html |archive-date=30 October 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name=Book3>{{cite book|title=Car: The Definitive Visual History of the Automobile|year=2011|publisher=Penguin|isbn=978-0-7566-8938-4|pages=252–3|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2dRqgSuHAjgC&q=Audi+V8+DTM}}</ref> In the 1990 DTM season all of the three teams claimed together the entire podium (1st, 2nd and 3rd places) at [[Hockenheimring]] race.<ref>{{cite book|last=Wagstaff|first=Ian|title=Audi R8|year=2011|publisher=Veloce Publishing Ltd|isbn=978-1-84584-327-4|pages=9|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7HL1GXqBPboC&q=Audi+V8+at+DTM+1990+season}}</ref> Stuck won the title, and the following year, Audi added a second team to the mix, Audi Zentrum Reutlingen (AZR). SMS continued with Stuck and Jelinski, while AZR raced with [[Frank Biela]] and [[Hubert Haupt]]. Biela gave Audi another crown in [[1991 Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft season|1991]], but was unable to defend the title in [[1992 Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft season|1992]].<ref name="DTM91">{{cite web|title=The DTM season 1991 |url=http://www.dtm.com/de/Historie/DTM-Saison-1991/index.html |work=DTM |access-date=25 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030090402/http://www.dtm.com/de/Historie/DTM-Saison-1991/index.html |archive-date=30 October 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name=Book3 /><ref name="audiworld.com">{{cite web|title=DTM history at the Audi museum mobile|date=9 August 2012 |url=http://www.audiworld.com/news/12/dtm-mobile/|publisher=AudiWorld|access-date=25 September 2012}}</ref>

For the [[1992 Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft season|1992 season]], Audi had changed their [[internal combustion engine|engines]] to use a 180° flatplane [[V8 engine#Design|crankshaft]], which they said had been re-[[Drop forging|forged]] and bent from the original 90° [[crossplane]] part as used in production model. The DTM organisers found this highly modified crankshaft deviated from original [[homologation|homologated]] standard crankshaft, and therefore deemed it illegal. Audi subsequently withdrew from the championship.<ref name="audiworld.com" />

During its presence at DTM the Audi V8 competed with much smaller and about {{Convert|300|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} lighter [[Mercedes 190]], [[BMW E30|BMW M3]], and slightly smaller [[Opel Omega|Opel Omega 3000]]. None of those cars were equipped with V8 engines or 4-wheel drive.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mercedes 190 E 16v|url=http://www.mb190e16v.com/Templates/Mercedes_racing%20index.htm|work=Mercedes|access-date=25 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918022246/http://www.mb190e16v.com/Templates/Mercedes_racing%20index.htm|archive-date=18 September 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>{{Clear}}

== Sales ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Year
!Production
|-
|1988
|
|-
|1989
|6,918<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |title=Annual Report 1990 |url=https://www.volkswagen-group.com/en/publications/corporate/annual-report-1990-2308 |work=Volkswagen}}</ref>
|-
|1990
|4,816<ref name=":0" />
|-
|1991
|3,126<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |title=Annual Report 1992 |url=https://www.volkswagen-group.com/en/publications/corporate/annual-report-1992-2310 |work=Volkswagen}}</ref>
|-
|1992
|3,031<ref name=":1" />
|-
|1993
|1,439<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |title=Annual Report 1994 |url=https://www.volkswagen-group.com/en/publications/corporate/annual-report-1994-2312 |work=Volkswagen}}</ref>
|}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Audi V8}}
* [http://www.Audi.com Audi.com] – official corporate website
* [http://AudiV8.com AudiV8.com] {{in lang|de}} fanclub site with technical info
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100325112956/http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/1990-to-1994-audi-v8.htm North American ''Consumer Guide'' review with image gallery]
* Christoph Bauer: [https://www.dw.com/en/revolutionary-for-almost-30-years-audi-v8/av-40175959 DRIVE IT! – Revolutionary for almost 30 years: Audi V8], [[DW-TV]] 21 August 2017 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwS1KnJb6GA (YouTube)]
* {{imcdb vehicle|make=Audi|model=V8|Audi V8}}

{{Audi}}
{{Audi vehicles timeline (Europe)}}
{{Audi vehicles timeline (North America)}}

[[Category:Audi vehicles|V8]]
[[Category:All-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Full-size vehicles]]
[[Category:Flagship vehicles]]
[[Category:Luxury vehicles]]
[[Category:Sedans]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1988]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 1993]]
[[Category:1990s cars]]