Audi V8

The Audi V8 is a large luxury saloon/sedan built by Audi AG of Germany from 1988 to 1994 as the company's range-topping model, and was the first Audi to use its namesake engine configuration.

It was replaced by the Audi A8 in 1994, though the A8 would not be sold in North America until the 1997 model year.

History

Although the vehicle was based on VW/Audi's existing C3 platform (namely the 100/200 sedan), the V8 model featured standard quattro permanent four-wheel drive, and a 32 valve, DOHC V8 engine, with either a five-speed manual, six-speed manual, or four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, giving it the power and road-holding ability to match the V8 powered offerings from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The V8 closely resembled the 100 and 200 models, although a unique grille design and bumpers, extended wheelbase, pronounced wheel arches, all red rear lights and larger 16" or 17" wheels helped distinguish it. Much attention was lavished on the vehicle's new engine, although the V8 was also significant in that it was the first production Audi to combine the quattro system with an automatic transmission.