Audi V8
| Audi V8 (4C) | |
|---|---|
 Audi V8 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Audi AG |
| Production | October 1988 – November 1993 |
| Assembly | Neckarsulm,Germany |
| Designer | Erwin Leo Himmel(1984) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-sizeluxury car |
| Body style | 4-doorsaloon(sedan) |
| Layout | Longitudinalfront engine Quattropermanentfour-wheel drive |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group D1 (aka D11) |
| Related | Audi 100/200 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.6 LPTV8 4.2 LABHV8 |
| Transmission | 4-speedZF4HP24Aautomatic 5-speedmanual(3.6 V8) 6-speed manual (4.2 V8) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | SWB:2,702 mm (106.4 in) LWB:3,020 mm (118.9 in) |
| Length | SWB:4,861 mm (191.4 in) LWB:5,190 mm (204.3 in) |
| Width | 1,814 mm (71.4 in) |
| Height | 1,420 mm (55.9 in) |
| Curb weight | 3.6:1,710kg(3,770lb) 4.2:1,810kg(3,990lb) (Quattro) LWB:1,770kg(3,900lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Audi A8 |
TheAudi V8(Typ4C) is a four-door,full-sizeluxurysedan,designed, manufactured and marketed byAudiin Germany from 1988 to 1993, as the company'sflagship.As the first car from Audi to use aV8 engine,also was the first Audi to combine aquattrosystem with anautomatic 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 theAudi A8in 1994, although the A8 was not marketed in North America until 1996.
The competition model of the Audi V8 won back-to-backDeutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaftdriver's titles in 1990 and 1991, with the championship winners beingHans-Joachim StuckandFrank Bielarespectively.[1][2]Audi was the first company to win back-to-back DTM titles.[2]
Overview
[edit]Standard features for the Audi V8 included a32-valve,double overhead camshaft(DOHC)V8 engine[3]and a four-speed electronically controlledZF4HP24Aautomatic transmissionproviding Audi'squattropermanentfour-wheel drivesystem.[4]A five-speed (later in production six-speed)manual transmissionwas also available.[5][6]
The Audi V8 had agalvanizedsteel body, with a 10-year anti-perforation warranty (againstcorrosion).[7]The Audi V8 was specifically designed to be a top of the range 'flagship' car and included a number of luxury features as standard equipment, includingleatherseating and Audi's quattro all wheel drive system[3](seestandard features list).[8]The Audi V8 created a new elevated image for the company, providing a viable alternative to established competitors such asMercedes-BenzandBMW.[8]In this regard, the car was a cornerstone in developing the history of the Audi marque as it is today.[8]
Factoryproduction commenced in October 1988, and ceased in November 1993,[3]although sales of completed vehicles continued in 1994. It was replaced by theAudi A8in 1994.[9][10][11]
Body style
[edit]The Audi V8 used an enlarged version of the bodyshell from theTyp44Audi 100 and 200models,[3][12]and was based on a stretched version of theirVolkswagen Group C3automobile platform,known either as theD1 or D11[9][12]platform. The Audi V8 differed from the Audi 100/200 with a uniquegrilleattached to the hood, newbumpersand headlights, all-red tail lamps, 12 mm extendedwheelbase,wider track, pronouncedfenders,and more wood trim in the interior. Furthermore, only alloy wheels were offered, ranging from 15 to 17 inches.[12][13]
In addition to the standard-length model, there was also a longwheelbase(LWB), ('Lang' in German) version of the V8 (refer to the infobox for differences in dimensions). It was assembled atSteyr-Daimler-Puchfactory inGraz(seeproduction figures). This tradition would continue with the A8, offered in "A8L" format[12](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 CEOFerdinand Piech.This car is no longer on display at the Audi Forum Ingolstadt, but in storage in Neckarsulm. [12][14]
Powertrain
[edit]Powertrain[3]detail of the Audi V8 featured one of two all-new, all-aluminium alloyengines– bothpetrol engines,and both in V8 configuration with32 valves(fourvalvespercylinder) with dual valvesprings,and fouroverhead camshafts(DOHC).[15]The design set the pattern for future Audi-developedVolkswagen GroupV8 engines.In addition to using an all-aluminum alloycylinder block(when the established material wasgreycast iron), thecamshaftswere driven using a hybrid method. Arubber/kevlartoothedtiming belt,driven from the front of thecrankshaftoperated only the exhaust camshaft in each bank. The inlet camshafts were then operated via asimplexroller chainfrom 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 V8 (PT) required changing every 90,000 kilometres (60,000 mi),[15]whereas the 4.2 V8 (ABH) had a longer interval at 120,000 kilometres (75,000 mi).[15]Athermostaticallycontrolled electriccooling fanalso became standard, replacing the engine-drivenviscousfanson earlier cars. This not only provided forced airflow for the enginecoolantradiator,but also for the smallerengine oilcooler.[7]
Audi's 'trademark'quattropermanent (or semi-permanent, dependent on gearbox type)four-wheel drivesystem was the only offering for the drivetrain.[4]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.[4]The automatic transmission utilizes a hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch to apportion drive between front and rear axles,[4][12]whereas the manual transmission variants utilize aTorsentype 1 Torque Sensing centerdifferential.[4]The rear axle final drive unit contains a Torsen type 1 Torque Sensing differential, instead of the more common hypoid open differential.[4][12]
Engines
[edit]
Both available engines used aBoschMotronic[10][15][16]fully electronicengine control unit(ECU), with cylinder bank selectiveknockcontrol,[15]dual-barrel throttle valve,lambdamixture control via intake air volume metering and exhaust gas temperature sensor, and requiredunleaded petrol.Fuel was delivered to thecombustion chambersvia eightintake manifold-sited electronicfuel injectors,fed from twocommon fuel rails(one per cylinder bank), and were sequentially 'fired' or activated in accordance with the engine'sfiring order.Whilst the 3.6 V8 was able to use 95RON(91AKI) fuel, for the 4.2 V8, the more expensive 98 RON (93 AKI) 'SuperPlus' unleaded was required in order to achieve the quoted power output.[15]The usage of 95 RON in the 4.2 V8 resulted in a lower power output, as well as increased fuel consumption.[15]
At the initial launch of the Audi V8, the only offering was the 3.6-litre powerplant, which displaced 3,562cubic centimetres(217.4cu in).[9][10]ThisV8 enginewas derived from the 1.8 16V engine from the Golf GTI. It wasDIN-rated with a maximum motivepoweroutput of 184kilowatts(250PS;247bhp)[3]at 5,800revolutions per minute(rpm),[9]and generated atorqueturning force of 340newton-metres(251lbf⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm.[10]In August 1991, Audi introduced a 4.2-litre engine, displacing 4,172 cubic centimetres (254.6 cu in),[16]to complement the choice of the existing 3.6-litre V8. This shared many components from the 3.6 V8, and the 4.2 unit was identical to the optional V8 used in theAudi S4(akaUr-S4), sharing the same rated outputs andABHidentification code. Like the 3.6 V8 model, the existing four-speed automatic gearbox remained available. However, a new six-speed manual gearbox replaced the five-speed manual.[3]This powerplant is identified by chrome 'V8' badges on the frontgrilleand at trunk lid, where in some cars also '4.2 quattro' badge is present.[17]
Details and performance
[edit]| Engine(code) [3][18] |
Displacement,Type Valvetrain |
Fuelgrade | Max. MotivePower atrpm(DIN80/1269/EWG) [15] |
Max.torque at rpm |
Transmissions | 0-100 km/h (62 mph) | Top speed | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6 V8(PT) | 3,562 ccV8 engine 32valveDOHC |
95RON(91AKI) unleaded petrol |
184kW(250PS;247bhp) @ 5,800 |
340N⋅m(251lbf⋅ft) @ 4,000[10] |
4-spZF4HP24Aauto 5-sp manual |
9.9secs‡[9] 7.6 secs*[10][15] |
232 km/h (144.2 mph)‡[9] 244 km/h (151.6 mph)*[10][15] |
10/88 ÷ 11/93 |
| 4.2 V8(ABH) | 4,172 cc V8 engine 32 valve DOHC |
98 RON (93 AKI) unleaded petrol |
206 kW (280 PS; 276 bhp) @ 5,800 |
400 N⋅m (295 lbf⋅ft) @ 4,000[16] |
4-sp ZF 4HP24A auto 6-sp manual |
7.7 secs‡[15][16] 6.8 secs*[15][16] |
250 km/h (155.3 mph)[15] | 08/91 ÷ 11/93 |
| ‡ =with automatic transmission* =with manual transmission | ||||||||
Transmissions
[edit]A choice oftransmissionswere offered.[3]AZF Friedrichshafen-sourced four-speed4HP24Aautomatic transmissionwith atorque converterwas 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.[19]There were also twomanual transmissionofferings – for the 3.6: a five-speed manualgearbox,or later for the 4.2, a six-speed manual. Both manual transmission variants used a 240-millimetre (9.4 in) single-plateclutch.[19]
Details
[edit]The details of Audi V8 transmission are shown in the table below:[3]
| Transmission type |
Identification | Gear ratios | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parts code |
ID codes |
1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | Reverse | Final drive | |
| 4-speedAutomatic | 018 | AKD, AYU, AZG | 2.480 | 1.480 | 1.000 | 0.728 | — | — | 2.086 | 4.111 |
| 5-speedManual | 016 | AWW | 3.500 | 1.889 | 1.231 | 0.903 | 0.730 | — | 2.200 | 4.111 |
| 6-speed manual | 01E | CBM, CBN |
3.500 | 1.889 | 1.320 | 1.034 | 0.857 (CBM), 0.806 (CBN) |
0.730 (CBM), 0.684 (CBN) |
2.750 | 4.111 |
Steering, brakes, wheels
[edit]The Audi V8 came equipped with rack and pinionpower assisted steering(PAS) as standard. An electronically controlled variable assisted 'servotronic' version was also available.[3]It was fitted with a high-performancebrakesystem,[3]which included radially ventilateddisc brakesfront and rear. The fronts were rather unusual – designed byContinental AGand sized at 310 millimetres (12.2 in) in diameter by 25 millimetres (0.98 in) thick, but the caliper was mounted inside the disc.[20][21]The fronts also incorporated electronic brake pad wear sensors. The rears were 269 millimetres (10.6 in) by 20 millimetres (0.79 in), and incorporated a cable-operated parking brake. ABoschanti-lock braking system(ABS) was also standard.[22]
Standard wheels were7.5J x 15 H2 ET35'aero' style lightalloy wheelsfitted with 215/60 R15 steel-belted radialtyres.Optional multi-spokeBBS-sourced (with Audi centre-cap badge) alloy wheels were also available, in either8.0J x 16,or8.0J x 17sizes.[3]
Features
[edit]
The Audi V8 came standard with a range of features, including aBOSEaudio system with eight speakers,walnutwood trim, leather interior, and heated seats. Some available colors included pearl white, lago blue (teal), blue mica, tornado red and black. Allpaintfinishes were pearlescent or metallic. The lists below details other standard and optional features.[3]
Standard
[edit]Standard features that came with the Audi V8.[7]
- Anti-theft vehicle alarm system
- Drivers frontalairbag(from 1991, front passenger airbag)
- Three-point seatbelts front & rear
- Procon-tensafety system
- Child safety door locks
- First aid kit (built in armrest in the rear seats)
- Two-side galvanized bodywork
- Automatic climate control system
- Electroniccruise control
- Dual powerside mirrorswith 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/Boseeight-speaker music system
- GSMcellular 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
- Aerodynamichalogenheadlampswith wiper/washer system
- Front wipers with intermittent mode and heated windshield washer nozzles
- Front & rear fog lights
Optional
[edit]Optional features that were offered with the Audi V8.[7]
- 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
- Webastofuel-burning cabin heater
Motorsport
[edit]
Audi developed aGroup Acompetition version of the Audi V8 for entry into theDeutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft(DTM) (German Touring Car Championship)auto racingseries equipped with a 309kW(420PS;414bhp), later 340kW(462PS;456bhp), 3.6 V8 engine and 6-speed manual transmission, and began racing with it in1990with Schmidt MotorSport (SMS) running the operation, andHans-Joachim Stuck,Walter RöhrlandFrank Jelinskidriving.[1][23]In the 1990 DTM season all of the three teams claimed together the entire podium (1st, 2nd and 3rd places) atHockenheimringrace.[24]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 withFrank BielaandHubert Haupt.Biela gave Audi another crown in1991,but was unable to defend the title in1992.[2][23][25]
For the1992 season,Audi had changed theirenginesto use a 180° flatplanecrankshaft,which they said had been re-forgedand bent from the original 90°crossplanepart as used in production model. The DTM organisers found this highly modified crankshaft deviated from originalhomologatedstandard crankshaft, and therefore deemed it illegal. Audi subsequently withdrew from the championship.[25]
During its presence at DTM the Audi V8 competed with much smaller and about 300 kg (661 lb) lighterMercedes 190,BMW M3,and slightly smallerOpel Omega 3000.None of those cars were equipped with V8 engines or 4-wheel drive.[26]
Sales
[edit]| Year | Production |
|---|---|
| 1988 | |
| 1989 | 6,918[27] |
| 1990 | 4,816[27] |
| 1991 | 3,126[28] |
| 1992 | 3,031[28] |
| 1993 | 1,439[29] |
References
[edit]- ^ab"The DTM season 1990".DTM.DTM. Archived fromthe originalon 30 October 2012.Retrieved25 September2012.
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- ^"Die innenumgriffene Scheibenbremse (UFO) (The 'inside to attack' disc brakes (UFO)) ".AudiV8.com(in German). 26 March 2003.Retrieved25 September2012.
- ^"Crikey! Look at these brake discs? (with image)".tyresmoke.net.24 October 2007. Archived fromthe originalon 26 February 2012.Retrieved25 September2012.
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- ^abCar: The Definitive Visual History of the Automobile.Penguin. 2011. pp. 252–3.ISBN978-0-7566-8938-4.
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External links
[edit]
- Audi.com– official corporate website
- AudiV8.com(in German)fanclub site with technical info
- North AmericanConsumer Guidereview with image gallery
- Christoph Bauer:DRIVE IT! – Revolutionary for almost 30 years: Audi V8,DW-TV21 August 2017(YouTube)
- Audi V8at theInternet Movie Cars Database
