Audi V8

Audi V8

1993 Audi V8 quattro (US)
Manufacturer	AUDI AG
Production	October 1988–November 1993
Assembly	Neckarsulm, Germany Tokyo, Japan (AMA)
Successor	Audi A8
Class	Full-size luxury car
Body style	4-door saloon (sedan)
Layout	longitudinal front engine, quattro permanent four-wheel drive
Platform	Volkswagen Group D1 (aka D11)
Engine	3.6 L PT V8 4.2 L ABH V8
Transmission	4-speed ZF 4HP24A automatic 5-speed manual (3.6 V8) 6-speed manual (4.2 V8)
Wheelbase	2,702 mm (106.4 in) 3,020 mm (118.9 in) (LWB)
Length	4,861 mm (191.4 in) 5,190 mm (204.3 in) (LWB)
Width	1,814 mm (71.4 in)
Height	1,420 mm (55.9 in)
Curb weight	1,712 kg (3,774 lb) 1,785 kg (3,935 lb) (LWB)

1993 Audi V8 quattro (US)

The Audi V8 (Typ 4C) is a large luxury four-door, five-seat saloon (sedan), built by Audi AG at its Neckarsulm plant in Germany from October 1988 to November 1993, as the company's range-topping flagship model. It was the first car from the Audi marque to use its namesake engine configuration - a V8 engine, and first Audi car to combine quattro system with an automatic transmission.

Factory production commenced in October 1988, and ceased in November 1993,although sales of completed vehicles continued in 1994.

The Audi V8 was replaced by the Audi A8 in 1994, although the A8 would not be sold in North America until the 1997 model year.

Overview

Standard features for the Audi V8 included a 32 valve, twin double overhead camshaft(2xDOHC) V8 engine and a four-speed electronically controlled ZF 4HP24A automatic transmission providing Audi's quattro permanent four-wheel drive system. A five-speed (later in production six-speed) manual transmission was also available.

Notable is also that Audi V8 had 2 sides galvanised body, with 10 year anti-perforation warranty (against corrosion).

The Audi V8 was specifically designed to be a top of the range 'flagship' car, having as standard what is traditionally treated as an optional features like leather seating, and Audi's famous quattro 4wd (see standard features list). However, this was reversed with the introduction of Audi D2 A8, where the base model was equipped with the V6 engine providing much smaller power, front-wheel drive, also diesel engines were introduced, quattro as well as any luxury amenities like leather seats became paid options.

The Audi V8 created a new 'elevated' image for its company, Audi AG,providing a credible alternative to the then established competitors. In that matter, this car was a real cornerstone in developing the history of the Audi marque as we know today.

Today, the Audi V8 has a cult following in many countries, and many examples are in the hands of enthusiasts who appreciate the quality and performance offered by what has turned out to be a durable and well-built car.

Body style

The car body style of the Audi V8 resembled the Typ 44 Audi 100 and 200 models, and was based on a stretched version of the Volkswagen Group C3 automobile platform, known either as the D1 or D11 platform. The Audi V8 differed from the Audi 100/200 in having a unique grille attached to the hood, bumpers, headlights, all-red rear lights, extended wheelbase, wider track, pronounced fenders, and completely different interior, and in that only alloy wheels were offered, at 15-inch, 16" or 17" size.

The North American version differs from versions for other markets in that red plastic in taillights is extended, because of the smaller size of licence plate. Headlights are different too; in markets excluding USA and Canada they are made of glass bended around car corners, where in the US and Canada version the pieces at corners are made of plastic and they are accommodating position lights.

In addition to the standard-length model, there was also a long wheelbase (LWB), ('Lang' in German) version of the standard V8 model (refer to the infobox for differences in dimensions). It was assembled at Steyr-Daimler-Puch factory in Graz (see production figures).

A one-off experimental Avant (estate) version was built for the wife of former Audi CEO Ferdinand Piech. This could be seen at the Audi Forum museum at Ingolstadt in Germany.

Powertrain

Powertrain detail of the Audi V8 ultimately featured one of two all-new, all-aluminium alloy engines – both petrol engines, and both in V8 configuration with thirty two valves (four valves per cylinder) with dual valve springs, and four overhead camshafts (2xDOHC). These new designs would set the pattern for future Audi-developed Volkswagen Group V8 engine. As well as using an all-aluminium alloy for the cylinder block (when the established material was grey cast iron), the camshafts were driven using a hybrid method. A rubber/kevlar toothed timing belt, driven from the front of the crankshaft drives just one of the overhead camshafts per cylinder bank - the exhaust camshafts in eachcylinder head. The inlet camshafts are then driven via a simplex roller chain from the exhaust camshaft - the right bank, comprising 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 effectively reduced the complexity of the valve gear drive timing belt layout (known to be very complex on DOHC V engines), and as a result, required fewer components (idler rollers and guides) - leading to slightly easier (and therefore cheaper) maintenance of the timing belt and associated components. The actual intervals for changing the timing belts do vary - the 3.6 V8 (PT) requires changing every 90,000 kilometres (60,000 mi), whereas the 4.2 V8 (ABH) goes longer between intervals at 120,000 kilometres (75,000 mi).A thermostatically controlled electric cooling fan also became standard, replacing the engine-driven viscous fans on earlier cars. This not only provided forced airflow for the engine coolant radiator, but also for the smaller engine oil cooler too.

Audi's now proven 'trademark' quattro permanent (or semi-permanent, dependent on gearbox type) four-wheel drive system was the only offering for the driveline. 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. The automatic transmission utilises a hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch to apportion drive between front and rear axles, whereas the manual transmission variants utilise a Torsen type 1 Torque Sensing centre differential.

The rear axle final drive unit (parts code prefix: 017, identification codes: AFV, AXZ) contains a Torsen type 1 Torque Sensing differential, instead of the more common hypoid open differential. It remains the only production Audi with the much sought after third generation quattro system.

Engines

Both available engines use a Bosch Motronic fully electronic engine control unit (ECU), with cylinder bank selective knock control,dual-barrel throttle valve, lambda mixture control via intake air volume metering and exhaust gas temperature sensor, and require unleaded petrol. Fuel is delivered to the combustion chambers via eight intake manifold-sited electronic fuel injectors, fed from two common fuel rails(one per cylinder bank), and are sequentially 'fired' or activated in accordance with the engine firing order. It is important to note though - whilst the 3.6 V8 is able to use 95 RON (91 AKI) fuel, for the 4.2 V8, the more expensive 98 RON (93 AKI) 'SuperPlus' unleaded is required in order to achieve the quoted power outputs. The use of 95 RON in the 4.2 V8 will result in a lower power output, as well as increased fuel consumption.

3.6

From initial launch of the Audi V8, the only offering was the 3.6 litre powerplant which displaced 3,562 cubic centimetres (217.4 cu in).This V8 engine was DIN-rated with a maximum motive power output of 184 kilowatts (250 PS; 247 bhp) at 5,800 revolutions per minute(rpm),and generated a torque turning force of 340 newton metres (251 ft·lbf) at 4,000 rpm. 3.6 cars have no 'V8' badges, or 3.6 emblems.

4.2

In August 1991, Audi introduced a 4.2 litre engine, displacing 4,172 cubic centimetres (254.6 cu in), to complement the choice of the existing 3.6 litre V8. This shared many components from the 3.6 V8, and this 4.2 unit was identical to the V8 used in the Audi C4 S4 (aka Ur-S4), sharing the same rated outputs and ABH identification code. Like the 3.6 V8 model, the existing four-speed automatic gearbox remained available. However, a new six-speed manual gearbox replaced five speed manual. This powerplant is identified by chrome 'V8' badges on the front grille and at trunk lid, where in some cars also '4.2 quattro' badge is present. Note the Audi V8 never had the quattro rectangular emblem on grille as opposed to the later Audi cars.

Details and performance

engine(code)	displacement,type valvetrain	fuelgrade	max. motivepower at rpm (DIN80/1269/EWG)	max.torque at rpm	transmissions	0-100 km/h (62.1 mph)	top speed	dates
3.6 V8(PT)	3,562 cc V8 engine 32 valve2xDOHC	95 RON(91 AKI) unleaded petrol	184 kW (250 PS; 247 bhp) @ 5,800	340 N·m(251 ft·lbf) @ 4,000	4-sp ZF 4HP24Aauto 5-sp manual	9.9 secs‡ 7.6 secs*	232 km/h (144.2 mph)‡ 244 km/h (151.6 mph)*	10/88 ÷ 11/93
4.2 V8(ABH)	4,172 cc V8 engine 32 valve 2xDOHC	98 RON (93 AKI) unleaded petrol	206 kW (280 PS; 276 bhp) @ 5,800	400 N·m (295 ft·lbf) @ 4,000	4-sp ZF 4HP24A auto 6-sp manual	7.7 secs‡ 6.8 secs*	250 km/h (155.3 mph)	08/91 ÷ 11/93
‡ = with automatic transmission   * = with manual transmission

As opposed to its successor, Audi A8, the Audi V8 doesn't feature electronic speed limiter.

Transmissions

A choice of transmissions were offered.

Automatic

A ZF Friedrichshafen-sourced four-speed 4HP24A automatic transmission with a torque converter (parts code prefix: 018, identification codes: AKD, AYU, AZG) was available throughout the V8 production run. Automatic transmission has three modes: "S" - Sport; "E" - Economic and "M" - Manual operation. Sport mode is changing gears at higher rpm than Economic, Manual mode allows driver to choose gear using lever.

Manual

There were also two manual transmission offerings – for the 3.6: a five-speed manual gearbox (parts code prefix: 016, identification code: AWW), or later for the 4.2, a six-speed manual (parts code prefix: 01E, identification codes: CBM, CBN). Both manual transmission variants used a 240 millimetres (9.4 in) single-plate clutch.

Details

transmission type	identification		gear ratios
	parts code	ID codes	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th	reverse	final drive
4-speed automatic	018	AKD, AYU, AZG	2.480	1.480	1.000	0.728	—	—	2.086	4.111
5-speed manual	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

The Audi V8 came equipped with rack and pinion power assisted steering (PAS) as standard. An electronically controlled variable assisted 'servotronic' version was also available.

It was fitted with a high performance brake system, which included radially ventilated disc brakes front and rear. The fronts were rather unusual - designed by ATE and sized at 310 millimetres (12.2 in) in diameter by 25 millimetres (0.98 in) thick, but mounted the caliper inside the disc - and often coined the phrase "UFO brakes". 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. A Bosch Anti-lock Braking System(ABS) was also standard.

Standard roadwheels were 7.5J x 15 H2 ET35 'aero' style light alloy wheels shod with 215/60 R15 steel belted radial tyres. An optional multi-spoke BBS-sourced (with Audi centre-cap badge) alloy wheels were also available, in either 8.0J x 16, or 8.0J x 17 sizes. Ronal sourced wheels also were available in later years of production (Europe only).

Features

Audi V8 interior

The Audi V8 came standard with a range of usually optional features; including BOSE audio system with eight speakers, walnut wood trim, leather interior, also front and rear heated seats. The only paint finishes available were pearlescent or metallic. Some available colors included pearl white, lago blue (teal), blue mica, tornado red, black, amongst others. The lists below details other notable standard and optional features.

Standard

• anti-theft vehicle alarm system
• drivers frontal airbag (later added 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
• automatic two-zone climate control system
• dust and pollen filter for interior heating and ventilation
• electronic cruise control
• dual power side mirrors 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 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 headlamps with wiper/washer system
• front wipers with intermittent mode and heated windshield washer nozzles
• Front & rear fog lights

Optional

• 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

Production figures

model	built
V8 3.6	16,648
V8 4.2	4,645
V8 3.6 LWB	111
V8 4.2 LWB	160
Total	21,564

Motorsport

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 309 kW (420 PS; 414 bhp), later 340 kW (462 PS; 456 bhp), 3.6 V8 engine and 6-speed manual transmission, and began racing with it in 1990 with Schmidt MotorSport (SMS) running the operation, and Hans-Joachim Stuck, Walter Röhrl and Frank Jelinski driving. In the 1990 DTM season all off the three teams claimed together the entire podium (1st, 2nd and 3rd places) at Hockenheimring race. 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, but was unable to defend the title in 1992.

For the 1992 season, Audi had changed their engines to use a 180° flatplane crankshaft, which they said had been re-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 homologated standard crankshaft, and therefore deemed it illegal. Audi subsequently withdrew from the championship.

During its presence at DTM the Audi V8 competed with much smaller and about 300 kg (661 lb) lighter Mercedes 190, BMW M3, and slightly smaller Opel Omega 3000. None of those cars was equipped with a V8 engine or 4 wheel drive.

Interesting fact is that those DTM cars retained walnut wood trim on doors and dashboard. They are currently preserved and are exhibited in Audi Forum museums in Inglostadt and Neckarsulm, racing on occasion at special events.