Audi V8

This prestige model was necessary so that Audi could position itself on a par with Mercedes-Benz and BMW in the market. How does Audi's early state-of-the-art technology look in today's eyes?

Audi before it became a luxury brand

I discovered the car in Skindergade, Copenhagen, outside one of the city's hairdressers. It is unusual to park here, but this was no ordinary car either. The owner was probably just stopping by to get his hair done. The Audi looked like an untouched used car, but wore its age well. It's not often you get to see an Audi V8 on the street.

In today's fleet, it does not appear as a flashy car. The straight, tight lines are associated with discreet elegance for bank directors and star lawyers who wanted the best without showing how rich they were. In the past, when the Audi brand was not as prestigious as it is today, the cars appealed to people who were above average interested in driving characteristics and technology. Although the Audis were expensive cars, they were not as much associated with status as they are today. People who wanted to flash wealth therefore chose other brands instead. This was one of the reasons why Audi chose to launch its own S-Class.

Audi's S-Class

Ever since the first Audi 100 cars hit the road, they were colloquially referred to as "Der kleine Mercedes" (before Mercedes-Benz launched its new 190 series). To catch up with prestigious brands such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, Audi needed both a model in the large car class and a V8 engine. The result was a car that surpassed the competition in several areas. Audi only offered one engine choice – the V8 with Quattro permanent four-wheel drive. Also worth mentioning were galvanized bodywork, automatic air conditioning, BOSE radio, integrated GSM telephone (!), leather interior and airbag – everything was standard. The model was called the Audi V8 and was to become the forerunner of the Audi A8. The V8 engine was to follow the brand both in racing and fast top models for several decades.

Audi's V8 venture

The V8 engine was developed from two 1,8 liter inline fours. The engine block was cast in aluminium, 3,6 liters with 32 valves, 4 overhead camshafts and Bosch Motronic injection. The output was 250 HP with a torque of 340 Nm. From model year 1991, the displacement was expanded to 4.2 liters and the output increased to 280 HP. The cars could be delivered with an automatic from ZF or manual gearboxes – 5-speed for the 3,6 and 6-speed for the 4.2.

The Audi V8 (44) was based on a lengthened version of the Audi 100 C3. When Audi launched a new Audi 100 C4, this model became the basis for an upgraded version of the Audi V8 (4C).

"4.2" became an engine size that would follow Audi's V8 engines for several decades. Initially as an engine alternative to the S4 and S6 models. It is perhaps these models that one primarily associates with Audi's early V8 engines. Today, Audi uses V8 engines developed by Porsche.

Not for ordinary people

The Audi V8 has never been an ordinary car anywhere, not even in Norway. I have no idea how many were sold as new here. Today there is at least one "Norwegian" car registered in Bergen in 1992 (SR 44144). All the other cars are second-hand imports. There are probably more Audi V8s in Norway today than when the cars were new. At the turn of the year, there were 27 cars, of which 7 had plates and were approved by the EU. Most were deregistered - hopefully only for winter storage or for renovation. The sad thing is that at least 20 cars have been delivered for scrapping in recent times.

Audi V8 technology

Although I am excited to see an Audi V8 in daily use, I would not recommend purchasing such a car for daily transportation. As a hobby car, however, it can be a good alternative. Prices are still quite low. In Europe, you can get good examples with service records and mileage under 200000 km for around 150000 kroner.

The engines can last a very long time if the service is followed. According to online user forums, typical faults are related to the injection system, oil leaks and overheating. The timing belt is replaced at 90000 km for the 3,6 engine and 120000 for the 4.2 engine.

The automatic transmissions from ZF are reliable (German quality) but dependent on oil/filter changes at prescribed intervals and normal driving patterns.

Faults in older ABS systems are unfortunately not uncommon, and can be expensive and complicated to fix. Unlike many 4WD systems, the Quattro system in the Audi V8 is not dependent on ABS, but ABS failure inexorably results in 2 faults on the EU inspection.

A whimsical specialty worth mentioning are the front brakes, which feature hidden brake calipers and UFO-shaped brake discs. The discs are surrounded by a UFO-like capsule. When you look through the aluminum rims, it looks like there is an old steel rim inside.

The Audi V8 was a hi-tech car for its time, but you can still do a lot yourself. My experience of screwing Audi (C4) with a large engine in a narrow engine compartment is that certain tasks can require a disproportionate amount of work, without being particularly complicated. The error codes on the Audi V8 can be read via a 2×2 connector above the footwell in the passenger seat. There is an adapter for the OBD-II connector, but I assume you need separate software for VW/Audi.

Finally mentions that Audi's galvanized bodies can be rust traps after damage. Pay attention to previous repairs.

Motorsport

In 1990 won Hans Joachim Stuck Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters with Audi V8 Quattro. Few expected the big Audi to catch up with the lighter BMWs. Stuck drove number 44 in both 1990 and 1991 in a car similar to the one in the picture below. In 1991 he drove to 3rd place. Stuck's car had 420 hp and a manual 6-speed gearbox without F1 gearing.

A vintage Audi?

The term "watch" is often used for early Audis. In that case, the Audi V8 could be called "ur-V8" or something like that. The Audi V8 is very anonymous – like a Swiss watch that only receives appreciative glances from connoisseurs. As a vintage car, it is an alternative to the Jaguar XJ6, Maserati Quattroporte and Mercedes-Benz W126. Audi's advantage is the driving characteristics. Large Audis are very well soundproofed where only the good sounds from the engine emerge during acceleration. The chassis provides a good balance between comfort and sportiness. Even after 30 years, an Audi with a self-aspirating V8 engine can bring out a smile.