Segment: Medium Premium
Production years: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
In the European car-market of the late 80s, the Audi brand tried to get ahead with its quattro all-wheel-drive system. For some vehicles, it went well, but they were looking for a piece of the big luxury segment where Mercedes-Benz and BMW were way ahead. So, they came up with this: the Audi V8.
Based on the Audi C3 platform, the new V8 sedan featured a different grille and bumpers as compared to its 100 or 200 predecessors, while benefiting from a larger wheelbase. Apart from the new 3.6L V8 engine, the Audi V8 was also equipped with all-wheel-drive and an optional 4-speed electronically-controlled automatic gearbox.
Inside the cabin, there was a combination of leather and wood that offered a nice look and a touch of luxury. The electrically adjustable front seats were welcomed by its customers, but the non-tilting steering wheel position was not.
Despite its new technologies involved, including automatic climate control, airbags, ABS and the quattro system, the car had a big flaw with the fuel consumption. Compared with its rivals, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-series, for the same performance, it uses more gasoline. Audi tried to compensate for that problem with a bigger 4.2-liter engine between 1990 and 1992. But still didn't work.
Unfortunately, despite its technological updates and smooth design lines, the V8 was not a success and, in 1994, it was axed from the production line. But it paved the way for the upcoming A8.
ENGINE SPECS - 3.6L quattro V8 4AT (250 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 3562 cm3 |
Power: | 184 KW @ 5800 RPM 250 HP @ 5800 RPM 247 BHP @ 5800 RPM |
Torque: | 251 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 340 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 21.1 gallons (79.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 146 mph (235 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 215/60 VR15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 191.9 in (4874 mm) |
Width: | 71.4 in (1814 mm) |
Height: | 55.9 in (1420 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.6/60.3 in (1,514/1,532 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.4 in (2703 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.1 cuFT (569 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3769.9 lbs (1710 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5092.7 lbs (2310 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 13.8 mpg US (17 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 26.4 mpg US (8.9 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 21.6 mpg US (10.9 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 3.6L quattro V8 5MT (250 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 3562 cm3 |
Power: | 184 KW @ 5800 RPM 250 HP @ 5800 RPM 247 BHP @ 5800 RPM |
Torque: | 251 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 340 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 21.1 gallons (79.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 152 mph (245 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.6 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 215/60 VR15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 191.9 in (4874 mm) |
Width: | 71.4 in (1814 mm) |
Height: | 55.9 in (1420 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.6/60.3 in (1,514/1,532 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.4 in (2703 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.1 cuFT (569 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3769.9 lbs (1710 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5092.7 lbs (2310 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 13.4 mpg US (17.6 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 27 mpg US (8.7 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 19.4 mpg US (12.1 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 288 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 4.2L quattro V8 6MT (280 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 4172 cm3 |
Power: | 206 KW @ 5800 RPM 280 HP @ 5800 RPM 276 BHP @ 5800 RPM |
Torque: | 295 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 400 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 21.1 gallons (79.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6.8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 215/60 VR16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 191.9 in (4874 mm) |
Width: | 71.4 in (1814 mm) |
Height: | 55.9 in (1420 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.6/60.3 in (1,514/1,532 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.4 in (2703 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 20.1 cuFT (569 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3780.9 lbs (1715 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5103.7 lbs (2315 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 13.2 mpg US (17.8 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 26.4 mpg US (8.9 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 18.8 mpg US (12.5 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 298 g/km |