Audi V8
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 1993 Audi V8 quattro (US) |
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| Manufacturer | Audi AG |
|---|---|
| Parent company | Volkswagen Group |
| Also called | Typ 4C |
| Production start | October 1988[1] |
| Production end | November 1993[1] |
| Assembly | Neckarsulm, Germany[1] |
| Successor | Audi A8 |
| Class | Full-size luxury car |
| Body style(s) | 4-dr saloon (sedan)[1] |
| Layout | longitudinal front engine, quattro permanent four-wheel drive |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group D1 platform |
| Engine(s) | 3.6 L V8 4OHC (PT: 10/88-11/93),[1] 4.2 L V8 4OHC (ABH: 08/91-11/93)[1] |
| Transmission(s) | 4-sp ZF 4HP24A automatic,[1] 5-sp manual (3.6 V8),[1] 6-sp manual (4.2 V8)[1] |
| Wheelbase | 2,702 mm (106.4 in) |
| 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) |
| Kerb weight | 1,712 kg (3,774 lb) |
| Fuel capacity | 80 L (17.6 imp gal; 21.1 US gal) |
The Audi V8 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,[1] 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.
It was replaced by the Audi A8 in 1994, though the A8 would not be sold in North America until the 1997 model year.
Contents |
[edit] Overview
The Audi V8 car featured as standard Audi's 'trademark' quattro permanent four-wheel drive system,[2] and a 32 valve, twin double overhead camshaft (2xDOHC) V8 engine,[1] with options of a five-speed manual, six-speed manual, or four-speed electronically controlled ZF 4HP24A automatic transmissions,[1] giving it the power and performance abilities to match the then comparable V8-powered offerings from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
The Audi V8 was never a huge sales success despite the obvious qualities of the car. From October 1988 to November 1993, approximately 21,000 Audi V8's were produced.[citation needed] The range-topping Audi V8 was released at about the same time as the original Lexus LS400, and in many respects, the Audi was a superior product both to the Lexus, and its German competitors such as the Mercedes S-Class (Mercedes-Benz W126), the BMW 7 Series (BMW E32), and the British Jaguar XJ-series (Jaguar XJ Mark 2, XJ40).[citation needed] The Audi V8 was the only car in its class to offer four-wheel drive,[1] and a fully galvanised body as standard.
The Audi V8 was specifically designed to be a top of the range 'flagship' car, having what was then optional features like leather seating, and Audi's famous quattro 4wd[1] - as standard. However, this was reversed with the current Audi A8, where the base model is equipped with front-wheel drive, diesel engine - and the leather is an option!
The Audi V8 created a new 'elevated' image for its company, Audi AG, because customers and the motoring industry as a whole were now viewing Audi as a true manufacturer of prestigious luxury cars, 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 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.
[edit] Body style
The car body style of the Audi V8 resembled the Typ 44 Audi 100 and 200 models,[1] and was based on a stretched version of the Volkswagen Group C3 automobile platform, known either as the D1 or D11[3] platform. The V8 differed from the Audi 100/200 in having a unique grille design, V8 badges front and rear (chrome coloured for the 3.6, and red for the 4.2), unique bumpers, extended wheelbase, pronounced wheel arches, all-red rear lights, and larger 16" or 17" roadwheels. Much attention was lavished on the vehicle's new internal combustion engine, namely a V8 engine, although the Audi V8 was also significant in that it was the first production Audi road car to combine the quattro 4WD system with an automatic transmission.
There was also long wheelbase (LWB) version which was 30 centimetres (12 in) longer than the standard V8 model, it was assembled at Steyr-Daimler-Puch factory in Graz. Approximately 300 long-wheelbase vehicles were produced.[clarification needed (where was this info sourced?)]
[edit] Powertrain
Powertrain[1] detail of the Audi V8 eventually featured one of two all-new, all-aluminium alloy internal combustion engines - both petrol engines, and both V8s with thirty two valves (four valves per cylinder) with dual valve springs, and four overhead camshafts (4OHC).[4] These new designs would set the pattern for future Volkswagen Group V8 engines. 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 hybrid methods. A rubber/kevlar toothed timing belt, driven from the front of the crankshaft drives just one of the overhead camshafts - the exhaust camshafts in each cylinder 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 (cyls 5-8) at the front of the engine, immediately behind the timng belt. This method effectively reduced the complexity of the valve gear drive timing belt layout (known to be very complex on V engines), and as a result, required less 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 km (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.
Both engines use a Bosch Motronic 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 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 fuel, for the 4.2 V8, the more expensive 98 RON 'SuperPlus' unleaded is required in order to make 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.
A choice of transmissions were offered - either a five-speed manual gearbox (parts code prefix: 016, identification code: AWW) (gear ratios- 1st: 3.500, 2nd: 1.889, 3rd: 1.231, 4th: 0.903, 5th: 0.730) with a 240 millimetres (9.4 in) single-plate clutch, or a ZF Friedrichshafen-sourced four-speed 4HP24A automatic transmission with a torque converter (parts code prefix: 018, identification codes: AKD, AYU, AZG).
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. The rear axle final drive unit (parts code prefix: 017, identification codes: AFV, AXZ) contains a Torsen Automatic Torque Biasing (ATB) differential, instead of the more common planetary-geared open differential. The final drive ratio is 4.111.
[edit] 3.6
From initial launch of the the Audi V8, the only offering was the 3.6 litre (3,562 cubic centimetres (217.4 cu in)) powerplant.[1] This V8 engine was rated with a motive power output of 184 kilowatts (250 PS; 247 bhp), and a turning force of 340 newton metres (251 ft·lbf). This powerplant is identified by chrome-coloured 'V8' badges on the front grille and rear bootlid.
[edit] 4.2
In August 1991, and identified by red-coloured 'V8' badging, Audi introduced a 4.2 litre (4,172 cc (254.6 cu in)) powerplant,[1] to compliment the choice of the exisiting 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 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 remainded available. However, a new six-speed manual gearbox (parts code prefix: 01E, identification codes: CBM, CBN) (gear ratios- 1st: 3.500, 2nd: 1.889, 3rd: 1.320, 4th: 1.034, 5th: 0.857-CBM, 0.806-CBN, 6th: 0.730-CBM, 0.684-CBN) replaced the five-speed manual.[1]
| engine (code) | displacement / type | fuel grade | max. power | max. torque | transmissions | 0-100 km/h (62.1 mph) | top speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6 V8 (PT) | 3,562 cc V8 32 valve 4OHC |
95 RON unleaded petrol |
184 kW (250 PS; 247 bhp) @ 5,800 rpm |
340 N·m (251 ft·lbf) @ 4,000 rpm |
5-sp manual 4-sp ZF 4HP24A auto |
7.6 secs* 9.2 secs |
244 km/h (152 mph)* 235 km/h (146 mph)* |
| 4.2 V8 (ABH) | 4,172 cc V8 32 valve 4OHC |
98 RON unleaded petrol |
206 kW (280 PS; 276 bhp) @ 5,800 rpm |
400 N·m (295 ft·lbf) @ 4,000 rpm |
6-sp manual 4-sp ZF 4HP24A auto |
6.8 secs* 7.7 secs |
250 km/h (155.3 mph) |
| * = With manual gearbox | |||||||
[edit] Steering, brakes, wheels
The Audi V8 came equiped with power assisted (PAS) rack and pinion steering as standard.[1] An electronically controlled variable assisted 'servotronic' version was also available.[1]
It was fitted with a high performance brake system,[1] which included radially ventilated disc brakes front and rear. The fronts were rather unusual - sized at 310 millimetres (12.20 in) in diameter by 25 mm (0.984 in) thick, but mounted the caliper inside the disc - and often coined the phrase "UFO brakes".[5] The fronts also incorporated electronic brake pad wear sensors. The rears were 269 mm (10.59 in) by 20 mm (0.787 in), and incorporated a cable operated parking brake. A Bosch Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was also standard.
Standard roadwheels[1] 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 badge) alloy wheels were also available, in either 8.0J x 16, or 8.0J x 17 sizes.
[edit] Features
The Audi V8 came standard with a range of usually optional features as standard;[1] including BOSE audio system with eight speakers, 'nut tree' (walnut) wood trim, leather interior, front and rear heated seats, and a built-in GSM car phone. The only options available were pearlescent or metallic paint. Some available colors included pearl white, lago blue (teal), blue mica, and black, amongst others. The list below details other notable standard and optional features.
- Anti-theft vehicle alarm system
- Optional heated door lock cylinders
- Dust and pollen filter for interior heating and ventilation
- Optional Automatic Climate Control (electronically controlled air conditioning)
- Electronic cruise control with resume feature
- Power locking system, including trunk, operable from either front door
- Power window lifters, front and rear
- Electrically adjustable exterior door mirrors with defog feature
- Audi/BOSE premium music system with AM/FM stereo, anti theft coding, dual 'diversity' antenna
- Eight-way electrically adjustable front seats with lumbar adjustment; four memory positions (driver seat); heatable front and rear
- Optional sports front seats with extendable thigh support
- Optional two-way tilt and slide power steel sunroof
- procon-ten safety system
- Supplemental Restraint System (SRS); Drivers and front passenger airbag; knee bolster
- Auto Check System with radio function display
- Trip information computer (6 function)
- GSM cellular telephone (hands-free operation)
- Front wipers with intermittent mode and heated windshield washer nozzles
- Aerodynamic halogen headlamps, wiper/washer system
- Optional power operated rear window roller sunblind, and manual operated rear side window roller sunblinds
- Optional Webasto fuel-burning cabin heater
[edit] Motorsport
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, and began racing with it in 1990 with Schmidt MotorSport (SMS) running the operation, and Hans-Joachim Stuck, Walter Röhrl and Frank Jelinski driving. 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 flatplane crankshaft, which they said had been re-forged and bent from the original crossplane part. 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.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x ETKA official factory data
- ^ Audi of America Press Site 25 Years of Audi Quattro 22 February 2005
- ^ "Audi V8 (D11/4C) - Technische Daten" (in German). Motor Klassik. http://www.motor-klassik.de/audi-audi-v8-d11_4c--1214573.html. Retrieved on 2009-06-30.
- ^ "Der Motor". AudiV8.com. http://www.audiv8.com/german/technology/motor.html. Retrieved on 2009-05-12.
- ^ AudiV8.com Die innenumgriffene Scheibenbremse (UFO) (German)
[edit] External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Audi V8 |
- Audi.com - official corporate website
- AudiV8.com (German) fanclub site with technical info
- History of Audi V8 with pictures
- Consumer Guide review
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| Compact car | A3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Super 90 | Fox (B1) | 4000 (B2) | 80 / 90 (B3) | 90 (B4) | A4 (B5-B8) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4000CS quattro | S4 (B5-B8) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size car | ... 100 (C1) | 5000 (C2) | 100 / 200 / 5000 (C3) | 100 / A6 (C4) | A6 (C4-C6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ur-S4 | Ur-S6 | S6 (C5) | S6 (C6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size car | V8 | A8 / S8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coupé | Coupé GT | CQ (3) | A5 / S5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Roadster | TT | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sports car | Quattro (Ur-Quattro) | RS6 | RS4 | RS6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| R8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Convertible | Cabriolet (B4) | A4 Cabriolet / S4 Cabriolet | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact SUV | Q5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crossover SUV | allroad quattro | A6 allroad quattro | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Luxury SUV | Q7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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