1988 AUDI V8 3.6L quattro V8 4AT (250 HP)

Vehicle Overview

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.