1989 Audi V8 4C UK Version

• The 1989 Audi V8 was Audi's first V8-powered luxury sedan, serving as the brand's flagship model.
• Based on the Audi 200, an upscale Audi 100 variant, the V8 provided Audi with a necessary premium sedan.
• Its innovative 3.6L all-alloy V8 engine with four valves per cylinder set the template for future Audi V8s.
• The V8 engine produced 250PS and 340Nm of torque, enabling 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds.
• Quattro all-wheel drive ensured stability and grip for the sedan.
• The V8 featured an upscale, luxurious interior with leather and wood accents.
• UK models exclusively used a sophisticated four-speed automatic transmission.
• Later 4.2L V8 variants brought more power to the luxury sedan.
• The V8's subtle exterior styling exuded refined, elegant luxury.
• Weighing 1710kg, the V8 blended performance, comfort and innovation as a premier German luxury sedan.

A flagship luxury saloon was necessary currency for brands seeking entry into the premium segment in the 1980s, and admission for Audi was granted with the help of the V8. Based on the 200 saloon, which itself was a more upscale version of the 100, this subtly stylish limousine was the first modern day Audi to bring V8 power to bear in the form of an innovative new all-alloy 3.6-litre engine with four-valve-per-cylinder technology and twin overhead camshafts per bank. In some markets this was linked to a five-speed manual gearbox, but UK specification examples were equipped exclusively with an advanced electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.

The forebear to the A8 also set the template for all subsequent eight-cylinder luxury class Audi models where its drivetrain was concerned. A development of the quattro all-wheel-drive system used by the quattro Coupé was tasked with transmitting power to the road with the kind of decorum that drivers, and in many cases their charges in the rear seats, expected at this level.

Like the A8, the Audi V8 also became available in Long Wheelbase form bringing even greater levels of luxury, and adopted a larger 4.2-litre V8 to supplement its original unit. Interestingly, unlike the A8 it also made two successful forays into motorsport in 1990 and 1991, securing two Drivers' Championship victories in the German Touring Car series (DTM).

Technical specifications

• Cylinders: V-8
• Displacement: 3562cc
• Power: 250PS @ 5800rpm
• Torque: 340Nm @ 4000rpm
• Top speed: 146mph
• 0-62mph: 9.2 secs
• Transmission: four-speed automatic
• quattro all-wheel drive
• Weight: 1710kg

Source