In the late Nineteen Eighties, because the automotive panorama was evolving in direction of typically extra refined and comfy autos, Audi made its first daring steps into the posh section with the introduction of the Audi V8. Launched in 1988, this four-door masterpiece not solely marked the model’s foray into the world of high-end vehicles however the brand new tech inside additionally left an indelible mark on automotive historical past. 

Welcome to Timeless European Treasures, our weekly look again at automobiles from the European market that outlined a motoring technology.

Why Do We Love It?

We cherish the Audi V8 due to its pioneering spirit. It wasn’t only a flagship mannequin for the Ingolstadt-based firm but in addition a trailblazer that mixed a V8 engine with Audi’s famend Quattro all-wheel-drive system and an automated transmission – the primary time Audi supplied such a mix. This amalgamation set the stage for the evolution of high-performance luxurious sedans from Audi, which later launched the A8 as its substitute and as a rival for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series.

The V8 was by far essentially the most luxurious automobile Audi had ever made on the time. Standard gear included leather-based seats, automated local weather management, cruise management, energy home windows throughout, an eight-speaker audio system by Bose, energy entrance seats, and others. While most (if not all) of these options may be present in rather more reasonably priced and mainstream automobiles nowadays, they have been principally new to the marque on the time.