Audi V8 some way off for N.Z.

Press, 5 August 1988, Page 38

Audi V8 some way off for N.Z.

Audi’s 240km/h V 8 Supersaloon will make its debut at October’s Paris Motor Show and go on sale in the United Kingdom early next year, but only in left-hand-drive form initially. Therefore, it is unlikely to be seen in New Zealand for some time.

The V 8 engine comprises two Volkswagen GTi 16-valve blocks joined in a 90deg. “V” pattern. Thus the engine is shorter and not so high as the traditional Audi 2.2-litre five-cylinder power unit.

This quad-camshaft engine is said to develop 185.5 kW. It drives the car through its four wheels in typical Quattro fashion.

It is said to develop much more torque than current Audi manual transmission systems

are able to handle. Consequently, a development of the ZF 4HP24 four-speed automatic system will be standard equipment. The bodyshell is largely unchanged from the standard Audi 100/ 200 models, but appears to have a flatter silhouette than the familiar Audi wedge shape. Also, the wheel arches are flared to accommodate the 250/60 section tyres. The interior is sumptuously furnished! in leather and polished walnut, and there is deep-pile carpet on the floor. * It is a saloon that Audi expects will compete directly with such marques as Mercedes, BMW and Jaguar. In Britain it is expected to retail for the equivalent of about $llO,OOO.