07.01.2020First steps: Audi V8 from Minichamps in scale 1:43

Maybe it should have been called Audi 300 instead, the 1988 presented, pimped Audi, which was based on the successful types 100 or 200 at that time and should conquer the upper class. Ultimately, the four-door hatchback - the first in its class to be equipped as standard - with permanent all-wheel drive and plenty of luxury equipment was launched under the name Audi V8, to which Maxichamps from Minichamps produces and offers modelcars under the item number 940016000 in black metallic tone and 940016001 in silver and in scale 1:43 of diecast. The most successful competitor at the time, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W 126, was sold over 800,000 times: Audi only managed 21,565 vehicles with the V8 from 1988 to 1994. Maxichamps offers miniatures to the original version, which was powered by a fine eight-cylinder.

The V8 was the heart of the luxury limousine, whose biggest disadvantage in sales was the similarity to the cheaper Audi 100 and 200. Although the V8 received an own radiator grill and a wider taillights band - both very well implemented by Maxichamps - however the body could hardly be distinguished compared to the smaller vehicles. And this despite the fact that a new bonnet, new headlights and flared fenders made for an overall more attractive appearance. A circumstance that was too serious for the prestige-loving customers in this segment and which could not be compensated for by the exclusive all-wheel drive. Under the hood, the luxury liner captivated with its initially 3.6-liter, largely made of aluminum V8, which generated 184 kW / 250 hp and was ventilated by 32 valves.

Audi specified the maximum torque as 340 Nm. The driver had shifted the V8 via four-speed automatic; a manual transmission only came into play in 1990. In 1988 the V8 accelerated to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds with automatic; the maximum speed was given with 235 kilometers per hour. Unfortunately, reliability was a problem: According to research, a V8 had to undergo unscheduled 32 repairs in three years: its successor from 1992 with the 4.2 liter V8 was taken back from the factory after 14 months. This driver and Audi only made the leap into a carefree time and into the real luxury class with the Audi A8 introduced in 1994. Nevertheless, the Maxichamps modelcars produced of diecast on the very first steps of Audi in the luxury class should not be missing in any collection.

Here: Click to the modelcars of the Audi V8