Audi developed a Group A competition version of the Audi V8 for entry into the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM) auto racing series. This competition model was equipped with a 3.6 V8 engine producing 309 kW (420 PS; 414 bhp), later upgraded to 340 kW (462 PS; 456 bhp), and a 6-speed manual transmission. Racing began in 1990 with Schmidt MotorSport (SMS) operating the program, featuring drivers Hans-Joachim Stuck, Walter Röhrl, and Frank Jelinski. In the 1990 DTM season, the three teams collectively secured the entire podium at the Hockenheimring race. Hans-Joachim Stuck won the championship that year. For the following season, Audi added a second team, Audi Zentrum Reutlingen (AZR). SMS continued with Stuck and Jelinski, while AZR fielded Frank Biela and Hubert Haupt. Frank Biela secured another DTM crown for Audi in 1991. However, Audi was unable to defend the title in 1992. The competition model of the Audi V8 won back-to-back Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft driver's titles in 1990 and 1991, with Hans-Joachim Stuck and Frank Biela being the respective champions. Audi was the first company to win back-to-back DTM titles. During its DTM presence, the Audi V8 competed against much smaller and lighter cars such as the Mercedes 190, BMW M3, and Opel Omega 3000, none of which were equipped with V8 engines or four-wheel drive.
For the 1992 season, Audi modified their engines to utilize a 180° flatplane crankshaft, which they stated had been re-forged from the original 90° crossplane part used in the production model. The DTM organizers determined that this highly modified crankshaft deviated from the original homologated standard crankshaft, deeming it illegal. Consequently, Audi withdrew from the championship.
The Audi V8 featured one of two all-new, all-aluminium alloy V8 engines. Both were petrol engines with 32 valves (four valves per cylinder) and four overhead camshafts (DOHC). The design established a pattern for future Audi-developed Volkswagen Group V8 engines. The camshafts were driven using a hybrid method, with a rubber/kevlar toothed timing belt operating the exhaust camshafts, and inlet camshafts driven via a simplex roller chain from the exhaust camshaft. The 3.6 V8 (PT) required timing belt changes every 90,000 kilometres (60,000 mi), while the 4.2 V8 (ABH) had a longer interval of 120,000 kilometres (75,000 mi). A thermostatically controlled electric cooling fan became standard, providing airflow for the engine coolant radiator and the engine oil cooler.
Audi's quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system was the sole drivetrain offering. It typically distributes engine torque 50:50 between front and rear axles but can dynamically apportion up to a bias of 20:80 to 80:20. The automatic transmission used a hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch for drive apportionment, while manual transmission variants employed a Torsen type 1 Torque Sensing center differential. The rear axle final drive unit also contained a Torsen type 1 Torque Sensing differential.
Both engines utilized a Bosch Motronic fully electronic engine control unit (ECU) and required unleaded petrol. Fuel was delivered via eight intake manifold-sited electronic fuel injectors. The 3.6 V8 could use 95 RON (91 AKI) fuel, whereas the 4.2 V8 required 98 RON (93 AKI) 'SuperPlus' unleaded for its quoted power output. Using 95 RON in the 4.2 V8 resulted in lower power and increased fuel consumption.
At its launch, the Audi V8 was offered with a 3.6-litre engine, displacing 3,562 cubic centimetres (217.4 cu in). This V8 engine was derived from the 1.8 16V engine from the Golf GTI. It produced a maximum motive power output of 184 kilowatts (250 PS; 247 bhp) at 5,800 rpm and generated 340 newton-metres (251 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm. In August 1991, Audi introduced a 4.2-litre engine, displacing 4,172 cubic centimetres (254.6 cu in), to complement the 3.6-litre V8. This engine shared many components with the 3.6 V8 and was identical to the optional V8 used in the Audi S4 (aka Ur-S4), sharing the same rated outputs and ABH identification code. The four-speed automatic gearbox remained available, and a new six-speed manual gearbox replaced the five-speed manual. This powerplant is identifiable by chrome 'V8' badges on the front grille and trunk lid, with some cars also featuring a '4.2 quattro' badge.
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