Nice chat at Audi...

Hy boys & girls.

I've just had a lot of work with Audi in NSU and ING. to do so, as the measuring instruments are coming from us. Had an interesting conversation with two Ings from the Development Department yesterday. I want to give you a key word about it:

Originally, the V8 was supposed to have an independent body, but this was rejected by our beloved Ferdi! Reason: too high a risk in the development of the V8, because too many new technologies were used and Audi entered new territory in many places (e.g. the Kombi Quattro/V8/Automatik etc.) and one feared collapse of the whole company. Internally, the V8 was initially treated somewhat "deep motherly" as many regarded it as a mere experimenter. Originally, the V8 was not to be launched in 1988, but much later. Also because of this, the 200s had to be used.

But this statement was much more interesting:
In the last construction loss in the autumn of 1993, about 20 V8 were used as actual test carriers for the A8. Allegedly there are in the basement of the plant in NSU, 5 V8 with hand-made ASF frame and 5-speed Tiptronic. A V12 had already been ready for series production, but this was rejected at that time. It is said that the 5 test vehicles are still in use, mainly testing new braking systems.

The two gentlemen unfortunately refused to show me the good pieces (laugh!). Top Secret they said - and that I should keep my V8 u ́n because it is unique of its development history and quality! Well...