The Audi V8 was Audi's first attempt to enter the most prestigious model class, dominated by Mercedes-Benz with the S-Class and the BMW 7 Series. Since even BMW was not fully capable of competing with Mercedes in this area, Audi’s test had to be well thought out and weighed. Audi has chosen a safe strategy - stylistically, the Audi V8 was very similar to the design of the hugely successful Audi 100/200. The Audi V8 differed from the Audi 100/200 by a unique radiator grille integral with the bonnet, other bumpers and headlights, red taillights, an extended wheelbase, a wider track, heavily pronounced wheel arches and a completely different interior, similar to the later Audi 100. C4 model. The Audi V8 was the first Audi car to have a V8 engine, as well as the first Audi to have a Quattro all-wheel drive system combined with an automatic transmission. Earlier models used 3.6-liter V8 engines, while later models used 4.2-liter V8 engines. Both engines had 32 valves, a DOHC head with two camshafts, and a four-speed electronically controlled ZF 4HP24A automatic transmission. A version with a five-speed (later six-speed) manual gearbox was also available. The 3.6-liter V8 engine had 184 kW (250 hp) at 5,800 rpm and torque of 340 Nm at 4,000 rpm. In 1991, Audi introduced a 4.2-liter V8 engine with 206 kW (280 hp) and 400 Nm. It would be difficult to name the Audi V8 as a full-fledged competitor to Mercedes and BMW analogues - this is the first-generation aluminum Audi A8, which appeared in 1994. However, the Audi V8 was a serious step forward in establishing Audi's name as a premium car manufacturer and finally differentiating the brand from other non-premium segment manufacturers such as Ford or Opel.