V8 (Weber electronic fuel injection, V585 efi)
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V8 (Weber electronic fuel injection, V585 efi)

V8 (Weber electronic fuel injection, V585 efi)

(1986 - 1989)

The 1986 New York Motor Show was the venue for the re-introduction of fuel injection to the V8 range. The only model which retained Weber carburettors was the V8 Vantage . The electronically controlled sequential system, made by Weber/Marelli (rather than Bosch as used previously on the DBS V8) didn't need the power bulge associated with the carburettors and thus the e.f.i. cars have a totally flat bonnet with no air intake.

V8 (Weber electronic fuel injection, V585 efi)

The engine number suffix became V/585 (5 = 5 litre, 85 = 1985) and although no more powerful than the previous Oscar India V8 (305bhp), it was both cleaner and more fuel efficient. The fuel injection arguably makes Weber e.f.i. V8 the easiest of the V8’s to live with too. Almost all were built with the familiar 3 speed Chrysler Torqueflite automatic gearbox

Weber e.f.i. V8’s were all fitted with the attractive cross spoke BBS wheels with 8 inch rims. The swan song of the AM V8 achieved production of only 59 examples during a production run of a little over 3 and a half years. They are considered as rare and desired keenly by enthusiasts especially with the extremely rare 5 speed ZF manual transmission, available as a cost option.

For some time, these cars were known as the series 5 V8 by the AMOC, but this designation has now fallen out of common use.

  • Body/Coachwork:
    • 2 door 2+2 coupe
    • Steel platform chassis with handcrafted aluminium alloy body panels
    • Dual 7” quartz-halogen headlamps, optional Cibre 7” driving lights
    • Built-in rear spoiler, redesigned flat bonnet
  • Interior:
    • Full Connolly leather interior including roof lining
    • Air-conditioning system
    • Adjustable seats with tilting squabs to allow access to the rear seats
    • Walnut facia and cappings
    • Wool pile carpets
    • Blaupunkt Toronto SQR46 or 48 stereo radio cassette, 4 speakers and electric arieal
  • Engine:
    • Front mounted all-alloy 90° V8, 5,340 cc, two-valves-per cylinder, twin overhead camshafts per bank.
    • Engine number prefix V585/
    • Bore 100 mm. Stroke 85 mm. Compression ratio 9.3 : 1 (8.0 : 1 Emission Control LFM & LFA)
    • Weber-Marelli electronic fuel injection
    • Maximum power: not quoted but about 315 bhp @ 5,000 rpm (200 +/- bhp on Emission Control LFA & LFM engine)
    • Maximum torque: not quoted but about 345 lb.ft @ 3,500 rpm
    • Air Injection System: AC Delco air pump, two from 1988
    • Four catalytic convertors on Emission Control LFM & LFA
  • Transmission:
    • Chrysler Torqueflite 3 speed automatic
    • Manual: 5 speed ZF optional at additional cost. Hydraulically operated 10½” Borg and Beck single dry-plate diaphragm clutch
    • Optional cruise control with auto gearbox
    • Final drive: Salisbury hypoid bevel with Powr-Lok limited slip differential. Final drive ratio: 3.54 : 1 (manual cars & NA), 3.058:1 (automatic)
  • Steering:
    • Power assisted rack and pinion 2.9 turns lock to lock.  Turning circle between curbs of 11.58 metres
  • Wheels and tyres:
    • Bolt-on, 5 stud, BBS Mahle cast aluminimun alloy 7J x 15
    • Avon Turbosteel 235/70 VR15 (automatic), Avon Textile 225/70 VR15 (manual)
  • Suspension:
    • Front: Unequal transverse wishbones, coil springs and co-axial Armstrong telescopic shock absorbers with an anti-roll bar
    • Rear: Rear suspension was by coil spring with the De Dion tube located by parallel trailing links and a Watts linkage and sprung by co-axial spring shock absorber units
  • Brakes:
    • Front: Ventilated steel discs, 267 mm (10.51″) diameter
    • Rear: Ventilated steel discs, 264 mm (10.39″) diameter mounted inboard
    • Tandem master cylinders and dual vacuum servo assistance
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 4,670 mm, 4,700 mm with overriders, 4,780 mm with 5 mph impact bumpers
    • Width: 1,829 mm
    • Height: 1,327 mm
    • Wheelbase: 2,610 mm
    • Front track: 1,499 mm
    • Rear track: 1,499 mm
    • Kerb Weight: 1,818 kg (1,860 kg USA)
    • Fuel tank capacity: 97.5 litres
  • Performance:
    • No known tests but performance not disimilar to AMV8 Oscar India spec
  • Price at launch:
    • January 1986: £55,000, (USA, $110,000)
    • October 1986: £58,500
    • March 1987: £65,000
    • October 1987: £69,500, (USA $127,000)
    • March 1988: £74,500, (USA $142,000)
    • September 1988: £81,500, (USA $142,000)
    • February 1989: £92,000
    • August 1989: £92,000