Audi 80: Wikis

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Audi 80 and Audi 90

Audi Cabriolet (B4)
Manufacturer Audi AG
Parent company Volkswagen Group
Production 1966–1996
Assembly Ingolstadt, Germany,
Emden, Germany
Predecessor Audi 72
Successor Audi A4
Class Compact executive car, mid-size car
Layout longitudinal front-engine design;
front-wheel drive or
quattro permanent four-wheel drive
Platform Volkswagen Group B platform series
Related Volkswagen Passat

The Audi 80 is a compact executive car produced by the German car manufacturer Audi, from 1966 to 1996. It initially shared its platform with the Volkswagen Passat, and was available as a saloon car/sedan, and an Avant (Audi's name for an estate car/station wagon). The coupé and convertible models were not badged as members of the range but shared the same platform and many parts.

In North America and Australia, the 80 was sold as the Audi Fox for model years 1973–79, and as the Audi 4000 for model years 1980–87. The Audi 90 was an upmarket version of the Audi 80. The original Audi Cabriolet was badged thus, without a number, but was closely related to the 80/90.

There were several different internal combustion engine types, of which the petrol engines included the fuel-injected "E" (Einspritzung), and carburetor "S", and the diesel engines included "D" (Diesel), "TD" (TurboDiesel), or "TDI" (Turbocharged Direct Injection).

Contents


F103 (1966–69)

Prior to Audi adopting the "80" nomenclature, the Audi F103 series, based on the DKW F102 and sold between 1965 and 1972, were named for their horsepower ratings. From 1966 to 1969, the series included an Audi 80 model.

B1 (1972–78)

Audi 80 B1

Audi 80 (B1)
Production 1972-1978
1,103,766 built[1]
Predecessor Audi 72
Successor Audi 80 (B2)
Body style(s) 2-door saloon/sedan
4-door saloon/sedan
5-door estate/wagon
Layout front engine, front-wheel drive
Platform Volkswagen B1 platform
Engine(s) 1.3 L I4
1.5 L I4
1.6 L I4
(all petrol engines)
Transmission(s) 4-speed manual,
3-speed automatic
Wheelbase 2,470 mm (97.2 in)
Length 4,175 mm (164.4 in)
Width 1,600 mm (63.0 in)
Height 1,362 mm (53.6 in)
Fuel capacity 45.5 L (10.0 imp gal; 12.0 US gal)[2]
B1 Audi 80 (facelift)
B1 Audi 80 Estate (facelift)

This model debuted in Europe in 1972 (with factory production starting in May 1972[3]) as the Audi 80, and in 1973 in Australia and the United States as the Audi Fox, and was available as either a two-door or a four-door saloon (sedan). It effectively took the place of several models that Audi had discontinued (the F103 series, which included the first model designated as an "Audi 80"), and provided the company with a viable rival to the Opel Ascona and the Ford Taunus.

The Audi 80 was first equipped with 1.3 and 1.5 litre SOHC straight-4 petrol engines. The internal combustion engines were available in various rated power outputs. For the 1.3 L engines, (identification code: ZA) was rated at 55 PS (40 kW; 54 bhp), code: ZF was rated at 60 PS (44 kW; 59 bhp). The 1.5 L (codes: ZB, ZC) at 75 PS (55 kW; 74 bhp) for the ZB and 85 PS (63 kW; 84 bhp) for the ZC.

On the home market, two- and four- door saloons were available in base trim (55 or 60 PS, called simply Audi 80 and 80 S, respectively), as L models (LS with 75 PS engine) or as a more luxurious GL (85 PS only). In September 1973, Audi added the sporty 80 GT (two-door only) featuring a carburetted 1.6 litre engine (code: XX) rated at 100 PS (74 kW; 99 bhp).

The Audi 80 had a MacPherson strut front suspension, and a C-section beam rear axle located by trailing arms and a Panhard rod, and using coil springs and telescopic dampers.1

A facelift in autumn 1976 brought about a revised front end in the style of the newly introduced Audi 100 C2 with square instead of round headlights, 1.6 instead of 1.5 litre engines (still of 75/85 PS) and a new 80 GTE model with a fuel-injected version of the 1.6 litre (110 PS (81 kW; 110 bhp)) replacing the former 80 GT.

The Fox had a 1.5 L engine rated at 55 hp (41 kW; 56 PS) attached to a four-speed manual transmission. Subsequent versions came with 1.6 L engines rated at 83 hp (62 kW; 84 PS)2

In certain markets a five-door "Avant" (Audi's name for an estate/wagon) variant was offered — effectively a rebadged Volkswagen Passat with Audi front panels. The B1 platform was dropped from the European market in 1978, although it was sold into the 1979 model year in North America.

B2 (1978–86)

Audi 80 B2

1978 Audi 80 L
(European version with single headlamps)
Production 1978 - 1986
1,680,146 built[4]
80: 1,405,506
90: 105,593
Coupé: 169,047
Predecessor Audi 80 (B1)
Successor Audi 80 (B3)
Body style(s) 2-door saloon/sedan
4-door saloon/sedan
2-door coupé (Audi Coupé)
Layout front engine,
front-wheel drive, or
quattro permanent four-wheel drive
Platform Volkswagen Group B2 platform
Engine(s) petrol engines:
1.3 L I4;
1.6 L I4;
1.8 L I4;
1.9 L/2.0 L I5;
2.1 L/2.2 L I5;
diesel engines:
1.6 L TD I4
Transmission(s) 3-speed automatic,
4-speed manual,
5-speed manual
Wheelbase 2,541 mm (100.0 in)[5]
Length 4,383 mm (172.6 in)[5]
Width 1,682 mm (66.2 in)[5]
Height 1,365 mm (53.7 in)[5]
Fuel capacity 69 L (15.2 imp gal; 18.2 US gal)[5]
Related Audi Coupe GT, Audi Quattro,
Audi 5+5, Volkswagen Fox
Designer Giorgetto Giugiaro

Audi redesigned the 80 on the B2 platform (Typ 81) in 1978 in Europe, and in 1979 (as a 1980 model) in North America. Audi continued to use the 80 nameplate in Europe, but began badging it as the 4000/4000S in North America. The body of the B2 Audi 80 was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Although it was usually ordered as a four-door, a smaller number of two-door 80s were produced. No Avant variant was available, as the Volkswagen Passat filled that role.

In Europe, the 80 was the standard model, while after a 1984 facelift the Audi 90 was launched as a larger-engined version of the 80; with more options, and, aside from the 70 PS (51 kW; 69 bhp), four-cylinder 1.6l turbodiesel (TD) engine which was also available for the 80, two five-cylinder in-line petrol engines — a 2.0 with 115 PS (85 kW; 113 bhp) and a 2.2 with 136 PS (100 kW; 134 bhp) which was later modified into a 2.3. The 2.2 was available with a catalytic converter and power ratings of 115 PS (85 kW; 113 bhp) for front-drive and 120 PS (88 kW; 118 bhp) for quattro models. European models had two headlamp casings, while North American models generally had quad headlamps.

The Audi 5+5 was launched on to the Australian market in October 1981.[6] Described as a "uniquely Australian Special". After the Australian motoring press had driven the new B2 Audi 80, they beckoned Audi to fit the 5 cylinder engine from the larger Audi 100. The 5+5 was essentially an 80 B2 four door saloon with the 2144cc five cylinder engine, the precursor to what would become the Audi 90[7]

In 1983, the 80 Sport was introduced in the UK, based on the GTE. It came with quattro-style Ronal alloys, rubber rear spoiler, deep chin spoiler, striped charcoal Recaro interior, and optional body graphics including full-length "Audi Sport" stripes. A special commemorative-edition version, the Audi 4000CS quattro, was made for the 1985, 1986, and 1987 model years.

Mid-1984, for the 1985 model year, Audi gave the B2 a subtle facelift with tail lights resembling the ones of the Typ 44 Audi 100, and different front and rear bumpers and headlights and an updated interior. In Europe, engines with catalytic converter emissions controls were made available for the first time.

The B2 platform proved to be both quite versatile and quite profitable; many components were shared to or borrowed from the Audi Coupé GT, Audi Quattro and Audi Sport Quattro, which in the process helped to cement the company into the public eye after their quattro permanent four-wheel drive system proved useful in various forms of racing.[8]

The saloons were offered until late 1986 in Europe and 1987 abroad, and the B2-based Audi Coupé lasted through to 1988 (as an early 1989 model) before being changed. The Coupé shared many components, and its basic body shape, with the original Audi Quattro.

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B3/Typ 89 (1986–91)

Audi 80 B3

Audi 80 (B3)
Production 1986-1991
1,623,382 built[9][10]
80: 1,438,475
90: 184,907
Predecessor Audi 80 (B2)
Successor Audi 80 (B4)
Body style(s) 4-door saloon/sedan
3-door coupé (Audi Coupé)
Layout front engine,
front-wheel drive or
quattro permanent four-wheel drive
Platform Volkswagen Group B3 platform
Engine(s) 80:
1.4 L I4
1.6 L I4
1.8 L I4
2.0 L I4
2.0 L I4 16v
1.6 L I4 Diesel
1.6 L I4 Turbodiesel
1.9 L I4 Diesel
90:
2.0 L I5
2.2 L I5
2.3 L I5
2.3 L I5 20v
1.6 L I4 Turbodiesel
Transmission(s) 3-speed automatic,
5-speed manual
Wheelbase 2,540 mm (100.0 in)
Length 4,392 mm (172.9 in)
Width 1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height 1,397 mm (55.0 in)
1987 Audi 80 1.6 Diesel
Audi 90 quattro 20V

In September 1986, Audi released a new Typ89 80 for the 1987 model year on the European market and introduced it elsewhere within a year. It was based on a new platform which broke the relationship with the Volkswagen B-series platforms, not being the same as the Passat's B3 platform. Although often called the B3 even among knowledgeable Audi enthusiasts, the official and correct nomenclature was its production code Typ89 from 1987 to 1989, and Typ8A from 1990 onwards. It introduced a new aerodynamic look and a fully galvanised bodyshell. This was the first mid-sized car to feature a fully zinc-coated body, giving it longevity and durability against corrosion perforation.[citation needed] This protective shield proved to be so effective that Audi extended its corrosion perforation warranty from the originally offered ten years to twelve years (during early pre-production, the body was expected to be good for only eight years). Audi still uses zinc galvanisation for all current steel-bodied models.

Unlike its predecessor, the B3 was marketed worldwide only as the Audi 80 or Audi 90. For the most part, Audi transferred existing powertrain concepts to the new model, although fuel injection was now available for some engines. A range of new petrol and diesel inline four cylinder engines became available to European customers along with the procon-ten safety system which became standard fitment from 1991.

In 1987, the inline five cylinder Audi 90 was reintroduced as an upmarket, more luxurious variant of the 80. The 90 differs visually by the full width tail-light panel; headlights which featured additional high-beam lights and a slightly different front grille. The most obvious visual difference between the 80 and 90 are the indicators, which are moved from beside the headlights to the bumpers next to the fog lights, which were standard fitment on the 90. The 90 also offered the first 20 valve engine from Audi since the turbocharged engine used in the Audi Sport Quattro. This engine produced 170 PS (130 kW; 170 bhp).

The United Kingdom and Europe had similar versions: the Volkswagen Group wanted to ensure consistency across all markets, so the trim levels were similar. However, in North America, the range was more limited: a choice of 2.3 E and 2.3 quattro were available from 1988 to 1992.

Altogether, the Audi 80 came with the following engine range, although not all of these were available outside Germany:

Model Displacement Power at rpm Torque at rpm Fuel supply Catalytic
converter
Notes
Petrol engines
Audi 80 1399 cc 65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) @ 5,200 110 N·m (81 lb·ft) @ 3,000 Carburettor No Greece only
Audi 80 1595 cc 70 PS (51 kW; 69 hp) @ 5,200 123 N·m (91 lb·ft) @ 2,700 Carburettor No Austria only
Audi 80 1595 cc 70 PS (51 kW; 69 hp) @ 5,200 118 N·m (87 lb·ft) @ 2,700 Carburettor Yes Austria only
Audi 80 1595 cc 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) @ 5,200 125 N·m (92 lb·ft) @ 2,700 Carburettor No
Audi 80 1.6E 1595 cc 102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) @ 6,300 135 N·m (100 lb·ft) @ 3,500 MPFI No Portugal, Italy and Greece
Audi 80 1781 cc 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) @ 4,500 140 N·m (100 lb·ft) @ 2,500 Carburettor No
Audi 80 1781 cc 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) @ 4,500 140 N·m (100 lb·ft) @ 2,500 Carburettor Yes
Audi 80 1.8S 1781 cc 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) @ 5,200 142 N·m (105 lb·ft) @ 3,300 Carburettor Yes
Audi 80 1.8S 1781 cc 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) @ 5,200 150 N·m (110 lb·ft) @ 3,300 Carburettor No
Audi 80 1.8S 1781 cc 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) @ 5,400 140 N·m (100 lb·ft) @ 3,350 SPFI Yes
Audi 80 1.8S 1781 cc 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) @ 5,400 145 N·m (107 lb·ft) @ 3,350 SPFI Yes
Audi 80 1.8S 1781 cc 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) @ 5,500 142 N·m (105 lb·ft) @ 3,250 SPFI Yes
Audi 80 1.8E 1781 cc 112 PS (82 kW; 110 hp) @ 5,800 160 N·m (120 lb·ft) @ 3,400 MPFI No
Audi 80 1.9E 1847 cc 113 PS (83 kW; 111 hp) @ 5,600 160 N·m (120 lb·ft) @ 3,400 MPFI Yes
Audi 80 2.0E 1984 cc 112 PS (82 kW; 110 hp) @ 5,300 168 N·m (124 lb·ft) @ 3,250 MPFI Yes
Audi 80 2.0E 1984 cc 113 PS (83 kW; 111 hp) @ 5,300 170 N·m (130 lb·ft) @ 3,250 MPFI Yes
Audi 80 16V 1984 cc 137 PS (101 kW; 135 hp) @ 5,800 181 N·m (133 lb·ft) @ 4,500 MPFI Yes
Diesel engines
Audi 80 Diesel 1588 cc 50 PS (37 kW; 49 hp) @ 4,800 97 N·m (72 lb·ft) @ 2,700–3,200 Diesel No Austria only
Audi 80 Diesel 1588 cc 54 PS (40 kW; 53 hp) @ 4,800 100 N·m (74 lb·ft) @ 2,700–3,200 Diesel No
Audi 80 Diesel 1896 cc 68 PS (50 kW; 67 hp) @ 4,400 127 N·m (94 lb·ft) @ 2,200–2,600 Diesel No
Audi 80 Turbodiesel 1588 cc 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) @ 4,500 152 N·m (112 lb·ft) @ 2,300–2,800 Turbodiesel No
Audi 80 Turbodiesel 1588 cc 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) @ 4,500 155 N·m (114 lb·ft) @ 2,300–2,800 Turbodiesel No

The Audi 90 came with the following 5-cylinder engines:

Model Displacement Power at rpm Torque at rpm Catalytic
converter
Engine Code
2.0E 1994cc 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) @ 5400rpm 172 N·m (127 lb·ft) @ 4000rpm Yes PS
2.0E 20V 1994cc 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) Yes NM (for Italy only)
2.2E 2226cc 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) @ 5700rpm 186 N·m (137 lb·ft) @ 3500rpm No KV
2.3E 2310cc 134 PS (99 kW; 132 hp) @ 5700rpm 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @ 4500rpm Yes NG
2.3E 20V 2310cc 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) @ 6000rpm 220 N·m (160 lb·ft) @ 4500rpm Yes 7A

With the 1988 model year, a new two-door Coupé was introduced in Europe, known internally as the Typ 8B; basically a B3 saloon with a shortened wheelbase, modified rear suspension and a new front suspension system that previewed what was to come in the B4 Audi 80. It came with the 115 PS (85 kW; 113 bhp) 2.0E as well as the 10-valve and 20-valve 2.3E engines. It later served as a basis for the B4 Coupé and Cabriolet (Typ 8G). These models dropped the "80" appendage and were simply known as Audi Coupé and Audi Cabriolet. Because of the heavy re-engineering involved in the cabriolet version, this model was essentially carried on until the year 2000, long after the other B3 models had been replaced by B4 and even B5 vehicles.

In 1989, for the 1990 model year, North America received the Coupé quattro and 90 quattro models that all were powered by a detuned 164 hp (122 kW; 166 PS) of the 20v 2.3 L 5-cylinder engine. These cars were considered to be in the "Grand Tourismo" (GT) style of a comfortable luxury car with sporting tendencies, as opposed to a dedicated lightweight sports car. Weighing between 3,042 lb (1,380 kg) (1990 saloon/sedan model) to 3,308 lb (1,500 kg) (1991 Coupé model), these cars were not lightweight, especially in consideration of the 164 hp powerplant (slightly de-tuned from the European version). These models can be recognised by their distinctive roadwheels (Coupé quattros had 15" 5-star "Speedline" wheels, sedan quattros had 14" BBS Mesh wheel or the 15" Speedlines). They differed from regular 80/90 models in several ways. Notable differences include their standard leather interiors with Zebrano wood trim, additional VDO gauges mounted in the bottom of the centre console, a carbon fibre centre drive shaft,[citation needed] and push-button locking rear differential. The Coupé Quattro is visually similar to the European-only S2 model, but does not have that S2's turbocharged engine.

The final B3 80s and 90s were sold as 1992 models in North America; in Europe, all B3s were discontinued at the end of the 1991 model year to give way to the B4 series; a few Audi 90 Sport Quattro with the 2.3 L 20v engine are, however, known to have come off the assembly lines as late as early 1992.[citation needed]

Audi S2

Audi S2 Coupé

Audi developed a sports version of the coupe in 1990, called the Audi S2. This featured the well proven 2.2 litre in-line five cylinder 20-valve turbo petrol engine from the Audi 200 20V, which was derived from that used in the Audi Quattro. A similar version of the engine was used in the Audi 100 based S4 (the 'Ur-S4'). The S2 came as standard with quattro permanent four wheel drive, and featured a heavy-duty 5-speed manual transmission.

The S2 was initially available with a 2.2L turbocharged engine which produced 220 PS (162 kW; 217 bhp) (Engine code: 3B), coupled to a 5-speed transmission. In 1992, the engine received minor upgrades, including distributor-less ignition, which increased power output to 230 PS (169 kW; 227 bhp) (Engine code: ABY) which was coupled to a new 6-speed gearbox. Although the power increase was minimal, the engine now produced 350Nm of torque (up from 309Nm) and featured an overboost function that allowed up to 380Nm in short bursts. The 3B-engined car will accelerate from 0-100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 5.7seconds, continuing to a top speed of 246 km/h (152.9 mph). The ABY-engined coupe will accelerate from 0-100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 5.9seconds, continuing to a top speed of 246 km/h (152.9 mph).

In 1993, the S2 received some cosmetic updates, including new AVUS style alloy wheels, elipsoid beam headlamps and clear front indicator lenses. This coincided with the introduction of the five-door S2 Avant, along with a limited run of four-door S2 saloon/sedan models, of which 306 were produced. The S2 saloon and Avant are actually based on the next generation B4 platform, and feature a lot similarities in the rear axle support system to the later B5 A4 quattro. The B4 platform S2 Avant was also used between 1993 and 1995 as the basis for Audi's RS2 Avant super-sports estate, which was modified for Audi with assistance from Porsche.

B4 (1991–1995)

Audi 80 B4

Audi 80 (B4)
Production 1991-1995
1,090,690 built[11]
4-door: 908,255
Avant: 182,435
Predecessor Audi 80 (B3)
Successor Audi A4 (B5)
Body style(s) 2-door coupé,
2-door convertible,
4-door saloon/sedan
4-door Avant (estate/wagon)
Layout front engine,
front-wheel drive or
quattro permanent four-wheel drive
Platform Volkswagen Group B4 platform
Engine(s) petrol engines:
2.0 L I4,
2.3 L I5,
2.6 L & 2.8 L V6;
diesel engine:
1.9 L I4
Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic,
5-speed manual
Wheelbase saloon: 102.8 in (2611 mm),
Coupe: 100.6 in (2555 mm),
quattro: 102.2 in (2596 mm)
Length saloon: 180.3 in (4580 mm),
Coupe: 176.0 in (4470 mm)
Width saloon: 66.7 in (1694 mm),
Coupe: 67.6 in (1717 mm)
Height 1992-94 saloon: 54.3 in (1379 mm),
quattro: 54.7 in (1389 mm),
1995-96 saloon: 55.0 in (1397 mm),
Coupe: 54.3 in (1379 mm)
Related RS2 Avant
Audi 80 B4 Avant (estate/wagon)
1993 Audi 90 S (North American)
1992 Audi 80 TDI (UK specification)
1994 Audi Cabriolet (European)
Audi 90 Cabrio (North American example)

The B3 obtained a major facelift for the 1992 model year in 1991. It was from then on known internally as the B4 (or Typ 8C). Changes from the B3 included a longer wheelbase, a fully redesigned fuel tank and rear axle to enable the use of folding seats, 15" roadwheels with more prominent wheel arches, redesigned and painted rear and front bumpers, as well as higher-quality materials for the interior. The front grille was merged with the bonnet and given a bolder look.

The B4 also marked the beginning of Audi's move into the German luxury mid-sized vehicle segment, which until then was clearly dominated by Mercedes-Benz and BMW. On the European market, and in Germany in particular, the B4 and its variants were highly successful and popular.

In Europe, the 90 name was discontinued, and all saloons were badged as 80, regardless of which engine they had. Audi of America went the opposite direction, and began selling the saloon as the 90. B4s for the American market typically offered more luxury even in the standard version, such as automatic transmission, cruise control, air conditioning and leather seats, all of which were merely optional at additional cost on European models.

Due to United States Department of Transportation (DOT) specifications regarding headlamp and crash safety designs, the front of the B4 had to be specially redesigned for vehicles sold in North America. Most importantly, the front bumper had to be designed to accommodate crash absorbers which were not required in Europe; as a result of these layout constraints, the North American variant of the B4, unlike European V6 models, had no dual H1/H4 headlamps, the indicator lamps (which unlike in Europe had to be orange) were placed next to the headlamps and not in the bumper, and the foglamps were made smaller and moved down to the corners of the bumper air duct.

European market cars were now available with a selection of inline four cylinder engines, as well as the familiar in-line five, and two different new V6 engines (2.6 and 2.8); the latter 2.8 V6 was the only engine available for vehicles sold in North America. As another first, Audi introduced a new high-torque, direct-injection, turbocharged diesel engine, the 66 kilowatts (90 PS; 89 bhp) 1.9 TDI (Turbocharged Direct Injection). The standard 1.8 litre petrol engine of the B3 was discontinued; a two-litre, 66 kW (90 PS; 89 bhp), 4-cylinder petrol engine, a variation of the previously known 85 kW (116 PS; 114 bhp) 2.0 E engine, was now available for the base model.

Altogether, although some layouts were not available everywhere outside Germany, Audi offered the following engine range for the 80/90 B4:

Petrol engines:
  • 1.6 - 74 kW (101 PS; 99 bhp), in-line four-cylinder
  • 1.8 E 20v - 92 kW (125 PS; 123 bhp), in-line four-cylinder
  • 2.0 - 66 kW (90 PS; 89 bhp), in-line four-cylinder (base model in Germany)
  • 2.0 E - 85 kW (116 PS; 114 bhp), in-line four-cylinder
  • 2.0 E 16v - 103 kW (140 PS; 138 bhp), 16-valve, in-line four-cylinder
  • 2.3 E 10v - 98 kW (133 PS; 131 bhp), 10-valve, in-line five-cylinder
  • 2.6 E - 110 kW (150 PS; 148 bhp), V6
  • 2.8 E - 128 kW (174 PS; 172 bhp), V6
  • S2 - 169 kW (230 PS; 227 bhp), 2.2L, 20-valve turbocharged in-line five-cylinder
  • RS2 Avant - 232 kW (315 PS; 311 bhp), 2.2L, 20-valve turbocharged in-line five-cylinder
Diesel engines:

All petrol versions could be ordered with quattro permanent four-wheel drive; at the time, however, it could only be combined with a five-speed manual transmission. Additionally, Audi built about 2500 units of the Quattro Competition for the German and European market. It was a street homologation of the B4-based Super Tourenwagen Cup (STW) race car saloon with four-wheel drive and a modified 140 PS, 16-valve, two-litre petrol engine. The powertrain had its roots in the two-litre, four-cylinder inline engines that most European Audi 80s were equipped with at the time. On the outside, the Quattro Competition featured the same bumpers as the S2, V6 headlights, and a rear wing mounted on the bootlid. Together with the S2 and the RS2 Avant, the Quattro Competition has become an increasingly rare and highly sought-after collector's item.

Together with the saloon, Audi produced a B4-based estate, the Audi 80 Avant, and a convertible, the Audi Cabriolet, which was largely based on the Coupé, meaning that Audi now had saloon, coupé, cabriolet, and estate variants of the 80 available to European customers. For the North American market, however, Audi only sold coupés during the 1990 and 1991 model years, and the station wagon was never officially available. The Cabriolet was Audi's first soft-top. Initially available with the 2.3 litre five-cylinder engine, a 2.0 litre four-cylinder, and then 2.6 litre V6 were offered later. Heavily engineered to retain the structural strength of the Coupé (with which it shared sports suspension), its screen was reinforced to preclude the need for a roll bar.

As of the 1994 model year, a limited edition model, known as Europa, was introduced on the European market. It could be ordered both as a saloon and an Avant. It was factory-equipped with power mirrors, alloy wheels, rear seat headrests, an airbag steering wheel, and offered a choice between power sunroof or air conditioning. It came in five different special colours. For "regular" 1994 B4 saloons and Avants, standard features as well as options available were stepped up too, including an airbag steering wheel and redesigned door liners (standard), and passenger airbags and a built-in engine immobiliser (optional).

The B4 saloon was discontinued at the end of the 1994 model year (although a number of European vehicles are known to have been first registered as late as early 1995; in North America, sales continued into 1995 as well). Avant and Coupé followed suit in 1995/96. The Cabriolet, however, was carried on until 2000. As of the 1998 model year, it underwent a few minor yet visible touch-ups in its European version, such as gently redesigned bumpers and instrument clusters, projection lens headlights and more options available. In addition to this facelift, a special edition was introduced for the European market under the name Sunline. Among other specs, it was equipped with all leather interior, air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, a power soft-top and a leather steering wheel.

Both the Coupé and the Cabriolet were effectively replaced by the first-generation Audi TT coupé and roadster, sold between 1998 and 2006. The B4 platform saloon was replaced by the Audi A4 for the 1995 model year (1996 in North America), followed by a new A4 Avant later in 1996. A mid-sized convertible was not available again until 2002, when the A4 Cabriolet was introduced. Audi has released a new mid-sized coupé for the 2008 model year, which is now known as the Audi A5.

Audi RS2 Avant

RS2 Logo

The Audi RS2 Avant is fitted with a similar 2.2 litre turbocharged engine to the S2, but producing 232 kW (315 PS; 311 bhp). Reaching 100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) in just 4.8 seconds, it has a top speed of 262 km/h (162.8 mph).

The Audi RS2 was generally only available as an Avant, although four 4-door saloon models were officially produced by the factory, including one for the chief of the RS2 development programme. The RS2 was at least partially assembled at Porsche's Rossle-Bau plant in Zuffenhausen. Prior to manufacturing the RS2, the Porsche Zuffenhausen assembly line was busy producing the high-performance W124 bodystyle Mercedes-Benz 500E. The RS2/Porsche link is further exemplified by the RS2's dual circuit Porsche braking system (wearing Brembo calipers with a Porsche name), 7.0Jx17" alloy wheels which were identical in design to the Porsche 911 Turbo wheels of that era, and side view mirrors are also borrowed from the Porsche 911 Turbo. Additionally, the word "PORSCHE" is inscribed in the RS2 factory emblems affixed to the tailgate and front grille, and on the engine's inlet manifold. Porsche modified the Avant S2 body optics, added more power, better brakes, bigger anti-roll bars to front and rear, fine tuned the interior - and a super-sports estate was born. Porsche's involvement in the project was on the strict understanding that a coupé model would not be produced, as this was felt to be too close to Porsche's own products.

Typ codes

Audi assigned its individual models "Typ" codes, in addition to the primary Volkswagen Group B platform codes:

  • F103 - Audi 80 (1966–1969)
  • Typ 80 - B1; Audi 80 (1973–1976)
  • Typ 82/33 - B1; Audi 80 (1977–1978)
  • Typ 81 - B2; Audi 80/90 (4000 in US) (1979–1987)
  • Typ 85 - B2; Audi Coupé (1981–1987); Audi 4000 (Canada) (1981–1987) ; Audi Quattro (1981–1991); Audi 4000 quattro (1984–1987); Audi Sport Quattro (1984–1987)
  • Typ 89/8A - B3; Audi 80/90 (1987–1992)
  • Typ 89Q - B3; Audi 80/90 quattro (1987–1992)
  • Typ 8B - B3; Audi Coupé (1989–1996); Audi S2 (1991–1996)
  • Typ 8C - B4; Audi 80 (1992–1995); Audi RS2 Avant (1994–1996)
  • Typ 8G - B4; Audi Cabriolet (1991–2000)

Bibliography

  1. Paul Fernley, "Car of the Year: 1972", Classic and Sports Car (September 2005) p. 135
  2. "Imports: Audi", Collector Car and Truck Market Guide, (VMR International, July 2001) p. 76

Werner Oswald, Deutsche Autos 1945-1975. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 1975. ISBN 3-87943-391-7

See also

References

  1. ^ Werner Oswald: Deutsche Autos 1945-1990, vol. 4, ISBN 3-613-02131-5, p. 274
  2. ^ Daily Mail Motor Show Review 1972 on 1973 Cars (London: Associated Newspapers Group Ltd): pg7 (Audi 80). October 1972. 
  3. ^ ETKA official factory figures
  4. ^ Werner Oswald: Deutsche Autos 1945-1990, vol. 4, ISBN 3-613-02131-5, p. 263. Figures given for calendar years, some overlap with predecessor/successor models; actual figures therefore slightly lower.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Audi 80 description: Bigger and better". Autocar 149 (4271): 37–40. 16 September 1978. 
  6. ^ The Macquarie Dictionary of Motoring, 1986, page 23
  7. ^ Motor Manual, February 1982, pages 54-57
  8. ^ Audi of America Press Site 25 Years of Audi Quattro 22 February 2005
  9. ^ Werner Oswald: Deutsche Autos 1945-1990, vol. 4, ISBN 3-613-02131-5, p. 263
  10. ^ Eberhard Kittler: Deutsche Autos seit 1990, vol. 5. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2001, ISBN 3-613-02128-5, p. 24-26. Figures given for calendar years including predecessor/successor models; actual figures therefore somewhat lower.
  11. ^ Eberhard Kittler: Deutsche Autos seit 1990, vol. 5. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2001, ISBN 3-613-02128-5, p. 24. Figures given for calendar years including predecessor/successor models; actual figures therefore somewhat lower.

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