Audi 80 B4

Audi
Audi 80 (1991-1994)
80 B4 (type 8C)
Production period:	1991-1995
Class :	Middle class
Body versions :	Limousine , station wagon
Engines:	Otto engines : 1.6–2.8 liters (52–232 kW) Diesel engines : 1.9 liters (55–66 kW)
Length:	4482-4488 mm
Width:	1695 mm
Height:	1408-1411 mm
Wheelbase :	2597-2612 mm
Empty weight :	1190-1430 kg
Previous model	Audi 80 B3
successor	Audi A4 B5

The Audi 80 B4 (also known as Type 8C) was presented by Audi in September 1991 as the fourth and last model in the Audi 80 series, which has been available since 1972 . The model was based on the Audi 80 B3 , which had been produced since 1986, but which was significantly revised at the model transition. For the first time in this series, a six-cylinder was also available.

The successor to the Audi A4 appeared in November 1994 , initially only as a sedan. The Audi 80 Avant rolled off the assembly line until December 1995.

Model history

General

The Audi 80 B4 represented an evolution of the previous model, which he outwardly "Audi Face" distinguished first by an altered, which is characterized by a newly designed bonnet with grill, as previously the Audi V8 and Audi 100 C4 was installed , as well as the bumpers painted in body color . The rear window of the B4 is also less curved in the upper area than that of its predecessor. Most of the roof, including the shape and position of the windshield, remained unchanged compared to the B3.

Rear view

The trunk of the predecessor model B3 has an unfavorable shape, which has been criticized many times because of the rear torsion crank axle , which required a relatively large installation space. A larger trunk with a flat load compartment floor was made possible in the successor B4 by using a torsion beam axle . However, this required a larger wheelbase, which is why the car was almost 8 cm longer. The larger wheels cleverly concealed the fact that the rear edge of the rear door was in the same place as before.

Audi 80 Avant (1992–1995)

Audi 80 Avant (1992–1995)

Thanks to the modified rear axle, it was also possible to install a horizontal tank, which enabled a smooth, deep trunk and foldable backrests and thus also a combination variant , which was presented in the summer of 1992 as the Audi 80 Avant . The shape of the rear body shows that the estate variant was developed back in the days of the Audi 80 B3 . The rear lights of the B3 are identical to those of the Avant.

With the introduction of the Audi 80 B4, the Audi 80 and 90 model series  were combined again. In addition to the five-cylinder engines previously reserved for the Audi 90, the Audi 80 B4 was also available with V6 engines for the first time (2.8 l, 128 kW, from 1992 also 2.6 l, 110 kW).

Differences to the Audi 80 B3

• Driver airbag as standard from model year 1994, optional front passenger airbag (standard from model year 1995)
• Anti-lock braking system (series from January 1993)
• Changed bumpers and light units; the coupe, convertible and RS2 also received a special front section with different headlights. With the exception of the normal four- and five-cylinder models, all vehicles had indicators and fog lights built into the bumper as standard , which, with the exception of the RS2, were taken over unchanged from the previous Audi 90.
• Modified bonnet with integrated radiator grille , wider, larger wheel arches, longer trunk and newly shaped rear
• Slightly enlarged wheelbase
• Standard 15-inch wheels, tire size 195/65/15 as standard (Audi 80 B3: 14-inch wheels)
• Newly designed rear axle, necessarily accompanied by a new design of the vehicle tank and a change in the shape of the trunk floor (the jagged shape of the trunk was often criticized on the previous model)
• Changed air conditioning
• Asymmetrically folding rear seat backs available; only a few specimens with rigid backs were built. From model variant 2.3E , the rear seat backrests on the sedan could be locked using the central locking.
• Improved insulation
• Higher quality materials in the interior (especially seat covers and panels)
• Changed door panels
• Hazard warning switch in the center console instead of the steering column switch
• Changed engine range

Model variants

Audi 80 V6 (1992)

The appearance of the six-cylinder models differed slightly from the other variants. The front indicators were integrated into the bumper and double main headlights were installed, which were a further development of the double headlights of the Audi 90 and the coupes up to model year 1991. These consisted of an H4 reflector for low beam and headlight flasher and an H1 reflector for headlight flasher and high beam . Compared to the standard four- and five-cylinder models, this resulted in a significantly improved light image. These headlights had previously been used in the Audi Coupé and were also installed in the Audi Cabriolet up to model year 1997 . The late S2, the RS2 and the convertible from model year 1998 had similarly designed halogen DE headlights. These had an H1 low beam with a projection lens and an H1 reflector for high beam with a larger reflector than the H4 / H1 solution. Since the low beam remained on when the high beam was switched on, the light image was even improved, especially in the area of ​​the area. The DE headlights can be easily switched to left-hand traffic by flipping a switch in the headlight housing.

The S2 models as well as the Cabriolet, Coupe and the special model quattro competition also had modified bumpers with a front apron that was pulled down. The RS2, in turn, had a different front bumper with very pronounced air intakes. The last expansion stage of the B4 design were more rounded bumpers on the convertible between the end of 1997 and 2000.

The exterior mirror housings and door handles were painted in the vehicle color as standard (with the exception of the 4-cylinder sedan and Avant). Starting with the 2.3E model, the rear folding backrests were also included in the central locking system as standard. At the rear, six-cylinder models and quattro vehicles can be recognized by the double tailpipe of the exhaust system. The TD and TDI models also had a double tailpipe, which was bent downwards for better soot drainage. The B4 quattro also has a 1 cm shorter wheelbase. The rear wheels appeared a bit more centered in the wheel arch than with the front-wheel drive. Another difference between the Quattro and the front-wheel drive is the slightly wider rear axle.

North America

The Audi 80 B4 in the version for North America , although also built in the German Audi plants, had some special features. While the Audi 90 model series was discontinued in Germany and Europe with the introduction of the B4 and all vehicles were only sold as the Audi 80 , in the USA and Canada the route was exactly the opposite, and the B4 was sold there under the name Audi 90 .

Audi 90 (1993; US version of the B4)

For product policy considerations, only the 2.6E and 2.8E were offered, and that only as a sedan and later as a convertible. Due to special requirements for crash safety and lighting systems, bumpers other than those commonly used in Europe had to be developed, which can be recognized by a clearly protruding transverse bead. As a result, it was not possible to use the conventional lighting of the V6 models, which is why North American vehicles, similar to the European four- and five-cylinder models, had indicators next to the main headlights. The latter were very similar to the European ones in terms of their construction, but produced a different light image. In addition, other fog lights were installed, which were located much lower in the front bumper. Completely white indicator glasses were also not permitted and the orange indicators already known from the predecessor B3 / Type 89 were used. As a further detail, the vehicles had a modified, wider rear license plate holder in the design of the rear lights. In addition, the turn signals of the tail lights were red. The indicators were used at the rear as a second taillight, at the front as parking lights (yellow) and all four as side marker lights .

North American vehicles also usually had more equipment; Extras such as automatic transmission, cruise control, air conditioning, electric windows, heated seats, leather upholstery and double airbags were much more common than in Europe.

Further development

Audi RS2 (1994–1995)

The Audi 80 Avant was also offered as " S2 " and " RS2 " in performance-enhanced versions, whereby the RS2 was produced in collaboration with the vehicle manufacturer Porsche (braking system, chassis, mirrors, rims, aggregate) at Audi in Neckarsulm (went on the same production line from 1981 to 1991 the Porsche 944 from the assembly line). Before the RS2, there was already its unofficial predecessor S2 Revo from tuner SMS (Schmidt Motorsport, the company was active for Audi in the DTM, for example, and helped develop the S2), which was initially offered with 270 hp, later with 308 hp and over the Audi dealer could be ordered. These vehicles are extremely rare to find today. Both the S2 and the RS2 were powered by a 2.2-liter in-line five-cylinder engine with four-valve technology and turbocharging; In addition, the engine was equipped with a special contactless ignition system with individual ignition coils before it was used in the B4. The S2 achieved 169 kW (230 PS), while the RS2 had an engine output of 232 kW (315 PS) that had never been seen in Audi road vehicles. For this, the engine from Porsche was equipped with an optimized turbocharger, a modified exhaust manifold and metal catalytic converters. In 1993, the Audi S2 followed briefly as a sedan, of which only 306 were built. All RS2s and the S2 with the 2226 cm³ 5-cylinder (S2 engine code ABY with 169 kW / 230 PS and RS2 engine code ADU with 232 kW / 315 PS) had a 6-speed manual gearbox. While the RS2 was only offered as a station wagon, the S2 was also available as a coupé and - in a few copies - as a sedan.

With the model year 1994, the special model Europe was introduced. Compared to the standard variant, it was characterized by a more extensive basic equipment. This included electrically adjustable exterior mirrors as well as light alloy wheels (7 × 15 aluminum rims in Speedline 10-spoke design with 205/60 R15 V tires), an electric sunroof or optionally manual air conditioning , an airbag steering wheel, and rear headrests and five different custom paint finishes available.

The Audi 80 sedan was also offered as a limited special model (2500 pieces) Competition in 1994 . This model was delivered from the factory with the headlights of the Audi Coupé , 7 × 16 alloy wheels and the front and rear aprons including the rear spoiler known from the Audi S2 model . The vehicle also had quattro permanent all-wheel drive . The competition was produced for homologation reasons for the STW racing series . Its engine (code letter ACE ) is based on the well-known two-liter four-cylinder engine of the 2.0 (66 kW) and 2.0E (85 kW), which increases performance primarily through the installation of a Bosch -KE- Motronic - intake manifold injection and a 16-valve cylinder head to 103 kW (140 PS). This engine was also used in smaller numbers in normal B4 series vehicles.

In the factory scope of delivery of the Competition there were intermediate pieces for the tailgate and spoiler in order to be able to mount the rear spoiler higher. An aluminum profile for mounting on the rear spoiler and a small spoiler lip for the front bumper were also included, which should further improve the aerodynamic properties. However, this accessory was not approved for normal road traffic. The scope of delivery also included a key fob on which the serial number of the vehicle was incorporated (e.g .: 583/2500). The Competition was only available in the three colors of volcano black / pearl effect, laser red and crystal silver, based on Audi's traditional color scheme, especially in the rally sport sector.

End of production

Production of the sedan was ended in December 1994, while the station wagon continued to be manufactured until December 1995. The successor model from November 1994 was the Audi A4 B5 . Individual copies of the Audi 80 sedan were not registered for the first time until the beginning of 1995.

Audi Cabriolet

The Audi RS2 was built together with Porsche until May 1995, including four particularly rare RS2 sedans.

The Audi Cabriolet , which is not based on the B4, but on the Audi Coupé , was produced until August 2000, although slight detail changes were made in April 1997. The front bumper was reshaped and double-ellipsoid headlights with projection lenses that were already known from the S2 and RS2 were available ex works . A third brake light was installed in the trunk lid. Likewise, the design of the instrument cluster, which had remained largely unchanged since 1986, was adapted to the taste of the times while retaining the same technology and new paint colors and (higher quality) interior fittings were available.

Racing

Audi 80 quattro 2.5 DTM (1993)

For the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) in 1993, Audi built a racing car based on the Audi 80 with a six-cylinder 2.5-liter engine and 285 kW (388 hp) at 10,500 rpm. It was intended to replace the Audi V8s that were previously used and no longer eligible to compete under the new regulations . However, Audi withdrew from the DTM before the start of the season and the car was not used. It is still owned by Audi AG today.

On the occasion of the Super Touring Car Cup (STW), Audi built the homologation model Audi 80 Quattro Competition in a limited number of 2500 pieces in 1994. For each competition, Audi awarded a key fob that contained the serial number of the respective vehicle (serial number / 2500). The scope of delivery also included spoiler heights, an aluminum profile to attach to the rear spoiler and a spoiler lip for the front apron. According to the original documents, these serve to improve the aerodynamic properties. Since, according to the sports regulations, the external features of the bodywork of production and racing cars must be exactly the same, these extras were included. However, the add-on parts are not permitted on public roads.

Technical specifications

Petrol engines
model	cylinder	Bore × stroke	Cubic capacity cm³	power	Max. Torque	Engine identification	0-100 km / h	V max	Construction period
1.6	4th	81 x 77.4 mm	1595	52 kW (71 hp) at 5400 rpm	120 Nm at 3000 rpm	ABM	15.4 s	162 km / h	01 / 1992-08 / 1994
1.6 E.	4th	81 x 77.4 mm	1595	74 kW (101 PS) at 6000 rpm	130 Nm at 3200 rpm	ADA	13.4 s	182 km / h	06 / 1993-12 / 1995
2.0	4th	82.5 x 92.8 mm	1984	66 kW (90 PS) at 5400 rpm	148 Nm at 3000 rpm	ABT	13.6 s	177 km / h	09 / 1991-12 / 1995
2.0 E.	4th	82.5 x 92.8 mm	1984	85 kW (115 PS) at 5400 rpm	166 Nm at 3200 rpm	ABK	11.8 s	190 km / h	09 / 1991-12 / 1995
2.0 E 16V	4th	82.5 x 92.8 mm	1984	103 kW (140 PS) at 5800 rpm	181 Nm at 4500 rpm	ACE	9.6 s	201 km / h	08/1992–12/1995
2.3 E.	5	82.5 x 86.4 mm	2309	98 kW (133 hp) at 5500 rpm	186 Nm at 4000 rpm	NG	9.8 s	200 km / h	09 / 1991-11 / 1994
2.6 E.	6th	82.5 x 81.0 mm	2598	110 kW (150 PS) at 5750 rpm	225 Nm at 3500 rpm	ABC	9.3 s	212 km / h	07 / 1992-12 / 1995
2.8 E.	6th	82.5 x 86.4 mm	2771	128 kW (174 hp) at 5500 rpm	245 Nm at 3000 rpm	AAH	8.0 s	220 km / h	09 / 1991-12 / 1995
S2	5	81.0 x 86.4 mm	2226	169 kW (230 PS) at 5900 rpm	350 Nm at 1950 rpm	ABY	5.9 s	248 km / h	02 / 1993-12 / 1995
RS2 Avant	5	81.0 x 86.4 mm	2226	232 kW (315 PS) at 6500 rpm	410 Nm at 3000 rpm	ADU	5.4 s	262 km / h	03 / 1994-05 / 1995
↑ a b c Only for some export countries ↑ a b c d e With quattro drive on request ↑ a b With quattro drive as standard
Diesel engines
model	cylinder	Bore × stroke	Cubic capacity cm³	Maximum power	Max. Torque	Engine identification	0-100 km / h	V max	Construction period
1.9 TD	4th	79.5 x 95.5 mm	1896	55 kW (75 PS) at 4400 rpm	140 Nm at 2200-2800 rpm	AAZ	17.5 s	162 km / h	09 / 1991-07 / 1995
1.9 TDI	4th	79.5 x 95.5 mm	1896	66 kW (90 PS) at 4000 rpm	182 Nm at 2300 rpm	1Z	14.1 s	174 km / h	09 / 1991-07 / 1995
↑ From model year 1994: 202 Nm at 1900 rpm

• 

  5-cylinder with 133 PS (MKB: NG)

literature

• Audi 80 owner's manual . Audi AG, July 1992

Web links

Commons : Audi 80 B4  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

1. ↑ ^{a b} Audi 80 engine codes / engine overview (accessed on July 4, 2014)