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The Audi 80 was an Audi automobile produced from 1971 to 1994. It initially shared its platform with the Volkswagen Passat, and was available as a sedan, station wagon, coupé and convertible, although the coupé and convertible models were not badged as members of the range.

There were several different engine types which included the fuel-efficient "E", powerful "S", and diesel "T".

In North America, the 80 was sold briefly as the Audi Fox and then as the Audi 4000.

The Audi 90 was an upmarket version of the Audi 80 sedan.

F103 Audi 80 (1966–69)

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.

B1 (1971–77)

This model debuted in Europe in 1972 as the 80 and in 1973 in the United States as the Fox, and was available as either a 2-door coupé or a 4-door sedan. It effectively took the place of several models that Audi had discontinued (the F103 series, which included the first "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 a SOHC I4 engine rated at 60 hp. It had a MacPherson strut front suspension and a dead rear axle supported by coil springs, trailing arms and a Panhard rod.¹ The Fox had a 1.5 L engine rated at 75 hp attached to a 4-speed manual transmission.²

Audi sold a station wagon variant of the vehicle in some countries (in some of which it would be referred to as an "estate"), even though it was virtually identical to the also available European Volkswagen Passat estate. The B1 platform was dropped from the European market in 1978, although it was sold into the 1979 model year in North America.

B2 (1978–85)

Audi redesigned the 80 on the B2 (Type 81) platform in 1978 (as a 1979 model) 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 sedan, a smaller number of two-door 80s were produced.

In Europe, the 80 was the standard model, while later on the Audi 90 was introduced as a kind of "upgrade" to the 80, with more options and, aside from the 75-hp, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine which was also available for the 80, two five-cylinder in-line petrol engines — a 115-hp 2.0 and the 136-hp 2.2, which was later modified into a 2.3.

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

The sedans were offered until late 1986 in Europe (as "saloons" in the United Kingdom) 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.

For the 1984 model year, Audi gave the B2 a subtle facelift with tail lights resembling the ones of the Type 44 Audi 100 and different front and rear bumpers and headlights.

B3 (1986–90)

In September of 1986, Audi released a new 80 for the 1987 model year on the European market; it was introduced elsewhere about a year later. It was based on the new B3 platform and introduced a new aerodynamic look and a galvanized bodyshell: it was the first mid-sized sedan to feature a fully zinc-coated body, giving it legendary longevity and durability against corrosion perforation. This protective shield proved to be so effective that Audi extended its corrosion perforation warranty, which during early pre-production was intended to be good for only 8 years, from 10 to 12 years and still uses zinc galvanization for current models.

Unlike its predecessor, the B3 was marketed worldwide as Audi 80 or 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 4-cylinder engines became available to European customers and the 5-cylinder Audi 90 was reintroduced as an upmarket, more luxurious variant of the standard model, much like earlier during the B2 (Type 81) series. For all versions, the Procon-ten safety system was now available.

The United Kingdom and Europe had similar versions: the Volkswagen Audi Group (VAG) 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 2.3E and 2.3 Quattro were available from 1988 to 1992.

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

1.6 - 75 hp, four-cylinder petrol engine
1.8/1.8S/1.8E - 88/90 hp, four-cylinder petrol engine (most common in Germany)
1.9E - 112 hp, four-cylinder petrol engine
2.0E - 113 hp, four-cylinder petrol engine
1.6 D - 50/55 hp, four-cylinder diesel engine
1.6 TD - 80 hp, four-cylinder turbo-intercooler diesel engine
1.9 TD - 70 hp, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine

The Audi 90 was strictly a five-cylinder car and came with four different engines:

2.0E - 115 hp, five-cylinder petrol engine
2.2E - 136 hp, five-cylinder petrol engine (only a few produced)
2.3E - 136 hp, five-cylinder petrol engine
2.3E 20V - 170 hp, 20-valve, five-cylinder petrol engine

With the 1988 model year, a new 2-door Coupe was introduced in Europe, basically a B3 sedan with a shortened wheelbase and a modified rear end. It came with the 115-hp 2.0E as well as the two 2.3E engines. It later served as a basis for the B4 coupe and Cabriolet and as such was essentially carried on until the year 2000, when the latter was discontinued.

In 1989, for the 1990 model year, North America received the simply named "Coupé Quattro," and "Quattro" (sedan) models that all were powered by a 164 hp/157 ft·lbf version of the 20v 2.3 liter 5-cylinder. These cars were considered to be in the "Grand Tourismo" style of a comfortable luxury car with sporting tendencies, as opposed to a dedicated light weight sports car. Weighing between 3042 lb (1990 sedan model) to 3308 lb (1991 Coupé model), these cars were not lightweight, especially in consideration of the 164 hp powerplant. These models can be recognized by their distinctive wheels (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 front of the shifter, carbon fibre center drive shaft, and push-button locking rear differential. The Coupé Quattro is visually similar to the European only B4 bodystyle S2 model, but does not have that S2's turbocharged engine.

The final B3 80s/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 upcoming B4 series; a few Audi 90 Sport Quattro with the 2.3-litre 20V engine, however, are known to have come off the assembly lines as late as early 1992.

B4 (1991–94)

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Audi 80 B4

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1993 90S (North America)

The B3 obtained a major facelift for the 1992 model year in 1991. It was from then on known internally as the B4 (or Type 8C). Changes from the B3 included a longer wheelbase, a fully redesigned petrol tank and rear axle to enable the use of folding seats, 15" wheels and 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 sedans were badged as 80, regardless of which engine they had. Audi of America went the opposite direction, and began selling the sedan 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.

European market cars were now available with a selection of 4-cylinder engines as well as the familiar I5 and two different new V6 (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 90-hp 1.9 TDI. The standard 1.8 litre petrol engine of the B3 was discontinued; a two-litre, 90-hp, 4-cylinder petrol engine, a variation of the previously known 113-hp 2.0E 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:

1.6 - 110 hp, four-cylinder petrol engine
2.0 - 90 hp , four-cylinder petrol engine (base model in Germany)
2.0E - 115 hp, four-cylinder petrol engine
2.0E 16V - 140 hp, 16-valve, four-cylinder petrol engine
2.3E - 133 hp, five-cylinder petrol engine
2.3E 20V - 170 hp, 20-valve, five-cylinder petrol engine (only a few built)
2.6E - 150 hp, V6 petrol engine
2.8E - 172 hp, V6 petrol engine
1.9 TD - 75 hp, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine
1.9 TDI - 90 hp, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine

All versions could be ordered with Quattro all-wheel-drive; at the time, however, it could only be combined with a 5-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 DTM race car sedan with all-wheel drive and a modified 140-hp, 16-valve, two-litre petrol engine. The power train 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, the Quattro Competition has become an increasingly rare and highly sought-after collector's item.

Together with the sedan, Audi produced a B4-based station wagon (estate), the Audi 80 Avant, and a convertible, the Audi Cabriolet, which was largely based on the B3 Coupé, meaning that Audi now had sedan, coupé, cabriolet, and wagon variants of the 80 available to European customers. For the North American market, however, Audi only sold coupés during the 1990 & 1991 model years, and the station wagon was never officially available. The Cabriolet did not do well with American customers either and never achieved the high level of popularity it soon earned with Europeans. The sedan, on the other hand, was moderately successful, at least compared to similar imports at the time.

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 sedan and a station wagon. It was factory-equipped with power mirrors, alloy wheels, rearseat headrests, an airbag steering wheel and offered a choice between power sunroof or air conditioning. It came in five different special colors. For "regular" 1994 B4 sedans and station wagons, standard features as well as options available were stepped up too, including an airbag steering wheel and redesigned door panels (standard), and passenger airbags and a built-in engine immobilizer (optional).

The B4 sedan 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 1996. 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. Both the Coupe and the Cabriolet were effectively replaced by the first-generation TT coupe and roadster, sold between 1998 ans 2006. The B4 platform sedan was replaced by the Audi A4 for the 1995 model year, 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 plans to release a new mid-sized coupe for the 2008 model year, which will then be known as the A5.

The S2 and RS2

Audi developed a sports version of the 80 / 90 in 1991, based on the B4 platform called the S2. This featured a 2.2l 20-valve turbo engine derived from that used in the Sport Quattro. A similar version of the engine was used in the Audi 100 based S4. It came as standard with Quattro all wheel drive and featured a heavy-duty manual transmission, initially 5-speed and then upgraded to a 6-speed for 1993.

The Audi S2 was initially available only as a 2-door sports coupé, but later, in 1993, a 5-door S2 Avant model was introduced, along with a limited run of 4-door S2 sedan models of which 306 were produced. The S2 sedan and Avant feature a lot similarities in the rear axle support system to the later B5 body A4 Quattro. The B4 platform S2 Avant was also used between 1993 and 1995 as the basis for Audi's RS2 super-sports wagon, which was modified for them by Porsche.

The S2 was initially available with a 2.2 L turbocharged engine which produced 220 hp (162kW) with later models producing 230 hp (169kw) . It will do 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds, continuing to a top speed of 246 km/h (154 mph). The S2 avant reaches 100km/h in 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 242 km/h.

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RS2 Logo

The RS2 is fitted with a similar 2.2l turbocharged engine, producing 315 hp (234kW). Reaching 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds, it has a top speed of 262 km/h. The Audi RS2 was generally only available as an Avant, although four 4-door sedan 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 Porsche branded Brembo calipers), 7jx17 alloy wheels that 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 trunk 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 wagon was born. Porsche's involvement in the project was on the strict understanding that a coupe model would not be produced as this was felt to be too close to Porsche's own products.

Type numbers

Audi assigned its models type numbers in addition to the B platform codes:

F103: Audi 80 (1966–1969)
Type 80: B1; Audi 80 (1973–1976)
Type 82/33: B1; Audi 80 (1977–1978)
Type 81: B2; Audi 80 and 90 (1979–1987)
Type 85: B2; Audi Coupé (1981–1987); Audi 4000 quattro (1984-1987) Audi quattro (1981–1991); Audi Sport quattro (1984–1987)
Type 89/8A: B3; Audi 80/90 (1987–1992)
Type 89Q: B3; Audi 80/90 quattro (1987–1992)
Type 8B: B3; Audi Coupé (1989–1996); Audi S2 (1991–1996)
Type 8C: B4; Audi 80 (1992–1995)
Type 8G: B4; Audi Cabriolet (1991–2000)

External links

Endnotes

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

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+[[Image:91-94 Audi 90 cabrio.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Audi 90 Cabrio]]
 The '''Audi 80''' was an [[Audi]] [[automobile]] produced from 1971 to 1994. It initially shared its platform with the [[Volkswagen Passat]], and was available as a [[sedan]], [[station wagon]], [[coupé]] and [[convertible]], although the coupé and convertible models were not badged as members of the range.
@@ Line 14: / Line 16: @@
 This model debuted in [[Europe]] in 1972 as the 80 and in 1973 in the [[United States]] as the Fox, and was available as either a 2-door coupé or a 4-door sedan. It effectively took the place of several models that Audi had discontinued (the F103 series, which included the first "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 a [[single overhead cam|SOHC]] [[Straight-4|I4]] engine rated at 60&nbsp;hp. It had a [[MacPherson strut]] front suspension and a [[Beam axle|dead rear axle]] supported by coil springs, [[trailing arm]]s and a [[Panhard rod]].<sup>[[#endnotes|1]]</sup> The Fox had a 1.5&nbsp;L engine rated at 75&nbsp;hp attached to a 4-speed manual transmission.<sup>[[#endnotes|2]]</sup>
+The Audi 80 was first equipped with a [[SOHC]] [[Straight-4|I4]] engine rated at 60&nbsp;hp. It had a [[MacPherson strut]] front suspension and a [[Beam axle|dead rear axle]] supported by coil springs, [[trailing arm]]s and a [[Panhard rod]].<sup>[[#endnotes|1]]</sup> The Fox had a 1.5&nbsp;L engine rated at 75&nbsp;hp attached to a 4-speed manual transmission.<sup>[[#endnotes|2]]</sup>
 Audi sold a station wagon variant of the vehicle in some countries (in some of which it would be referred to as an "estate"), even though it was virtually identical to the also available European Volkswagen Passat estate. The B1 platform was dropped from the European market in 1978, although it was sold into the 1979 model year in [[North America]].