Audi 80

Infobox Automobile


name = Audi 80
manufacturer = Audi AG
parent_company = Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen AG)
production = 1966–1996
assembly = Ingolstadt, Germany
successor = Audi A4
predecessor = Audi 72
class = Compact executive car
platform = Volkswagen B platform series
related = Volkswagen PassatThe 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.

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

In North America, the 80 was sold briefly as the Audi Fox and from 1980 to 1987 as the Audi 4000.

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

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.

Audi 80 (B1) (1973–78)

Infobox Automobile generation


name = Audi 80 B1
production = 1973-1978 1,103,766 built [Werner Oswald: "Deutsche Autos 1945-1990", vol. 4, ISBN 3-613-02131-5, p. 274]
engine = 1.3 L I4 1.5 L I4 1.6 L I4 (all Petrol engines)
transmission = 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic
wheelbase = convert|2470|mm|in|1|abbr=on
length = convert|4175|mm|in|1|abbr=on
width = convert|1600|mm|in|1|abbr=on
height = convert|1362|mm|in|1|abbr=on
body_style = 2-door sedan
4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
layout = Front engine, front-wheel drive
platform = Volkswagen B1 platformThis model debuted in Europe in 1973 as the Audi 80 and in 1973 in the United States as the Audi Fox, and was available as either a 2-door or a 4-door saloon. 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 I4 engines rated at convert|55|PS|kW|abbr=on to convert|85|PS|kW|abbr=on. On the home market, two- and four- door saloons were available in base trim (55 or convert|75|PS|kW|abbr=on, called simply Audi 80 and 80 S, respectively), as L models (LS with convert|75|PS|kW|abbr=on engine) or as a more luxurious GL (85 PS only). In 1973 Audi added the sporty 80 GT (two-door only) featuring a carburetted 1.6 litre engine rated at convert|100|PS|kW|abbr=on.

The 80 had a MacPherson strut front suspension and a dead rear axle supported by coil springs, trailing arms and a Panhard rod.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 liter (convert|110|PS|kW|abbr=on) replacing the former 80 GT.

The Fox had a 1.5 L engine rated at convert|55|hp|kW|abbr=on attached to a 4-speed manual transmission. Subsequent versions came with 1.6L engines rated at convert|83|hp|kW|abbr=on²

In certain markets a 5-door estate ("Avant") 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.

Audi 80 (B2) (1978–86)

Infobox Automobile generation


name = Audi 80 B2
production = 1978 - 1986 1,680,146 built [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.] 80: 1,405,506 90: 105,593 Coupé: 169,047
engine = 1.3L I4; 1.6L I4; 1.6 TD; 1.8L I4; 1.9L/2.0L I5; 2.1/2.2L I5; 1.6L Diesel/Turbodiesel I4
platform = Volkswagen B2 platform
body_style = 2-door sedan
4-door sedan
3-door coupé (Audi Coupé)
assembly =
layout = Front engine,
front-wheel drive / quattro permanent four-wheel drive
fuel_capacity =
related = Audi Coupe GT, Audi Quattro,
Audi 5+5
designer = Giorgetto GiugiaroAudi 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, 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 later on the Audi 90 was launched as a larger-engined version of the 80, with more options and, aside from the convert|75|PS|kW|abbr=on, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine which was also available for the 80, two five-cylinder in-line petrol engines — a convert|115|PS|kW|abbr=on and the convert|136|PS|kW|abbr=on 2.2, which was later modified into a 2.3. European models had two headlamp casings, while North American models generally had quad headlamps.Fact|date=November 2007

The B2 platform proved to be both quite versatile and quite profitable; many components were shared to or borrowed from the Audi Coupé, 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.Audi of America Press Site [http://media.audiusa.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=9540 25 Years of Audi Quattro] 22 February 2005]

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.

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.

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.

The Audi 5+5 was launched on to the Australian market in October 1981. [The Macquarie Dictionary of Motoring, 1986, page 23] Described as a “uniquely Australian Special” it was essentially an 80 B2 four door sedan with the 2144cc five cylinder engine. [Motor Manual, February 1982, pages 54-57]

Audi 80 (B3) (1987–91)

Infobox Automobile generation


name = Audi 80 B3
production = 1987-1991 1,623,382 [Werner Oswald: "Deutsche Autos 1945-1990", vol. 4, ISBN 3-613-02131-5, p. 263] [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.] 80: 1,438,475 90: 184,907
engine = 80:
1.4L I4
1.6L I4
1.8L I4
2.0L I4
2.0L I4 16 valve
1.6L I4 Diesel
1.6L I4 Turbodiesel
1.9L I4 Diesel
90:
2.0L I5
2.2L I5
2.3L I5
2.3L I5 20 valve
1.6L I4 Turbodiesel
transmission = 3-speed automatic
5-speed manual
wheelbase = convert|2540|mm|in|1|abbr=on
length = convert|4392|mm|in|1|abbr=on
width = convert|1695|mm|in|1|abbr=on
height = convert|1397|mm|in|1|abbr=on
body_style = 4-door sedan
3-door coupé (Audi Coupé quattro)
platform = Volkswagen B3 platform
layout = Front engine,
front-wheel drive / quattro permanent four-wheel drive
fuel_capacity =
related = In September 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 (which broke the relationship with the Volkswagen B-series platforms, not being the same as the Passat's B3 platform). It introduced a new aerodynamic look and a galvanized bodyshell. This was the first mid-sized car to feature a fully zinc-coated body, giving it longevity and durability against corrosion perforation.Fact|date=November 2007 This protective shield proved to be so effective that Audi extended its corrosion perforation warranty, which during early pre-production was expected to be good for only 8 years, from the originally offered 10 years to 12 years; Audi still uses zinc galvanization for current steel-bodied models.

Unlike its predecessor, the B3 was marketed worldwide as 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 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 90 differs visually by the full width tail-light panel / license plate surround, and by its headlights which featured additional high-beam lights. The front grille was also slightly different. The indicators are also in the bumpers next to a wider fog light than that of an 80. The 90 also featured the first 20v engine from Audi after the turbo engine used in the Audi Sport Quattro. This engine produced convert|170|PS|kW|abbr=on.

The United Kingdom and Europe had similar versions: the Volkswagen Audi Group (VAG) (later re-named 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 2.3E 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:

The Audi 90 was a five-cylinder only car, and came with four different engines:
* 2.0E - convert|115|PS|kW|abbr=on, five-cylinder petrol engine
* 2.2E/2.3E - convert|136|PS|kW|abbr=on, five-cylinder petrol engine
* 2.3E 20V - convert|170|PS|kW|abbr=on, 20-valve, five-cylinder petrol engine (with catalytic converter)

With the 1988 model year, a new 2-door Coupé was introduced in Europe, basically a B3 sedan with a shortened wheelbase and a modified rear end. It came with the convert|115|PS|kW|abbr=on 2.0E as well as the two 2.3E engines. It later served as a basis for the B4 Coupé and Cabriolet. 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 versions.

In 1989, for the 1990 model year, North America received the Coupé quattro and 90 quattro models that all were powered by a detuned convert|164|hp|kW|abbr=on of the 20V 2.3 L 5-cylinder engine. These cars were considered to be in the "Grand Tourismo" style of a comfortable luxury car with sporting tendencies, as opposed to a dedicated lightweight 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 convert|164|hp|kW|abbr=on 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 the bottom of the center console, a carbon fibre centre drive shaft, 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.

2

Audi developed a sports version of the 80 / 90 in 1991, based on the B3 platform called the Audi S2. This featured a 2.2 L 20-valve turbo petrol engine derived from that used in the Sport Quattro. A similar version of the engine was used in the Audi 200 20v and the Audi 100 based S4 (the 'Ur-S4'). It came as standard with quattro permanent four 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 saloon models, of which 306 were produced. The S2 saloon and Avant are based on the 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 by Porsche.

The S2 was initially available with a 2.2 L turbocharged engine which produced convert|220|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on|lk=on, with later models producing convert|230|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on. It will do 0-convert|100|km/h|0|abbr=on|lk=on in 5.8 seconds, continuing to a top speed of convert|246|km/h|1|abbr=on. The S2 Avant reaches convert|100|km/h|0|abbr=on in 6.1 seconds, and has a top speed of convert|242|km/h|1|abbr=on.

Audi 80 (B4) (1991–2000)

Infobox Automobile generation


name = Audi 80 B4
production = 1991-1995 1,090,690 [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.] 4-door: 908,255 Avant: 182,435
engine = 2.0L I4 Petrol engine
2.3L I5 Petrol engine
2.6L & 2.8L V6 Petrol engine
1.9L I4 Diesel engine
transmission = 4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
wheelbase = Sedan: auto in|102.8|0
Coupe: auto in|100.6|0
quattro: auto in|102.2|0
length = Sedan: auto in|180.3|0
Coupe: auto in|176.0|0
width = Sedan: auto in|66.7|0
Coupe: auto in|67.6|0
height = 1992-94 Sedan: auto in|54.3|0
quattro: auto in|54.7|0
1995-96 Sedan: auto in|55.0|0
Coupe: auto in|54.3|0
body_style = 2-door coupé
2-door convertible
4-door sedan
4-door station wagon
platform = Volkswagen B4 platform
layout = Front engine,
front-wheel drive / quattro permanent four-wheel drive
fuel_capacity =
related = RS2 AvantThe 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 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 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 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 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 - Auto PS|101, four-cylinder petrol engine
* 1.8 E 20V - Auto PS|125, four-cylinder petrol engine
* 2.0 - Auto PS|90, four-cylinder petrol engine (base model in Germany)
* 2.0 E - Auto PS|115, four-cylinder petrol engine
* 2.0 E 16V - Auto PS|140, 16-valve, four-cylinder petrol engine
* 2.3 E 10V - Auto PS|133, 10-valve, five-cylinder petrol engine
* 2.6 E - Auto PS|150, V6 petrol engine
* 2.8 E - Auto PS|174, V6 petrol engine
* S2 - Auto PS|230, 2.2L, 20-valve turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine
* Avant RS2 - Auto PS|315, 2.2L, 20-valve turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine
* 1.9 TD - Auto PS|75, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine
* 1.9 TDI - Auto PS|90, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine (with intercooler)

All petrol versions could be ordered with quattro permanent four-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 Super Tourenwagen Cup (STW) 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 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 & 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 5-cylinder engine, a 2.0 litre 4-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-over 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 sedan and a station wagon. 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 sedans and station wagons, 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 immobilizer (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 TT coupé and roadster, sold between 1998 and 2006. The B4 platform sedan was replaced by the Audi A4 for the 1996 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 has released a new mid-sized coupé for the 2008 model year, which is now known as the A5.

RS2 Avant

The Audi RS2 Avant is fitted with a similar 2.2 L turbocharged engine to the S2, but producing auto PS|315. Reaching convert|100|km/h|mi/h|0|lk=on|abbr=on in just 4.8 seconds, it has a top speed of convert|262|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on. 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 Porsche branded Brembo calipers), 7Jx17 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 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 estate 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 individual models "typ" numbers, in addition to the primary 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 (1991–1993)
* Typ 8C - B4; Audi 80 (1992–1995); Audi RS2 Avant (1994-1996)
* Typ 8G - B4; Audi Cabriolet (1991–2000)

ee also

* Audi 4000CS quattro
* Audi RS2 Avant

References

Bibliography

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