Audi 80

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Contents

Audi 80
Manufacturer Audi AG
Parent company Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen AG)
Production 1966–1996
Assembly Ingolstadt, Germany
Predecessor Audi 72
Successor Audi A4
Class Compact executive car
Platform Volkswagen 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.

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 onward as the Audi 4000.

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

[edit] 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.


[edit] Audi 80 (B1) (1973–78)

Audi 80 B1
B1 Audi 80
Production 1973-1978
1,103,766 built[1]
Body style(s) 2-door sedan
4-door sedan
5-door station 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 or 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)
B1 Audi 80 (facelift)
B1 Audi 80 (facelift)
B1 Audi 80 Estate (facelift)
B1 Audi 80 Estate (facelift)

This 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 55 PS (40 kW) to 85 PS (63 kW). On the home market, two- and four- door saloons were available in base trim (55 or 75 PS (55 kW), called simply Audi 80 and 80 S, respectively), as L models (LS with 75 PS (55 kW) 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 100 PS (74 kW).

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 (110 PS (81 kW)) replacing the former 80 GT.

The Fox had a 1.5 L engine rated at 55 hp (41 kW) attached to a 4-speed manual transmission. Subsequent versions came with 1.6L engines rated at 83 hp (62 kW)2

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.

[edit] Audi 80 (B2) (1978–86)

Audi 80 B2
1978 Audi 80 L — version with single headlamps, common in Europe
1978 Audi 80 /4000 B2: 2 door version with US spec, as evidenced by the headlamp configuration and enhanced fenders/bumpers
Production 1978 - 1986
1,680,146 built[2]
80: 1,405,506
90: 105,593
Coupé: 169,047
Body style(s) 2-door sedan
4-door sedan
3-door coupé (Audi Coupé)
Layout Front engine,
front-wheel drive / quattro permanent four-wheel drive
Platform Volkswagen B2 platform
Engine(s) 1.3L I4; 1.6L I4; 1.8L I4; 1.9L/2.0L I5; 2.1/2.2L I5; 1.6L Diesel/Turbodiesel I4
Related Audi Coupe GT, Audi Quattro
Designer Giorgetto Giugiaro
B2-based Audi Coupé GT
B2-based Audi Coupé GT

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, 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 75 PS (55 kW), four-cylinder turbo diesel engine which was also available for the 80, two five-cylinder in-line petrol engines — a 115 PS (85 kW) and the 136 PS (100 kW) 2.2, which was later modified into a 2.3. European models had two headlamp casings, while North American models generally had quad headamps.[citation needed]

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.

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 B2 was introduced into the Australian market in January 1982 as the Audi 5+5 [3] and was offered only with the 2144cc five cylinder engine. [4]


[edit] Audi 80 (B3) (1987–91)

Audi 80 B3
B3 Audi 80
Production 1987-1991
1,623,382[5] [6]
80: 1,438,475
90: 184,907
Body style(s) 4-door sedan
3-door coupé (Audi Coupé quattro)
Layout Front engine,
front-wheel drive / quattro permanent four-wheel drive
Platform Volkswagen B3 platform
Engine(s) 1.6-2.0L I4 Petrol engine (80)
2.0-2.3L I5 Petrol engine (90)
1.6-1.9L I4 Diesel engine
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)
Audi 90 quattro 20V
Audi 90 quattro 20V

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.[citation needed] 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 170 PS (130 kW).

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:

  • 1.6 - 70 PS (51 kW)/75 PS (55 kW), four-cylinder petrol engine
  • 1.8/1.8S/1.8E - 75 PS (55 kW)/90 PS (66 kW), four-cylinder petrol engine (most common in Germany)
  • 1.8E/1.9E - 112 PS (82 kW)/113 PS (83 kW), four-cylinder petrol engine
  • 2.0E - 115 PS (85 kW), four-cylinder petrol engine
  • 2.0 16V - 137 PS (101 kW), four-cylinder petrol engine
  • 1.6 D - 54 PS (40 kW), four-cylinder diesel engine
  • 1.6 TD - 80 PS (59 kW), four-cylinder turbo-intercooler diesel engine
  • 1.9 D - 68 PS (50 kW), four-cylinder diesel engine

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

  • 2.0E - 115 PS (85 kW), five-cylinder petrol engine
  • 2.2E/2.3E - 136 PS (100 kW), five-cylinder petrol engine
  • 2.3E 20V - 170 PS (130 kW), 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 115 PS (85 kW) 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 164 hp (122 kW) 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 164 hp (122 kW) 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 B4 bodystyle 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.

[edit] Audi 80 (B4) (1991–95)

Audi 80 B4
Audi 80 B4
Production 1991-1995
1,090,690 [7]
4-door: 908,255
Avant: 182,435
Body style(s) 2-door coupé
2-door convertible
4-door sedan
4-door station wagon
Layout Front engine,
front-wheel drive / quattro permanent four-wheel drive
Platform Volkswagen B4 platform
Engine(s) 2.0L I4 Petrol engine
2.3L I5 Petrol engine
2.6L & 2.8L V6 Petrol engine
1.9L I4 Diesel engine
Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Wheelbase Sedan: 102.8 in (2611 mm)
Coupe: 100.6 in (2555 mm)
quattro: 102.2 in (2596 mm)
Length Sedan: 180.3 in (4580 mm)
Coupe: 176.0 in (4470 mm)
Width Sedan: 66.7 in (1694 mm)
Coupe: 67.6 in (1717 mm)
Height 1992-94 Sedan: 54.3 in (1379 mm)
quattro: 54.7 in (1389 mm)
1995-96 Sedan: 55.0 in (1397 mm)
Coupe: 54.3 in (1379 mm)
Related RS2 Avant
Audi 80 B4 Avant (estate/wagon)
Audi 80 B4 Avant (estate/wagon)
Audi 90 Cabrio (North American example)
Audi 90 Cabrio (North American example)
1994 Audi Cabriolet (European)
1994 Audi Cabriolet (European)
1993 Audi 90S (North American)
1993 Audi 90S (North American)

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 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.

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 - 101 PS (100 hp/74 kW), four-cylinder petrol engine
  • 2.0 - 90 PS (89 hp/66 kW), four-cylinder petrol engine (base model in Germany)
  • 2.0 E - 115 PS (113 hp/85 kW), four-cylinder petrol engine
  • 2.0 E 16V - 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW), 16-valve, four-cylinder petrol engine
  • 2.3 E 10V - 133 PS (131 hp/98 kW), 10-valve, five-cylinder petrol engine
  • 2.6 E - 150 PS (148 hp/110 kW), V6 petrol engine
  • 2.8 E - 174 PS (172 hp/128 kW), V6 petrol engine
  • S2 - 230 PS (227 hp/169 kW), 2.2L, 20-valve turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine
  • Avant RS2 - 315 PS (311 hp/232 kW), 2.2L, 20-valve turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine
  • 1.9 TD - 75 PS (74 hp/55 kW), four-cylinder turbo diesel engine
  • 1.9 TDI - 90 PS (89 hp/66 kW), 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 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 estate, the Audi 80 Avant, and a convertible, the Audi Cabriolet, which was largely based on the B3 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.

[edit] S2 and RS2

Audi S2
Audi S2

Audi developed a sports version of the 80 / 90 in 1991, based on the B3 platform called the S2. This featured a 2.2 L 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 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 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 Avant super-sports estate, which was modified for them by Porsche.

The S2 was initially available with a 2.2 L turbocharged engine which produced 220 PS (217 hp/162 kW), with later models producing 230 PS (227 hp/169 kW). It will do 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds, continuing to a top speed of 246 km/h (153 mph). The S2 Avant reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 242 km/h (150 mph).

RS2 Logo
RS2 Logo
Main article: Audi RS2 Avant

The Audi RS2 Avant is fitted with a similar 2.2 L turbocharged engine, producing 315 PS (311 hp/232 kW). Reaching 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.8 seconds, it has a top speed of 262 km/h (163 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 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.

[edit] 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 (4000 in US) (1979–1987)
  • Type 85: B2; Audi Coupé (1981–1987); Audi 4000 quattro (1984-1987); Audi 4000 (Canada) (1981-1987) ; 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)

[edit] See also

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[edit] References

  1. ^ Werner Oswald: Deutsche Autos 1945-1990, vol. 4, ISBN 3-613-02131-5, p. 274
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ Motor Manual, February 1982, page 54
  4. ^ http://www.redbookasiapacific.com/au/vehicle/vehicles.php?make=AUDI&family=PS5%2B5&year=19821
  5. ^ Werner Oswald: Deutsche Autos 1945-1990, vol. 4, ISBN 3-613-02131-5, p. 263
  6. ^ 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.
  7. ^ 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.

[edit] 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.