Audi 80 - WikiHQ

The Audi 80 is a compact executive car produced by the Audi subdivision of the Volkswagen Group across four generations from 1966 to 1996. It shared its platform with the Volkswagen Passat from 1973 to 1986 and was available as a saloon, and estate — the latter marketed by Audi as the Avant. The coupé and convertible models were not badged as members of the range, but used a derivative of the same platforms.

In North America and Australia, the 80 was marketed as the Audi Fox for model years 1973–1979, as the Audi 4000 for model years 1980–1987 in the US, as Audi 4000 5+5 from 1981 in the US, and Audi 5+5 in Australia during 1981 through 1983.

The Audi 90 was an upmarket version of the Audi 80, although all North American sedans of the B4 generation were called Audi 90.

Naming convention

Under Audi's platform numbering convention, the 80 is classified as a member of the B-series or B platform family of vehicles, with the four generations of 80 being numbered as B1, B2, B3, and B4; its replacement – the Audi A4 – continues this sequence with platform numbers B5 through to B9. Originally this numbering convention ran concurrently with that of the Volkswagen Passat, the first generation of which was essentially a badge-engineered clone of the Audi 80. This link was severed in 1988 when the Passat moved to a transverse-engined, VW-specific platform for its 80-unrelated B3 and B4 versions. The Passat was based again on the Audi A4 (B5 or "8D" platform) for its B5 generation, and returned to a transverse engine for the B6 and later generations.

F103 (1966–1972)

left|thumb|Audi 80 Variant (F103)

The Audi F103 series, based on the DKW F102 but with an all-new range of four-stroke engines developed in conjunction with Daimler-Benz, was sold between 1965 and 1972. It comprised several models named for their horsepower ratings. From 1966 to 1969 this series included an Audi 80, and there were also Audi 60, 72, 75, and Super 90 models available over the years.

B1 (1972–1978)

left|thumb|Audi 80 (B1) 2-door sedan pre-facelift (rear)

left|thumb|Audi 80L (B1) 4-door sedan pre-facelift

thumb|left|Audi 80 (B1) estate (facelift)

This model debuted in Europe in 1972 as the Audi 80, and in 1973 in Australia and North America (Canada and the USA) 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 (Ford Cortina in the UK), as well as more upmarket offerings including the Alfa Romeo Alfetta and Triumph Dolomite.

The Audi 80 B1 was only the second modern-era Audi product to be developed entirely under Volkswagen ownership - Audi chief engineer Ludwig Kraus had famously been disparaging about the outgoing F103 series, referring to it as the "bastard", owing to its Auto Union/DKW bodyshell and Mercedes-Benz engine. The B1 was a clean break from the Auto Union era, being equipped with a range of brand new 1.3- and 1.5-litre SOHC inline-four petrol engines - the first appearance of the now legendary EA827 series of engines, whose descendants are still used in VW Group vehicles to the present day. The internal combustion engines were available in various rated power outputs. For the 1.3-litre engines, (identification code: ZA) was rated at , code: ZF was rated at . The 1.5-litre (codes: ZB, ZC) at for the ZB and for the ZC.

On the home market, two-door 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 carburettor 1.6-litre engine (code: XX) rated at .

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.

Audi's design and development efforts paid off during the 1973 European Car of the Year competition where the 80 won ahead of the Renault 5 and the Alfa Romeo Alfetta.

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 () replacing the former 80 GT.

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. This version, first seen in mid-1975, appeared in the United States, South Africa, and several other markets.

The Fox originally had a 1.5 litre engine rated at , attached to a four-speed manual transmission. Subsequent versions came with 1.6-litre engines rated at . By 1978, ever more stringent emissions rules meant that this had dropped to . Four-speed manuals or three-speed automatics were on offer, in all three bodystyles. Aside from the required larger bumpers, early models looked very similar to their European counterparts, while facelift versions (model year 1977) received a large black grille with double, round headlights, without the wraparound turn signals used elsewhere. There was also a sporting GTi package on offer in later years.

| production = 1978–1986 1,680,146 built 80: 1,405,506 90: 105,593 Coupé: 169,047

| predecessor = Audi 80 (B1)

| successor = Audi 80 (B3)

| body_style =

| layout = Front-engine, front-wheel-drive or quattro permanent four-wheel-drive

| platform = Volkswagen Group B2 platform

| engine =

| transmission =

| wheelbase =

| length =

| width =

| related = Audi Coupé (B2) Audi Quattro Volkswagen Passat (B2)

| designer = Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign

| sp = uk

Audi presented a redesigned 80 based on the B2 platform (Typ 81) in September 1978 and deliveries of the four-door sedan began a few weeks later in Europe. Deliveries of the fuel injected GLE and two-door bodied cars began early in 1979. The redesigned car was first seen in North America in 1979 (as a 1980 model). Audi continued to use the 80 nameplate in Europe, but badged their Typ 81 as the Audi 4000 in North America. The body of the B2 Audi 80 was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. No Avant variant was available, as the Volkswagen Passat filled that role, as the B2 was intended to move the 80 upmarket from the mid-sized family segment to a compact executive model pitched to rival the BMW 3 Series. The B2 also acted in a de facto sense, as a replacement for the ill-fated NSU Ro 80 that ceased production the year before, since Audi dropped the NSU brand completely following that car's demise. The corresponding B2 version of the Passat appeared two years later and, although the two cars shared the same platform and running gear as before, the Passat had a much stronger visual identity distinct from its Audi 80 sister in comparison with the B1.

The 80 first became available with four-wheel drive in 1983. The model was essentially an Ur-Quattro without the turbocharger and with saloon bodywork. The four-wheel drive 80, however, weighed more than a front-wheel drive Audi 100 CD with the same 2144 cc engine, and with its worse aerodynamics it was slower than the larger, better-equipped, and lower-priced 100. The 80 quattro received twin headlamps, a front spoiler with integrated foglights, and a body-coloured rubber spoiler on the rear. There was also a "quattro" script on the bootlid and a twin exhaust. The luggage compartment was marginally smaller (mostly in height), which meant only a temporary spare wheel could be fitted. The 80 quattro was a bargain compared to the Ur-Quattro, but less so in comparison with the two-wheel drive 80 GTE or the 100 CD, although they did not offer the impressive road holding that the quattros do.

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.

4000

4000 (North America)

The North American Audi 4000 was first introduced for the 1980 model year, with a 1588 cc inline-four with . This engine came in for some criticism, being somewhat buzzy and underpowered for a car in this price segment. Audi did not offer an automatic transmission, as the engine could not quite cope. A five-speed transmission was also not available until the 1981 model year.

Audi 4000 5+5 (North America)

The Audi 4000 5+5 was launched onto the American market in the 1981 model year. The 5+5 was essentially an 80 B2 two-door saloon with the 2144 cc five-cylinder engine from the 5000 and a five-speed transmission.

The 4000 5+5 was the precursor to what would become the Audi 90. It was fitted with various sporty parts such as an oil pressure gauge, sports interior, and alloy wheels as standard equipment.

Audi 5+5 (Australia)

The Audi 5+5 name was used in the Australian market for a unique four-door Audi 80, so named as it was fitted with the 2144-cc, five-cylinder engine coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox.

Audi 4000S

The 4000 5+5 was accompanied on the American market by the 4000S. This is a more pedestrian yet well-equipped four-door version with the same engine, originally only coupled to a three-speed automatic. with the S and CS quattros corresponding to the European Audi 90 quattro. The Audi 4000 quattro debuted in 1984 and was sold in four colors, Black, Alpine White, Tornado Red, and optional Zermatt Silver metallic. It came standard with a five-speed manual transmission, brown velour interior, and automatic windows up front and manuals in the rear. The early Audi 4000 models were very similar to the Audi 80 with the addition of USA mandated crash safety bumpers and quad sealed beam headlights. The mounting for the safety bumpers intruded into the luggage compartment floor, making for a very irregularly shaped and less useful space. under Hartmut Warkuß

| sp = uk

In September 1986, Audi released a new Typ 89 Audi 80 for the 1987 model year on the European market and introduced it elsewhere within a year. It was based on a new platform that broke the relationship between the 80 and the Volkswagen Passat, the corresponding third generation of which used the transverse-engined Volkswagen B3 platform, whilst Audi stuck with the longitudinal front wheel drive layout for the B3-series 80. Production codes were Typ 89 from 1987 to 1989, and Typ 8A from 1990 onward (in line with a restructuring of many VW platform designations). It introduced a new aerodynamic look and a fully zinc-coated galvanised bodyshell.

left|thumb|Audi 80 (Europe)

Unlike its predecessor, the B3 was marketed worldwide only as the Audi 80 or Audi 90. Initially, 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.

Procon-ten was a notable safety feature comprising a series of hidden steel cables routed behind the gearbox, attached to the steering wheel and front seatbelt inertia reels. In the event of a front impact, the engine and gearbox are forced rearward, pulling on these cables. This action simultaneously pulls the steering wheel into the dashboard to prevent the driver colliding with it while tightening the front seatbelts. This innovation was a precursor to the airbag, which became popular on mass-produced cars during the 1990s after being patented by Mercedes-Benz in 1982.

In 1987, the Audi 90 was reintroduced as an upmarket, more luxurious variant of the 80. To begin with it would again feature a choice of 10-valve inline five-cylinder petrol engines, and could be specified with or without quattro. The 90 differs visually from the 80 by a full-width tail-light panel; headlights that featured additional high-beam lights and a slightly different front grille. Indicator lamps were moved from beside the headlights to the bumpers next to the fog lights, which were standard fitment on the 90. Brightwork surrounds for the windows, tops of the bumpers and side rubbing strips were also standard. Interiors were upgraded over the 80 featuring velour seat coverings and a slightly more generous level of equipment. The then range-topping 2.2E offered a boot spoiler, alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, and sports front seats. Switchable ABS was standard on quattro versions.

From 1989 to 1991 the Audi 90 offered the first 20-valve engine from Audi since the turbocharged engine used in the Audi Sport Quattro. This new 2.3-litre engine produced and featured in the front wheel drive 20V, 20V Sport, and four-wheel drive 20V quattro derivatives. The non-quattro 20V models were 120 kg lighter. The Audi 80 16V, new in 1990, was also offered with the quattro system, making for a certain amount of overlap with the 2.3-liter Audi 90. The quattro 16V was built in comparably small numbers, meaning that it did not reach the initial annual production requirement of 5,000 examples required to be homologated for Group A rallying.

Externally, Sport versions of the 90 were visually distinguished by the deletion of brightwork in favour of satin black window surrounds, bumper cappings, and thinner side mouldings. A raised aluminium boot spoiler, lowered suspension, and uprated brakes were fitted as standard, Speedline wheels were also standard fitment in the UK.

In October 1988, a Coupé version based on the 80/90 appeared, called simply the Audi Coupé (typ 8B). This had completely different three-door liftback bodywork and replaced the earlier, B2-based Coupé which had been manufactured into early 1988. This version remained in production until 1996, in parallel with the succeeding B4 generation Audi 80. A convertible was planned from the beginning, but did not appear until May 1991 as the Audi Cabriolet. This model remained in production until 2000 and was optically aligned with the B4 Audi 80 from its introduction.

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

{| class="wikitable defaultcenter col1left" style="font-size:92%;"

! Model !! Displacement !! Power at rpm !! Torque at rpm !! Fuel supply !! Catalytic converter !! Notes !! Production period

! colspan="8" |Petrol engines

| rowspan="4" |Audi 80|| 1399 cc|| at 5,200|| at 3,000|| rowspan="4" | Carburettor||No||Greece only ||

| rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;" | 1595 cc|| at 5,200|| at 2,700||No||Austria only || 03/87–07/89

| at 5,200|| at 2,700||Yes|| || 08/89–12/91

| at 5,200|| at 2,700||No|| || 08/86–12/91

| Audi 80 1.6E|| at 6,300|| at 3,500||MPFI||No||Portugal and Greece || 08/90–12/91

| rowspan="2" |Audi 80|| rowspan="8" |1781 cc|| at 4,500|| at 2,500|| rowspan="4" | Carburettor||No|| || rowspan="2" | 10/86–01/90

| at 4,500|| at 2,500||Yes||

| rowspan="5" |Audi 80 1.8S|| at 5,200|| at 3,300||Yes|| || 08/86–07/90

| at 5,200|| at 3,300||No|| || 08/86–12/91

| at 5,400|| at 3,350|| rowspan="3" | SPFI||Yes|| || rowspan="2" | 08/86–12/91

| | at 5,400|| at 3,350||Yes||

| at 5,500|| at 3,250||Yes|| || 03/88–12/91

|Audi 80 1.8E|| at 5,800|| at 3,400|| rowspan="5" | MPFI||No|| || 08/86–12/91

|Audi 80 1.9E|| 1847 cc|| at 5,600|| at 3,400||Yes|| || 09/86–07/88

| rowspan="2" |Audi 80 2.0E|| rowspan="3" |1984 cc|| at 5,300|| at 3,250||Yes|| || 08/88–10/90

| at 5,300|| at 3,250||Yes|| || 08/90–12/91

|Audi 80 16V|| at 5,800|| at 4,500||Yes|| || 03/90–12/91

! colspan="8" |Diesel engines

| rowspan="3" |Audi 80 Diesel|| rowspan="2" |1588 cc|| at 4,800|| at 2,700–3,200|| rowspan="3" | Diesel||No||Austria only || rowspan="2" | 08/86–07/89

| at 4,800|| at 2,700–3,200||No||

| style="text-align:center;" | 1896 cc|| at 4,400|| at 2,200–2,600||No|| || 08/89–12/91

| rowspan="2" |Audi 80 Turbodiesel|| rowspan="2" |1588 cc|| at 4,500|| at 2,300–2,800|| rowspan="2" | Turbodiesel ||No|| || 04/89–12/91

| at 4,500|| at 2,300–2,800||No|| || 04/88–07/90

The Audi 90 came with the following engines:

{| class="wikitable defaultcenter col1left" style="font-size:92%;"

! Model !! Displacement !! Power at rpm !! Torque at rpm !! Catalytic converter !! Engine Code !! Notes !! Production period

| Audi 90 2.0E|| rowspan="2" |1994 cc|| at 5,400 rpm|| at 4,000 rpm||Yes|| PS || || 05/87–11/91

| Audi 90 2.0E 20V|| ||||No|| NM || Italy/Portugal only || 02/88–11/91

| Audi 90 2.2E|| 2226 cc|| at 5,700 rpm|| at 3,500 rpm||No|| KV || || 05/87–89

| Audi 90 2.3E|| rowspan="2" |2309 cc|| at 5,700 rpm|| at 4,500 rpm||Yes|| NG || || 05/87–11/91

| Audi 90 2.3E 20V|| at 6,000 rpm|| at 4,500 rpm||Yes|| 7A || || 02/88–11/91

| colspan="8" |

| Audi 90 Turbodiesel|| 1588 cc|| at 4,500|| at 2,300–2,800|| No|| RA/SB || || 88–90

North America

In 1989, for the 1990 model year, North America received the 90 quattro model (and Coupé quattro) that was powered by a detuned of the 20v 2.3-litre 5-cylinder engine. It was marketed in the "Grand Tourismo" (GT) style of a comfortable luxury car with sporting tendencies, as opposed to a dedicated lightweight sports car. Weighing between (1990 sedan model) to (1991 Coupé model), these cars were not lightweight, especially in consideration of the 164 hp powerplant (slightly less than the European version). These models can be recognised by their distinctive wheels, 14" BBS Mesh wheels or 15" Six-star 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 prop shaft, and push-button locking rear differential.

The final type 89 80s and 90s were sold as 1992 models in North America; in Europe, all type 89 sedans 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-litre 20v engine were assembled in early 1992.

File:1992 Audi 80 (8A) 2.0 E sedan (2015-07-14) 02.jpg|1992 Audi 80 (8A) 2.0 E

File:1988 Audi 80 quattro profile.jpg|1988 Audi 80 quattro

File:Audi 90q20v.jpg|1989 Audi 90 quattro

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