Audi 80
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The Audi 80 was an Audi automobile produced from 1972 to 1995. It initially shared its platform with the Volkswagen Passat, and was available as a sedan, coupé and convertible, although the coupe and convertible models weren't 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.
B1 (1972–1978)
The 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 coupe or a 4-door sedan. It effectively took the place of several models that Audi had discontinued (the Audi 60/72/75/80/Super 90 series), 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, although it was virtually identical to the European Passat wagon. The B1 platform was dropped from the European market in 1978, although it was sold into the 1979 model year in North America.
B2 (1978–1987)
Audi redesigned the 80 on the B2 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 in North America. The body of the B2 Audi 80 was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro.
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 made until 1987 (as early 1988 models), and the B2-based Coupe lasted through 1988 (as an early 1989 model) before being changed. The B2 was capable of 100 mph. 0-60 mph in 13.5seconds
B3 (1988–1992)
Audi released a new 80 for the 1988 model year, on the new B3 platform and introducing a new aerodynamic look and a galvanized bodyshell. In addition, the 80 model name became the worldwide name for the car; it was sold as an "Audi 80" regardless of which country the vehicle was purchased in, more power was added with 90 hp for the 1.6, 110 hp for the 1.8, 115 hp for the 2.0 and 122 hp for the S and E model variations (E denoted "einzeitsprung", or "fuel injection". The S80 was a limited edition model with high spec released between 1988-1991. The S80 reappeared in 1993 but was now less powerful and more fuel efficient. The standard 1.6 80 was capable of 100 mph. The standard 1.8 119 mph. The 2.0E 121 mph. The 1.8Sport 129 mph. The Diesel 1.9TDI was impressive with a top speed of 107 mph.
A range of new petrol and diesel 4-cylinder engines became available to European customers and the 5-cylinder Audi 90 was introduced as an upmarket variant of the standard model. 2.0, 2.2 and 2.3-litre variants were available. A 20-valve version of the 2.3 L I5 engine became available in the 90 for the 1989 model year, increasing power output to 170 hp from the 136 hp of the 10-valve variant of the engine.
In 1989, for the 1990 model year, North America received the simply named "Coupe Quattro," and "Quattro" (sedan) models that all were powered by a 164 hp/157 ft·lbf version of the 20v 2.3 liter I5. 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 Coupe model), these cars were not lightweight, especially in consideration of the 164 hp powerplant. These models can be recognized by their distinctive wheels (Coupe 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 fiber center drive shaft, and push-button locking rear Torsen differential. The Coupe 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.
B4 (1992–1995)
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The B3 got a facelift in 1992, becoming the B4 series for the 1993 model year. 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.
European market cars were now available with a selection of 4-cylinder engines as well as the I5 and a V6, although the V6 was the only engine available in vehicles sold in North America. The standard 1.8 was now capable of 122 mph.
80-based Avant and Cabriolet models debuted on the B4 platform, meaning that Audi now had sedan, coupe, cabriolet and wagon variants of the 80 available to European customers, though the last coupe sold to North American customers was in 1990 and 1991.
The Coupe was discontinued in 1996 in Europe, and the Cabriolet model in 2000. Both models were effectively replaced by the TT coupe and roadster, which as of November 2005 have been slated for replacement themselves.
The B4 platform sedans and wagons were replaced by the Audi A4 for 1996.
The S2 and RS2
Audi developed a sports version of the 80/90 in 1991, based on the B3 and 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 was standard with Quattro all wheel drive and featured a heavy-duty manual transmission, initially 5-speed and then upgraded to a 6-speed for 1994.
The B4 platform 80/90 Avant was used between 1994 and 1995 as the basis for Audi's RS2 super-sports wagon, which was modified for them by Porsche.
The S2 is fitted with a 2.2 L turbocharged engine which produces 230 hp (169kW). It will do 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds, continuing to a top speed of 246 km/h. The S2 avant does it in 6.1 seconds and had a top speed op 242 km/h.
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 only made as an avant. 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 also borrowed from the Porsche 911 Turbo. Additionally, the word "PORSCHE" is enscribed in the RS2 factory emblem affixed to the trunk.
Type numbers
Audi gave its models Type numbers in addition to the B platform codes:- B1 Type 80: Audi 80 (1973–1976)
- B1 Type 82/33: Audi 80 (1977–1978)
- B2 Type 81: Audi 80 and 90 (1979–1987); Audi Coupé (1981–1984)
- B2 Type 85: Audi Coupé (1985–1988); Audi Quattro (1981–1991); Audi Sport Quattro (1984–1987)
- B3 Type 89/8A: Audi 80/90 (1987–1992)
- B3 Type 89Q: Audi 80/90 Quattro (1987–1992)
- B3 Type 8B: Audi Coupé (1989–1996); Audi S2 (1991–1996)
- B4 Type 8C: Audi 80 (1992–1995)
- B4 Type 8G: Audi Cabriolet (1991–2000)
External links
- [Audi 80 Type 82 site]
- [20V.org: A site dedicated to the B3 20V coupe and sedan]
- [12V.org: A site dedicated to the V6 12v engine]
- [S2 Central: A site dedicated to the Audi S2 - in all its guises]
- [A site dedicated to both Type 85 and Type 89]
- [Audiworld.com: A comprehensive Audi information website]
- [Fourtitude.com: A comprehensive Audi forum]
- [Audifans.com: Audi marketplace and mailing list archives]
- [S2 Forum: International Audi S2 forum, technical advice, galleries and news]
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.
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