Audi 80 & 90 Third Generation
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Production | 1986–1991 1,623,382 built 80: 1,438,475 90: 184,907 |
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Predecessor | Audi 80 (B2) |
Successor | Audi 80 (B4) |
Body style | 4-door saloon/sedan 3-door coupé (Audi Coupé) |
Layout | front engine, front-wheel drive or quattro permanent four-wheel drive |
Platform | Volkswagen Group B3 platform |
Engine | 80: 1.4 L I4 1.6 L I4 1.8 L I4 2.0 L I4 2.0 L I4 16v 1.6 L I4 Diesel 1.6 L I4 Turbodiesel 1.9 L I4 Diesel 90: 2.0 L I5 2.2 L I5 2.3 L I5 2.3 L I5 20v 1.6 L I4 Turbodiesel |
Transmission | 3-speed automatic, 5-speed manual |
Wheelbase | 2,540 mm (100.0 in) |
Length | 4,404 mm (173.4 in) |
Width | 1,695 mm (66.7 in) |
Height | 1,397 mm (55.0 in) |
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 which broke the relationship with the Volkswagen B-series platforms, not being the same as the Passat's B3 platform. Although often called the B3 even among knowledgeable Audi enthusiasts, the official and correct nomenclature was its production code Typ 89 from 1987 to 1989, and Typ 8A from 1990 onwards. It introduced a new aerodynamic look and a fully galvanised bodyshell. This was the first mid-sized car to feature a fully zinc-coated body, giving it longevity and durability against corrosion perforation. This protective shield proved to be so effective that Audi extended its corrosion perforation warranty from the originally offered ten years to twelve years (during early pre-production, the body was expected to be good for only eight years). Audi still uses zinc galvanisation for all current steel-bodied models.
Unlike its predecessor, the B3 was marketed worldwide only as the 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 inline four-cylinder engines became available to European customers along with the procon-ten safety system which became standard fitment from 1991.
In 1987, the inline five-cylinder Audi 90 was reintroduced as an upmarket, more luxurious variant of the 80. The 90 differs visually by the full width tail-light panel; headlights which featured additional high-beam lights and a slightly different front grille. The most obvious visual difference between the 80 and 90 are the indicators, which are moved from beside the headlights to the bumpers next to the fog lights, which were standard fitment on the 90. From 1989 to 1991 the 90 also offered the first 20-valve engine from Audi since the turbocharged engine used in the Audi Sport Quattro. This engine produced 170 PS (130 kW; 170 bhp) 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 United Kingdom and Europe had similar versions: the 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 2.3 E and 2.3 quattro were available from 1988 to 1992.
With the 1988 model year, a new two-door Coupé was introduced in Europe, known internally as the Typ 8B; basically a B3 saloon with a shortened wheelbase, modified rear suspension and a new front suspension system that previewed what was to come in the B4 Audi 80. It came with the 115 PS (85 kW; 113 bhp) 2.0E as well as the 10-valve and 20-valve 2.3E engines. It later served as a basis for the B4 Coupé and Cabriolet (Typ 8G). 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 and even B5 vehicles.
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; 166 PS) of the 20v 2.3 L 5-cylinder engine. These cars were considered to be in the "Grand Tourismo" (GT) style of a comfortable luxury car with sporting tendencies, as opposed to a dedicated lightweight sports car. Weighing between 3,042 lb (1,380 kg) (1990 saloon/sedan model) to 3,308 lb (1,500 kg) (1991 Coupé model), these cars were not lightweight, especially in consideration of the 164 hp powerplant (slightly de-tuned from the European version). These models can be recognised by their distinctive roadwheels (Coupé quattros had 15" 6-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 centre 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 the 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.
Altogether, the Audi 80 came with the following engine range, although not all of these were available outside Germany:
Typ 85 – B2; Coupé , 4000 (1981–1987) ;Quattro (1981–1991); 4000 ,Sport,quattro (1984–1987)
Typ 89/8A – B3; Audi 80/90 (1987–1992)
Typ 89Q – B3; Audi 80/90 quattro (1987–1992)
Related
Technical
Model Displacement Power at rpm Torque at rpm Fuel supply Catalytic converter Notes Petrol engines Audi 80 1399 cc 65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) @ 5,200 110 N·m (81 lb·ft) @ 3,000 Carburettor No Greece only Audi 80 1595 cc 70 PS (51 kW; 69 hp) @ 5,200 123 N·m (91 lb·ft) @ 2,700 Carburettor No Austria only Audi 80 1595 cc 70 PS (51 kW; 69 hp) @ 5,200 118 N·m (87 lb·ft) @ 2,700 Carburettor Yes Austria only Audi 80 1595 cc 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) @ 5,200 125 N·m (92 lb·ft) @ 2,700 Carburettor No Audi 80 1.6E 1595 cc 102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) @ 6,300 135 N·m (100 lb·ft) @ 3,500 MPFI No Portugal and Greece Audi 80 1781 cc 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) @ 4,500 140 N·m (100 lb·ft) @ 2,500 Carburettor No Audi 80 1781 cc 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) @ 4,500 140 N·m (100 lb·ft) @ 2,500 Carburettor Yes Audi 80 1.8S 1781 cc 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) @ 5,200 142 N·m (105 lb·ft) @ 3,300 Carburettor Yes Audi 80 1.8S 1781 cc 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) @ 5,200 150 N·m (110 lb·ft) @ 3,300 Carburettor No Audi 80 1.8S 1781 cc 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) @ 5,400 140 N·m (100 lb·ft) @ 3,350 SPFI Yes Audi 80 1.8S 1781 cc 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) @ 5,400 145 N·m (107 lb·ft) @ 3,350 SPFI Yes Audi 80 1.8S 1781 cc 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) @ 5,500 142 N·m (105 lb·ft) @ 3,250 SPFI Yes Audi 80 1.8E 1781 cc 112 PS (82 kW; 110 hp) @ 5,800 160 N·m (120 lb·ft) @ 3,400 MPFI No Audi 80 1.9E 1847 cc 113 PS (83 kW; 111 hp) @ 5,600 160 N·m (120 lb·ft) @ 3,400 MPFI Yes Audi 80 2.0E 1984 cc 112 PS (82 kW; 110 hp) @ 5,300 168 N·m (124 lb·ft) @ 3,250 MPFI Yes Audi 80 2.0E 1984 cc 113 PS (83 kW; 111 hp) @ 5,300 170 N·m (130 lb·ft) @ 3,250 MPFI Yes Audi 80 16V 1984 cc 137 PS (101 kW; 135 hp) @ 5,800 181 N·m (133 lb·ft) @ 4,500 MPFI Yes Diesel engines Audi 80 Diesel 1588 cc 50 PS (37 kW; 49 hp) @ 4,800 97 N·m (72 lb·ft) @ 2,700–3,200 Diesel No Austria only Audi 80 Diesel 1588 cc 54 PS (40 kW; 53 hp) @ 4,800 100 N·m (74 lb·ft) @ 2,700–3,200 Diesel No Audi 80 Diesel 1896 cc 68 PS (50 kW; 67 hp) @ 4,400 127 N·m (94 lb·ft) @ 2,200–2,600 Diesel No Audi 80 Turbodiesel 1588 cc 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) @ 4,500 152 N·m (112 lb·ft) @ 2,300–2,800 Turbodiesel No Audi 80 Turbodiesel 1588 cc 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) @ 4,500 155 N·m (114 lb·ft) @ 2,300–2,800 Turbodiesel No The Audi 90 came with the following 5-cylinder engines:
Model Displacement Power at rpm Torque at rpm Catalytic converter Engine Code 2.0E 1994 cc 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) @ 5400 rpm 172 N·m (127 lb·ft) @ 4000 rpm Yes PS 2.0E 20V 1994 cc 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) Yes NM (for Italy only) 2.2E 2226 cc 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) @ 5700 rpm 186 N·m (137 lb·ft) @ 3500 rpm No KV 2.3E 2309 cc 134 PS (99 kW; 132 hp) @ 5700 rpm 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @ 4500 rpm Yes NG 2.3E 20V 2309 cc 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) @ 6000 rpm 220 N·m (160 lb·ft) @ 4500 rpm Yes 7A