Audi 80 B3
In September, 1986 presented to Audi new generation of Audi 80 which since 1987 appeared in the European market. The model was presented at other markets one year later. The model was based on new B3 to a platform (which broke link with the Volkswagen B-series platforms, without being the same, as the Passat B3 platform). The new model had the new aerodynamic form and the galvanized case. It was the first midsize car which had completely galvanized case that allowed to resist to corrosion longer. This protection turned out so effective that Audi increased guarantee period from emergence of corrosion which term at a stage of preparation of production was assumed at the level of 8 years, but, eventually, was increased up to 12 years; Audi still continues to use galvanized cases and for the current models.Unlike the previous platform, B3 was on sale under the Audi 80 or Audi 90 brands worldwide, besides various options of delivery were abolished. Audi, mostly, transferred the existing concepts of a power part to new model though now on some models of engines the injector was available. A number of new petrol and diesel 4-cylinder engines became available to the European consumers. 5-cylinder to Audi 90 it was presented as the model intended for the elite market again — more expensive option of standard model, just as it was also with B2 (Type 81). Now the security system of Procon-ten which was offered as an alternative to a safety cushion was available to all versions. This system was available to Audi 80/90 for the first time, and was offered optionally at the price of 1000 DMs. Visually differed in Audi 90 in the bigger width of the panel of back headlights, surrounding registration plate, and also forward headlights to which lamps of driving beam were in addition added. The forward lattice differed also a little. Lamps of blinkers were built in a bumper, and were near a fog light, unlike Audi 80, and a bumper were painted in color of a body. Audi 90 also possessed the first 20-valvate engine from Audi, after the engine with a turbo-supercharging used in Audi Sport Quattro. This engine had the power of 170 h.p. of Audi 80/90 quattro had the central interaxal self-locking differential of Torsen, and the back differential was blocked at speeds below 25 km/h what electronics watched.
In Great Britain and Europe identical versions were available: Volkswagen Audi Group (VAG) (later renamed into Volkswagen Group) wanted to provide coherence of all markets therefore the level of internal finishing was identical. However, in North America the range of the choice was more limited: from 1988 to 1992 the choice between injector 2,3 l was available. and quattro of 2,3 l.
From 1988 model years, the new 2-door Audi Coupé, (Typ 89) presented in Europe was based on the B3 sedan both the shortened wheel base and the modified back part of a body. The model was delivered with engines 2,0 l. 115 h.p. and two engines of 2,3 l. different power. Later this model formed a basis for Audi B4 Coupé and Cabriolet. In names of these models lowered the 80 prefix, and they were known just as Audi Coupé and Audi Cabriolet. Because of strong modernization of a design in the version a cabriolet, this model continued to exist till 2000, for a long time after the B3 models were replaced with versions on the B4 platform.
In 1989 (1990 model year) the car received a new body of Typ 8A, externally this body a little in what differed from the previous modification of Typ 89, for example the new body had narrower rubber moldings along a board. The most noticeable changes happened in a suspension bracket: stabilizer racks, in a forward suspension bracket, have hinges now and connect the stabilizer of cross stability with a depreciation rack.
In 1989, for 1990 model years, North America received the Audi Coupé quattro and Audi 90 quattro models which had 5-cylinder (I5) the 2,3 l 20-valvate engine. 164 h.p. (122 kW). It is considered that these cars are executed in Grand Tourismo style — the car of the increased comfort with sports bents as contrast of the special lightweight sports car. These cars weighing between 1380 kg (the sedan of 1990) and 1500 kg (a compartment of 1991) were not lightweight, especially taking into account a 164-strong power part. These cars can be distinguished on the characteristic wheels (Audi Coupé quattro has 15-inch wheels of "Speedline", Audi 90 quattro has 14-inch BBS Mesh or 15-inch "Speedline"). These cars differ from ordinary Audis 80/90 in several features. Noticeable differences include a standard leather interior with finishing from a tree, the additional sensors mounted in a bottom of the central console, the central leading shaft from carbon fiber and the button blocking back differential. Audi Coupé quattro is externally similar to the European Audi S2, but has no engine with a turbo-supercharging as S2.
The last Audis 80/90 B3 were sold in North America as model of 1992; in Europe everything B3 were laid off at the end of 1991 model years to give way to the B4 series; however it is known that several Audi 90 Sport quattro with the engine of 2,3 l. 20V descended from the conveyor at the beginning of 1992. After 1991 the name "Audi 90" was liquidated also all cars sold in Europe went under the name of "Audi 80"