Audi 80

The Audi 80 B2 is the second generation of the Audi 80, a mid-range car produced from 1978 to 1986 by the German automaker Audi, which at the time was known as Audi NSU Auto Union, before changing its name to Audi AG in 1985. The development of the successor to Audi’s mid-size sedan began in 1970, two years before the first generation of the Audi 80 was launched. It was decided that the second generation would debut in 1978, which indeed occurred. The directives imposed by then-technical director Ferdinand Piëch were few but clear: the new vehicle had to be larger and safer. The initial sketches for the new Audi 80 were signed by Claus Luthe, but when he left Audi for BMW in 1976, his work was taken over by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign. Giugiaro, already known for designing several models for the Volkswagen group (most notably the first generation of the well-known Golf), revised Luthe’s lines and completed the design. The positive reception of the first Audi 80 prompted Audi’s leadership to retain the three-box sedan body style, although early project discussions also included proposals for a station wagon and a fastback version (similar to what would soon be seen with the larger Audi 100 C2 Avant). The second generation of the Audi 80 was presented to the press between August 30 and September 8, 1978. The Audi 80 B2 featured a classic three-box sedan body with a sharp, angular style typical of the period, which Giugiaro executed impeccably, combining sobriety and elegance. Piëch’s directives were fulfilled: the car was indeed longer and wider, giving it a more “important” appearance, indicating Audi’s intention to compete in the market niche dominated by BMW and Mercedes-Benz—today known as the “premium” segment of mid-sized cars. Giugiaro discreetly interpreted the wedge theme, which was popular among car designers in the 1970s. This was primarily visible in the front section, with a long hood that was only slightly inclined forward, ending with a front dominated by large rectangular headlights placed alongside the indicators. The use of plastic bumpers, both front and rear, was modern and more enveloping compared to the previous Audi 80. The side view was given elegance through a “dihedral” solution centered on a horizontal rib running just below the door handles. The low beltline and larger glass surfaces, including the windshield and rear window, were clearly visible. The rear was characterized by simplicity, with large rectangular taillights. The larger glass surfaces and increased length and width also positively impacted the interior, making it more spacious and bright. The improved roominess was mainly due to the wheelbase, which was 8 centimeters longer than the previous model, and the width, also increased by 8 centimeters. Fabric upholstery was available in colors coordinated with the exterior paint, and the driver’s seat featured a quadrangular dashboard designed by Giugiaro. It included two circular instruments (speedometer and tachometer) and two smaller central instruments (econometer and fuel gauge). The steering wheel was two-spoked, with Audi’s emblem placed asymmetrically. The rest of the dashboard also had squared lines, including the glove compartment lid in front of the passenger and the air vents.