The Audi 80 GT is a sporty spin-off of the B1-generation Audi 80, introduced in 1972. This two-door coupe was Audi’s answer to performance-focused compact cars, delivering spirited driving with a lightweight chassis and a revvy engine. Audi 80 production ran from 1972 to 1978.
First-generation Audi 80
Showcasing a sleek and reductive style that would come to define the Audi saloon range in subsequent decades, the 1972 80 was a totally new departure for the brand which had no commonality with the models which came before it. Its longitudinally mounted 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre overhead cam petrol engines delivered up to 85PS, and as its kerb weight initially ducked below the 800 kilogram marker, even the lowliest 55PS unit felt sprightly as the driver enjoyed the tidy handling delivered by the Macpherson strut front and trailing arm rear suspension.
In 1973 the 80 not only triumphed in the annual, internationally judged Car of the Year awards, but also evolved into what was arguably the first Audi performance saloon – the 80 GT – featuring an uprated 100PS version of the 1.6-litre engine. Three years later, it matured further still, and was rebadged 80 GTE thanks to the introduction of Bosch fuel injection which upped the power to 110PS.
While the 80 as a whole went on to form the basis for Volkswagen’s Passat, the GTE model’s engine is notable for being the braun behind Volkswagen’s first Golf GTI.
Technical information
- Cylinders – four in-line
- Displacement – 1588cc
- Power – 100PS @ 6000rpm
- Torque – 134Nm @ 4000rpm
- Max speed 109mph
- 0-62mph in 10.2 secs
- Transmission – four-speed manual
- front-wheel drive
- Weight – 855kg
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