Audi

Audi 80/90/Cabriolet

1991

Very early in the '90s, the compact 4-door sedan was known as the Audi 80. It was available as either a base or Quattro model.

1992

The Audi 80 now came with standard ABS, and an optional power sunroof. This was the last model year for the Audi 80, before a newly designed Audi 90 replaced it.

1993

The name "Audi 90" began in use during the car's last three years in production. The Audi 90 was a 4-door sedan with a 2.8-liter V6 engine. Three models were made -- the CS, CS Quattro and S.

1994

A new 2-door convertible, called the Audi Cabriolet, was introduced this year.

1995

For '95, Audi's entry-level 90 line was expanded. The 90-series cars were positioned to compete with the BMW 3-series, the Saab 900 series, the Volvo 850 GLT, the Lexus ES 300 and the Infiniti J30.

All 90s were powered by a 172-horsepower longitudinally mounted sohc 2.8-liter V6 (not to be confused with sister division VW's narrow-angle V6, which had the same displacement and horsepower, but was mounted transversely under the hood). The base front-wheel-drive sedan was now just called the 90. Other sedan models were the 90 Quattro, Sport 90 and Sport 90 Quattro. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system was available for the first time in the base car. 

Sport versions have lowered, higher-rate suspensions, body-color moldings, unique 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, sport seats and a special cloth interior. The Quattro Sport predictably added Audi's sophisticated awd system with the U.S.-made Torsen (torque sensing) center differential. All four series were available with an optional comfort/convenience package that includes leather upholstery, power driver's seat, infrared locking system, automatic climate control and a sunroof.

Although for 1994 the wheelbase was stretched and legroom increased, the 90 was still cramped in the rear and trunk, and fell short of less expensive cars (like the Mazda 626 ES or Camry V6) in overall comfort. Performance, however was excellent. The lovely Cabriolet convertible remained unchanged except for the addition of new colors and the availability of a blue top.

94audi90cs.jpg

1993-1994 Audi 90 CS 4-door sedan

1995 Audi 90 4-door sedan

1995 Audi 90 Quattro 4-door sedan

1994-1995 Audi Cabriolet 2-door convertible

Audi V8

1991

The full-size luxury sedan, called the Audi V8, was Audi's first car to combine a Quattro system with an automatic transmission. The car started off with a 3.6-liter 8-cylinder engine and 240 horsepower.

1992

The V8 was upgraded to now contain a 4.2-liter engine, 276 horsepower, and 4-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old 5-speed manual transmission from 1991. The car later became a carryover model for 1993.

1994

After production ended in November 1993, sales of the Audi V8 continued through this year. 

Audi 100/S4

1991

The original Audi 100 consisted of only a 4-door sedan, in both base and Quattro models. Back then, the car was also accompanied by an aging Audi 200.

1992

In 1992, replacing the old Audi 200 were more models added to the Audi 100's lineup -- CS, CS Quattro and S for the 4-door sedan, and a new CS Quattro 4-door station wagon. In addition, there was also a new Audi S4.

1993

This was the last year for the Audi 100 base sedan.

1994

Added to the lineup for a limited time was the S 4-door station wagon. After that, all of the 100 and S4 models were discontinued.

Audi A6/S6

1995

Audi has renamed its models once again in 1995. The former 100 was now called A6 and the high-performance model, formerly the S4, was now the S6. Otherwise, the changes were mainly cosmetic, with new front sheetmetal.

The A6 was powered by the same 2.8-liter V6 as the Audi 90. It was available as a 4-door sedan or station wagon, and competed with the Mercedes E280/E320, Lexus ES 300/GS 300, Infiniti J30, BMW 530i and 540i, Oldsmobile Aurora, Volvo 960 and Saab 9000. The A6 Quattro was the only car in this class available with all-wheel drive. 

The A6 wagon had 7-passenger capacity, and standard features like tilt/telescope steering column and a right-side mirror that automatically rotates downward to aid in parking. A 4-speed automatic transmission was standard on the wagon and optional on the sedan. It had electronically adaptive shift logic that selects from five different programs, from Economy to Sport. Unlike the Audi 90s, A6/S6 interiors were roomy.

The S6 sported wider tires and fender flares, a larger front airdam with larger air inlets and dark, instead of bright, window-surround trim. The interior featured leather seats, a hands-off telephone, 4-position seat memory, wood trim and all of the expected luxury touches. The heart of this hot rod was Audi's old inline 2.2-liter 5-cylinder, in this case equipped with double overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and an intercooled turbocharger. Its 227 hp were channeled through a Quattro drivetrain. The S6 belonged in a class with the M-series BMWs, Mercedes E500, Saab 9000 turbo and Cadillac Seville STS.

1996

The S6 was discontinued in the United States for a long time as of 1996.

1998

The Audi A6's second generation began starting with this model year. The station wagon was now known as the "Avant".

1995 Audi A6 4-door sedan

1996 Audi A6 4-door sedan

1995 Audi A6 4-door wagon

1996 Audi A6 4-door wagon

1995-1996 Audi S6 4-door sedan

Audi A4

1996

After the Audi 90 was discontinued for the 1996 model year, in its place was the new Audi A4. The Cabriolet, however, still survived in the U.S. market.

The A4 was only sold as a 4-door sedan, and as a 2.8-liter base or Quattro model.

1997

The 1.8-liter version of the A4 was released this year.

1998

A new 2.8-liter Avant station wagon was introduced along with the Audi A6. The Cabriolet was discontinued.

1999

The 1.8-liter Avant station wagon was introduced in 1999.

1996-1997 Audi A4 4-door sedan

Front view of the Audi A4

Back view of the Audi A4

1996 Audi Cabriolet 2-door convertible

Audi A8

1997

With no 1995 or 1996 models ever made in the United States, the Audi A8 debuted as a 1997 model, replacing the Audi V8. Yet again, it was sold as either a base or Quattro 4-door sedan.