Audi Coupe Specs
In 1981, Audi brought to the United States an "affordable" offshoot of its supercar, the turbo quattro Coupe. The Audi Coupe, as this model was called, retained the basic body shape as the turbo quattro Coupe, but without the flared fenders. To cut costs, the Coupe used front-wheel drive rather than quattro, and smaller wheels and tires.. It was powered by a normally aspirated 5-cylinder engine generating 100hp, with both manual and automatic transmission choices.
Through 1983/1984, Audi made a few changes to the Coupe to improve on some of its design points. Then, in 1985, Audi refreshed the design with integrated bumpers, new headlights and a sloped grill, and a more modern interior. In 1986, the Commemorative Edition Coupe GT with a digital dash and red leather interior debued. Finally, in the second half of 1987, Audi released the Special Build Coupe GT, which included a larger 2.3L engine, a digital dash, and rear disc brakes among other minor design changes. Audi stopped importing the Coupe to the United States in 1987.
Throughout the years, the car was very popular with the automotive press, whose writers praised the excellent balance of suspension and engine power. However, despite being among the top choices in many reviews of sport coupes of that period, the Coupe did not become popular in the eyes of the buying public in the U.S. Regardless, the Coupe has found a loyal following with a group of fans that appreciate the unique character and driving thrill that the Coupe provides.
Check the quick comparison table for an overview of the different years. Or, check out AAA's review of the 1981 Coupe: Page 1, Page 2 (warning, very large JPEGs).
Thanks to Christian Long, I now have scans (large!!) of the 1986 Audi sales brochure for the Coupe GT/4000/4000q.
Other Coupe and Audi links:
