The 1st generation Audi A4 with codename B5 hit the market in 1994. Many people wonder why the codename did not start from B1 or B2, and which vehicles carried the B1 and B2 namecodes respectively? To answer this question, we have to talk about another Audi model, the Audi 80.
In 1972, the 1st generation Audi 80 with codename B1 was release in Europe, next year in the U.S. and Australia, it was released with the nameplate Audi Fox. In 1978, the 2nd generation Audi 80 which was also named as Audi 90 in some countries with codename B2 was released, and in North America, it is named as Audi 4000 while in Australia, it is named as Audi 5+5. In 1986, the 3rd generation Audi 80 with codename B3 was released, which was also named as Audi 90, Audi and Volkswagen discontinued the shared chassis platform starting from this generation. In 1991, the 4th generation Audi 80 with codename B4 was released to 1995. In 1990s, Audi revised its naming convention and the Audi 80 was renamed as Audi A4.
In short, Audi A4 is the direct successor to the Audi 80. The model was marketed as Audi 80 across four generations (B1-B4, 1972–1996), before being officially renamed Audi A4 starting with the B5 generation launched in 1994, continuing the B-platform lineage up to today’s B9 A4.
We have introduced a few Audi A4 models at different scales, however, if you are still interested in Audi 80 car models, you can still find some items on the market.
1/18 Audi 80 Model
This 1/18 scale Audi 80 model is the replica model of 1989 Audi 80 B3 by KK-Scale brand, which is a sealed car model.
In addition to the Audi 80 model by KK-Scale, there is another Audi 80 B3 model by Triple9, which is also a sealed car model.
1/43 Audi 80 Model
Theme: Audi 80
Brand: Minichamps
Color: Red
Theme: Audi 80 Quattro
Brand: Schabak
Color: Red / Black / Golden
Both the 1/18 and 1/43 scale Audi 80 diecaast models are suitable for collectors due to the top quality and higher price. If you are looking for the Audi 80 car toy at affordable price for your kids, this SIKU 0841 Audi toy would be your choice, what’s more, it is only about 15USD online.
