Audi introduced the Coupe lineup in 1980 and offered a sporty alternative front- or all-wheel-drive coupe for a market dominated by rear-wheel-drive sports-cars.
Also known in Audi’s internal coding system as the Audi 81, the Coupe shared its platform with the 80 lineup and received both front or all-wheel-drive systems. The German carmaker used this range to build the mighty Audi Sport Quattro rally-car that dominated the World Rally Championship at the beginning of the ’80s and marked the all-wheel-drive superiority on loose surfaces.

Escaped by the curved panels and waved shapes of the ’70s, Giugiaro imagined the Coupe with straight lines and angular shapes. At the front, depending on the version, the Coupe sported four rectangular headlights or two wider ones. A black plastic grille stood flat vertical above the wrapped-around plastic bumper and corner-mounted turn signals. Despite the car’s shape, its sloped rear window didn’t open with the trunk lid, which was wide but short and tall.

Inside, there was plenty of room for five adult passengers, although the middle one had to deal with the center tunnel. At the front, the sport bucket-seats featured adjustable height. Depending on the engine and trim level, the dashboard featured larger dials for the speedometer and tachometer and two small gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature. An additional set of three gauges installed on the center stack showed the oil pressure and temperature, plus the charging status.

Audi installed a choice of engines ranged between 1.6-liter and 2.2-liter. Depending on the engine version, the carmaker offered fuel-injected engines or carbureted. The standard transmission was a five-speed manual, while a three-speed automatic was on the options list. For specific versions, and only after 1983, Audi offered an all-wheel-drive system.