Audi 90

The Audi 90 was a compact executive car from 1993 to 1995. It came after the Audi 80 in 1992 and before the Audi A4 in 1996.

1995
For '95, Audi's entry-level 90 line had been 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 had 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 Audi Cabriolet, the convertible counterpart of the Audi 90, remained unchanged except for the addition of new colors and the availability of a blue top.