The North American Audi 4000 was first introduced for the 1980 model year, with a 1588 cc inline-four with . This engine came in for some criticism, being somewhat buzzy and underpowered for a car in this price segment. Audi did not offer an automatic transmission, as the engine could not quite cope. A five-speed transmission was also not available until the 1981 model year. For 1981, the 4000 received a long-stroke 1.7-litre engine and a standard five-speed manual (with a three-speed automatic still available). The new engine was a fifty-state version with a three-way catalyst, and power dropped to . Nonetheless, more torque and the new gearbox translated into better performance and improved gas mileage.