1980 IP ICARUS
Not only the Lily was updated for the 1980 model year. Another model that got an update was the flagship, the Icarus (not counting the “Royalist” limousine then, handbuilt in only a couple of examples every year), that dropped the now obsolete “coke bottle” styling that the Icarus had since the 60s for more modern, crisp lines.
Engine wise, the old all-iron pushrod “4H” gasoline 4-cylinder in the base models gave way for the new “4Z” alloy head SOHC engine, the 4 cylinder pushrod diesel stayed the same as in the predecessor, but was now joined by a 6 cylinder SOHC diesel. The gasoline inline 6 alternatives, however, still were based on the old “6L” SOHC unit from the 60s. Another new thing was a (for its time) very advanced computer controlled automatic 4-speed transmission that was available as an option.
Naturally it could be ordered with about any comfort option that was available in 1980, and safety was upgraded with for example 3 point inertia reel seatbelts on rear outboard positions, more advanced crumple zones, a safe placement of the gas tank and side impact beams in the doors.
The fourth generation IP Icarus was a short lived story. The fifth generation was introduced already in 1985. Competition in this class quickly got tougher during the 80s and cars got older very fast