Editing AMC Spirit (section)

===1980===
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[[File:1980 AMC Spirit exterior trim.jpg|thumb|right|1980 Spirit and AMX trim/striping/two-tone paint/molding availability]]

The 3.8&nbsp;L I6 was dropped from the lineup, as was the 5.0&nbsp;L V8 to meet the {{convert|20|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} average corporate fleet fuel economy standard for the 1980 model year.<ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=YM8DAAAAMBAJ&q=AMC+4wd+near+V8+endangered&pg=PA49 |title=Detroit Listening Post: AMC 4wd near, V8 endangered |first=Gary |last=Witzenburg|page=49 |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=June 1979 |volume=151 |issue=6 |via=Google Books |access-date=7 April 2022}}</ref> The VW-based I4 was replaced with a Pontiac-built 2.5-liter I4 that was "better suited to the cars' size and weight specs."<ref name="pm-10-79">{{cite magazine |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=Z88DAAAAMBAJ&q=Driving+the+1980+American+Motors+models+Spirit&pg=PA104 |title=Driving the 1980 American Motors models|first=Gary |last=Witzenburg |pages=104, 105, 248 |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=October 1979 |volume=152 |issue=4 |via=Google Books |access-date=7 April 2022}}</ref> The 4.2&nbsp;L I6 remained most popular, and the only engine available in the AMX model. To comply with the 1980s' much tougher emissions, computer-controlled carburetors were designed for better economy and operation.<ref name="pm-10-79"/> No major exterior changes were seen, except on the AMX, as its grille emblem moved to the center.

All AMCs, including the Spirit, received a new rust-proofing process called [[Ziebart]] Factory Rust Protection. This included aluminized trim screws, plastic inner fender liners, galvanized steel in every exterior body panel, and a deep-dip (up to the window line) bath in [[Epoxy#Paints and coatings|epoxy-based primer]]. AMC backed up the rust protection program with a five-year "No Rust Thru" component to its comprehensive "Buyer Protection Plan".<ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=0ssDAAAAMBAJ&q=AMC+Ziebart+Factory+Rust+Protection&pg=PA65 |magazine=Ebony |title=American Motors print advertisement |date=April 1980 |volume=35 |issue=6 |page=65 |via=Google Books |access-date=7 April 2022}}</ref>