Audi introduced a five-cylinder engine in its model range for the first time in 1976. Since then, the powerful yet efficient unit has been a cornerstone of the Vorsprung durch Technik brand. View the evolution of Audi’s five-cylinder engines from 1976 to 1994.
1976: first five-cylinder petrol engine in the automotive industry
In August 1976, Audi introduces the second-generation Audi 100 (C2) in Luxembourg. For the first time, power is provided by a five-cylinder petrol engine in a model from the brand with the four rings. The fuel-injected engine with a displacement of 2,144 cc develops 136PS at 5,700 revolutions per minute. The maximum torque of 185 newton metres (136.45 lb-ft) is available at 4,200 rpm. The market launch of the Audi 100 (C2) follows in March 1977. From September 1979, the five-cylinder engine is also available in the Audi 200; from August 1982, it is fitted in the successor to the C2, the Audi 100 C3.This Picture: Audi 100 GLS 5E (C2), model year 1979
1978: five-cylinder carbureted engine
In April 1978, the five-cylinder carbureted version with an output of 115PS replaces the basic two-litre four-cylinder version in the Audi 100 (C2). The new 1.9-litre unit produces maximum power at 5,400 revs and delivers 154 newton metres (113.58 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft at 3,700 rpm. The engine is used in the Audi 100 5 (C2), the Audi 80 CD (B2), the Audi Coupé GT 5S (B2) and in the Audi 100 (C3). This picture: Audi 80 CD (B2), model year 1982
In 1978, Audi presents its first diesel model for the Audi 100 (C2). The five-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of two litres develops 70PS and 123 newton metres (90.72 lb-ft) of torque. It also powers the next-generation C3, propelling both the sedans and the Avant versions. From 1984, there is a turbocharged engine with an output of 87PS and 172 newton metres (126.86 lb-ft) of torque. This picture: Audi 100 GL 5D (C2), model year 1978
1980: five-cylinder petrol engine with turbocharger
In 1980, the Audi 200 5T (C2) comes on to the market, which is powered by the first turbocharged petrol engine from the brand with the four rings. From a displacement of 2,144 cc, the five-cylinder unit produces 170PS at 5,300 revolutions per minute and 265 newton metres (195.45 lb-ft) of torque at 3,300 rpm. The Audi 200 5T (C2) is the first Audi in the luxury class and features the lavish equipment of the Audi 100 CD as standard. This picture: Audi 200 5T (C2), model year 1981
1980: five-cylinder petrol engine with turbocharger & intercooler
In 1980 at the Geneva Motor Show, Audi unveils the Audi quattro (B2), known as the “Ur-quattro” from the mid-1990s. It uses the powerplant from the Audi 200 5T (C2), but features an intercooler. As a result, the turbocharged engine achieves a higher output of 200PS at 5,500 revolutions per minute and 285 newton metres (210.21 lb-ft) of torque at 3,500 rpm. The body of the Audi quattro is based on the Audi Coupe (B2), which in turn is based on the Audi 80. Flared arches, bulkier bumpers and sills as well as a larger rear spoiler distinguish the Audi quattro from the Coupe. This picture: Audi quattro (B2), model year 1980 (Geneva Motor Show)
1983: five-cylinder engine triumphant in rallying
In the 1983 Corsica Rally, Audi competes for the first time with the Audi quattro A2, Group B. Its 2.1-litre turbocharged five-cylinder inline engine produces 360PS at 6,500 revolutions per minute and delivers 450 newton metres (331.90 lb-ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm. At the end of the season, the Finn Hannu Mikkola wins the drivers’ title in this car. One year later, the Swede Stig Blomqvist replicates this success: he becomes world rally champion, while Audi wins the manufacturers’ world rally championship for the second time after 1982. This picture: Audi quattro A2, Group B, model year 1983
1983: five-cylinder petrol engine with four-valve technology
In September 1983, Audi presents the Audi Sport quattro (B2) at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt am Main. It is powered by a 2.1-litre high performance engine with four-valve technology that produces 306PS at 6,700 revolutions per minute. The maximum torque of 350 newton metres (258.15 lb-ft) is available at 3,700 rpm. Delivery commences in May 1984. The Audi Sport quattro (B2) is a special series limited to 214 vehicles, produced to meet homologation requirements for rallying. The rules stipulate that displacement must be limited to a maximum of 2,133 cc. This picture: Audi Sport quattro (B2), model year 1984
1984: map-controlled five-cylinder petrol engine
1984: map-controlled five-cylinder petrol engine with emissions control as standard In 1984, a completely new development appears. Audi is the first manufacturer to optimise the five-cylinder engine with a fully electronic map-controlled ignition system and a catalytic converter as standard. From 2,309 cc, it produces 136PS at 5,600 rpm and 188 newton metres (138.66 lb-ft) of torque at 3,500 revolutions per minute. The most widely used five-cylinder engine from Audi is found in the Audi 100 2.3E (C3), the Audi Coupe 2.3E (B3) and in the Audi 90 2.3 E (B3). From 1990, it also powers the Audi 100 2.3E (C4) and a year later the Audi 80 2.3E (B4) and the Audi Cabriolet 2.3E. Here, it delivers 133PS at 5,600 revolutions per minute and 186 newton metres (137.19 lb-ft) at 4,000 rpm. This picture: Audi Coupé 2.3E (B3), model year 1989
1987: world record at Pikes Peak with the Audi Sport quattro S1
In 1987, Walter Röhrl wins the legendary Pikes Peak Hill Climb (USA) in the Audi Sport quattro S1 (E2), setting a new record. In 10 minutes and 47.85 seconds he conquers the almost 20-kilometre-long (12.43 mi) course with 156 bends and a difference in altitude of 1,439 metres (4721.13 ft). The 2.1-litre five-cylinder engine in the Audi Sport quattro S1 (E2) delivers 598PS at 8,000 revolutions per minute and produces 590 newton metres (435.16 lb-ft) of torque at 5,500 rpm. This picture: Audi Sport quattro S1 (E2), model year 1987
1988: five-cylinder petrol engine with four-valve technology
With two catalytic converters, four-valve technology, a closed tank venting system and a diagnostic system, this powerplant offers a very high standard of emissions control and technology. It is first available in the Audi 200 quattro 20V (C3), then in the Audi quattro 20V (B2) a year later and in the Audi S2 Coupe (B3) in 1990. The five-cylinder turbocharged engine has a displacement of 2,226 cc and delivers 220PS at 5,700 revolutions per minute and 309 newton metres (227.91 lb-ft) of torque at 1,950 rpm. This picture: Audi 200 quattro 20V (C3), model year 1990
1989: most powerful five-cylinder works engine in motorsport
At the 1989 IMSA GTO in the USA, the Audi 90 quattro competes in its races with the most powerful five-cylinder works engine. The turbocharged aluminium engine is a 2.2-litre high-performance unit specially designed for racing. It develops 720PS at 7,500 revolutions per minute and delivers 720 newton metres (531.04 lb-ft) of torque at 6,000 rpm. Overall, the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO wins seven races in the American touring car series in the 1989 season. This picture: Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO, model year 1989
1989: first five-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection engine
Audi presents another milestone in the automotive history in 1989 at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt am Main: the Audi 100 TDI. The first five-cylinder turbocharged diesel with direct injection for a production car produces 120PS from a displacement of 2.5 litres and delivers 265 newton metres (195.45 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft. It is used in the C3 and in the C4 – from 1994 with an output of 140PS and 290 newton metres (213.89 lb-ft) of torque. This picture: Audi 100 TDI (C3), model year 1990
1991: performance-enhanced five-cylinder S engine
In the 1991 Audi S4, the Sport version of the Audi 100 (C4), a turbocharged 2.2-litre 20-valve five-cylinder inline engine is at work. It develops 230PS at 5,900 rpm. Thanks to a brief increase in boost pressure, a peak torque of 350 newton metres (258.15) is achieved at 1,950 revolutions per minute. The engine also powers the Audi S2 Avant (B4) and the Audi S2 Coupé (B3). In 1994, the Audi S4 becomes known as the Audi S6. This picture: Audi S2 Avant (B4), model year 1992
1994: first five-cylinder RS engine
In 1994, the most powerful five-cylinder production engine built by Audi to date goes into action in the Audi Avant RS 2 (B4). With turbocharging, fuel injection and standard-fit emissions control, it produces 315PS at 6,500 revolutions per minute from a displacement of 2,226 cc and delivers 410 newton metres (302.40 lb-ft) of torque at 3,000 rpm. This picture: Audi Avant RS 2 (B4), model year 1994