40 Years of Audi Five-Cylinder Engines

SINGAPORE, 31 AUGUST 2016 – 40 years ago, Audi presented the first five-cylinder gasoline engine in the second-generation Audi 100. Enhancements and new developments followed, with turbocharging, emissions control and four-valve technology, rally engines and five-cylinder diesel units. Today, the 2.5 TFSI in the Audi RS 3 Sportback and in the Audi TT RS carries on the great tradition of five-cylinder powerplants.

OneShift Editorial Team

06 Sep 2016

The five-cylinder engines from Audi have achieved cult status – partly due to their successful deployment in motorsport and also on account of their reliability and economy. They have played a vital role in defining Vorsprung durch Technik and to this day provide an emotional driving experience with their characteristic sound.

The first five-cylinder gasoline engine powered the Audi 100 (C2) in 1976. The model, known internally as Type 43, was to be positioned higher than its predecessor in the market. At the beginning of the 1970s, Audi engineers consequently discussed the possibility of introducing five and six-cylinder inline engines. The latter were ruled out due to the installation space required and unfavorable weight distribution. So those responsible opted for the five-cylinder inline engine, based on the new EA 827 engine concept. This four-cylinder inline engine was used throughout the VW Group in the 1970s – in the Audi 80 and Audi 100, for instance. The derived 2.1-liter five-cylinder engine produced 100 kW (136 hp). A modern injection system increased efficiency and power development. Delivery of the Audi 100 5E began in March 1977.

The five-cylinder gasoline engine in the 1980 Audi “Ur-quattro” had even more to offer. With turbocharging, an intercooler and permanent four-wheel drive, it constituted a powerful technical package for the racetrack and the road. Initially, it delivered 147 kW (200 hp). In 1983, the Finn Hannu Mikkola won the drivers’ title in the World Rally Championship in this car.

Fast forward to today at the Beijing Motor Show in 2016, Audi presents the new TT RS Coupe and the new TT RS Roadster. The five-cylinder unit has been enhanced in every area – with lightweight construction measures, reduced internal friction, increased power delivery. From an unchanged displacement of 2,480 cc, the turbocharged engine gains a good 17 percent increase in performance. With an output of 294 kW (400 hp) it is more potent than ever before. The maximum torque of 480Nm is available between 1,700 and 5,850 revolutions per minute. It ensures outstanding pulling power, which accompanies the unmistakable five-cylinder sound.