Audi power – celebrating 50 years of the five-cylinder engine

Audi will be celebrating a very important anniversary next year. It’s 50 years since the introduction of the five-cylinder engines. Introduced in 1976, the Audi 100 second-generation 2.5 TFSI continues the tradition of the five-cylinder engine. Audi’s 5-cylinder engines have achieved cult status, and they are deeply embedded in Audi DNA.

Audi 100 (C2) was powered by the first five-cylinder motor in 1976. Audi engineers discussed the use of inline six-cylinder and five-cylinder engines early in the 1970s because the four-cylinder engine at the time was not enough for the plans. These engines were not considered due to the lack of space and unfavorable distribution of weight. In the end, they chose an inline five-cylinder with a displacement of 2144 cc that delivered 100 kW. Modern fuel injection increased efficiency and power. Audi 100 5E deliveries began in March of 1977.

Audi introduced its first diesel in 1978, a naturally-aspirated diesel with a capacity of 2 litres (70 PS) and 51 kW. One year later, the first five-cylinder gasoline engine with turbocharging made its debut – another pioneering achievement by Audi. It powered the new Audi 200 5T top model with 125 kW (170PS) and torque of 265 Nm.

The original Audi quattro of 1980 had a five-cylinder gas engine that reached greater heights. It was a technology package that combined turbocharging, permanent all-wheel driving, and intercooling. The power output was 147 kW at the time of sale. Audi’s Sport Quattro was introduced in 1982 after this car won the World Rally Championship. It is powered by a newly-developed four-valve five-cylinder lightweight alloy engine that produces 225 kW. The Sport quattro was the most powerful vehicle ever produced by a German manufacturer for public use.

Audi RS 3 was equipped in 2021 with a more powerful version of the 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder engine. It allows the compact sports vehicle to sprint from zero to 100 km/hr in 3.8 second.

The five-cylinder sound is a powerful driving experience. Its distinctive sound is created by its odd number cylinders.