No other engine technology brand comes close to the name Audi, which represents innovation and performance. The five-cylinder engines produced by the Audi manufacturer have made one of the most memorable contributions to the company besides powering its vehicles and forming its heritage. In 1976, Audi unveiled a game-changer – a five-cylinder gasoline engine. Such a decision was courageous because the typical four-cylinder machines were considered the best possible solution at that time. So, let’s take a closer look at the technological development of the five-cylinder engines made by Audi over the time. According to the lllparts specialists, five-cylinder Audi engines have a rich history, which is an obvious proof of the manufacturer’s technological progress.
The very beginning
The Audi 100 C2 operated with the first five-cylinder gasoline engine in 1976. It was about to take the place of its predecessor in the market. Audi engineers discussed the potential to introduce six-cylinder inline engines at the beginning of the 1970s. Unfortunately, they were eliminated because these engines occupied a lot of space, and their weight was unevenly distributed. Therefore, it was decided to use the five-cylinder inline engine, with the new EA 827 engine as a prototype.
What happened next?
As early as 1978, Audi presented the first diesel version: a two-liter naturally aspirated diesel with a capacity of 51 kW. One year later, Audi introduced another pioneering novelty – a turbocharged five-cylinder gasoline engine. The newly top model Audi 200 5T received a more powerful engine with a maximum power of 125 kW. In 1994, the five-cylinder units exited the B segment, paving the way for the Audi A4 B5. In the mid-1990s, they were gradually substituted with the new V6 engines. In 1997, the fifth generation of five-cylinder engines was discontinued, with the 2.5 TDI in the Audi A6 and the 2.3 Turbo in the Audi S6 models.
It was a significant return in 2009 – with turbocharging and gasoline direct injection in the Audi TT RS. A produced a 2.5-liter transverse-mounted engine that ensured 250 kW. Meanwhile the RS3 Sportback and the RS Q3 are also examples of outstanding performances of five-cylinder engines. It is worth mentioning that the five-cylinder engine designed by Audi has been chosen seven times in the running as the “Engine of the Year” by an international jury of motoring journalists since 2010.
The latest models
The latest 294 kW five-cylinder engine began to be installed in Audi RS3 models in 2021. Compared to the first Audi five-cylinder engines, they were significantly more powerful, durable, and economical. This is proof that the manufacturer has always paid great attention to technological development and the desire to create more advanced engines. The situation is similar with other car components. Perhaps in the future, the Audi manufacturer will continue the production of such engines and introduce even more impressive variants to the market?
It is natural that the parts of even new Audi cars wear out over time, so even the most advanced engines can unexpectedly encounter various technical problems. At lllparts you will find a wide range of Audi parts that will help you solve technical problems and continue to enjoy trips that guarantee good sensations.
