The Audi five-cylinder engine is one of the most significant engine designs in Audi’s history and has been a defining element of the Audi brand for five decades.
Since its debut in 1976, it has stood for innovative engineering, exceptional performance and a distinctive sound that continues to captivate enthusiasts around the world. Through numerous technical advancements, the five-cylinder repeatedly set new benchmarks – from the first petrol engine and powerful turbocharged and TDI variants to today’s high-performance TFSI engines.
Its history is equally closely linked to Audi’s greatest motorsport achievements. Whether in the World Rally Championship, at Pikes Peak or in IMSA competition, the five-cylinder played a decisive role in establishing the quattro legend and making “Vorsprung durch Technik" known around the world. At the same time, it found its way into numerous production models and repeatedly served as the powerplant for visionary concept cars and design studies. The five-cylinder engine has also been adopted by other automotive brands for use in their own vehicles.