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-liter turbocharged five-cylinder inline engine produces 265 kW (360 hp) at 6,500 revolutions per minute and delivers 450 newton meters (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
1987: world record at Pikes Peak with the Audi Sport quattro S1 (E2)
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-kilometer-long (12.43 mi) course with 156 bends and a difference in altitude of 1,439 meters (4721.13 ft). The 2.1-liter five-cylinder engine in the Audi Sport quattro S1 (E2) delivers 440 kW (598 hp) at 8,000 revolutions per minute and produces 590 newton meters (435.16 lb-ft) of torque at 5,500 rpm.
This picture: Audi Sport quattro S1 (E2), model year 1987
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 fivecylinder works engine. The turbocharged aluminum engine is a 2.2-liter high-performance unit specially designed for racing. It develops 530 kW (720 hp) at 7,500 revolutions per minute and delivers 720 newton meters (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
2010: Audi TT RS in races
In 2010, Audi starts its motorsport activities with the TT RS. The racing car developed for endurance racing is powered by the five-cylinder engine from the production model. Following improvements to the intercooler and exhaust system, the powerplant delivers 280 kW (380 hp) at 5,800 revolutions per minute. The maximum torque of 500 newton meters (368.78 lb-ft) develops at 2,500 rpm. In the VLN Endurance Championship of 2010 and 2011, the frontwheel-drive racing car notches up several victories in the SP4T class up to 2.5 liters’ capacity. In August 2011, it clinches overall victory in the 6-hour race on the Nürburgring. Audi achieves further success with the TT RS in the 24-hour race in the Eifel in 2011, where it takes class victory.
This picture: Audi TT RS racing car, model year 2011
