On 6 August 1976, Audi unveiled the second generation of the Audi 100 to the public in Luxembourg. During its development in Ingolstadt, the company had envisaged a “globally adaptable vehicle family offering a wide range of variants”. As part of the model’s move further upmarket, safety and comfort became the highest priorities. Consistent lightweight engineering reduced the vehicle’s weight to more than 200 kg below that of comparable competitors’ models.
Compared with its predecessor, the C2 had grown by only 4 cm in length and width, while its overall height had been reduced by 3 cm. However, its larger glazed areas gave the car a much more substantial appearance. In addition to the familiar two-door and four-door saloon versions, the range was expanded in September 1977 with the introduction of the Audi 100 Avant – a five-door hatchback featuring a large tailgate.
At launch, the new mid-size model was available with two four-cylinder engines: an 85 PS 1.6-litre unit already familiar from the Audi 80, and a more powerful 115 PS 2.0-litre engine. From spring 1977 onwards, the range-topping Audi 100 5E featured a fuel-injected five-cylinder engine – the most powerful powertrain in the line-up.
This all-new engine captivated drivers with a sound reminiscent of a V8. Producing 136 PS from 2.2 litres of displacement, it accelerated the saloon from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and gave it a top speed of 190 km/h. All engine variants were fitted with a four-speed manual gearbox as standard, while a three-speed torque-converter automatic transmission was available as an option.
Introduced for the 1979 model year, the flagship Audi 100 CD 5E was based on the Audi 100 GL 5E. According to Audi’s contemporary press release, it offered “comprehensive standard equipment for the highest standards of comfort and luxury”. Only a sliding sunroof, air conditioning and cruise control were optional extras, available at additional cost.