Audi 100

The Audi 100 was a mid-sized automobile from Audi that was made between 1968 and 1994. The C3 model of the 100 (sold in the United States as the Audi 5000 until 1988) was controversial in that it was targeted by CBS News as being unsafe, but it was eventually cleared by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

C1, 1968–1976

The Audi 100 was shown to the press on November 26, 1968. Originally denoting a power output of 100 PS, the Audi 100 was the range's largest car after the Audi brand was revived by Volkswagen in the 1960s. The C1 platform spawned several variants: the Audi 100 two- and four-door sedans, and the Audi 100 Coupé S, a stylish fastback coupé.

The C1 was sold in the US, where it distinguished itself with remarkably poor build quality.

C2, 1976–1984

The C2 Audi 100 was launched in 1976, with crisper styling and an unusual five-cylinder engine (the first gasoline 5 in the world - Mercedes had shown the way in 1974 with their three litre diesel 5). It was initially a 100bhp (74kW) engine offering "5 cylinder power and 4 cylinder economy", and later upgraded to 136bhp (100kW).

The Coupé was discontinued, but a five-door hatchback model, the 100 Avant, was launched as part of this generation. Two- and four-door models continued.

The 100 was sold as the Audi 5000 in the United States, in order to rebrand the car and avoid association with the C1. It was a sales success, allowing Audi to spread development costs over a much wider base than Europe-only competitors.

In 1980, the Audi 200, a plusher variant that included a turbocharged model of 185bhp (134kW), was introduced. The Audi 100 was succeeded by the C3 platform model in 1983, and the 200 followed one year later.

C3, 1983–1992

Edging out the Ford Sierra as Car of the Year in Europe, the 1983 Audi 100 had a remarkable aerodynamic look, achieving a drag co-efficient of 0,30 for its smoothest base model. Aerodynamic cars use less gasoline, and consumers all over the world were waking up to this fact. This became a great marketing tool for Audi in the 1980s, and marked a huge leap forward from the boxy shape of the C2.