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).