Audi celebrates 40 years of its 5-cylinder

A recognized driver or an emblematic model have often contributed to the reputation of brands in motorsport, as have certain technological developments brought by major competing groups.

In this area, Audi remains one of the most cutting-edge brands, with the introduction of its four-wheel drive Quattro in WRC, or the adoption of diesel and hybridization in Endurance Asked 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the World Championship.

Within the Ingolstadt firm, there is also an engine architecture that has made the heyday of road, sports, but above all competition models: the famous 5 cylinder which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Equipped with a turbo, this block gave the Quattro Group 4 then Group B, in its different versions, numerous successes in the WRC, including a world title for brands in 1982 and 1984, and the Drivers' crowns for Hannu Mikkola in 1983 and Stig Blomqvist the following year.

On the slopes of Pikes Peak, the 5-cylinder was responsible for propelling Walter Röhrl and the volcanic Quattro S1 E2 to victory in 1987 while the Audi IMSA GTO and its more than 700 hp shone on American circuits in the late 80s, offering a melody that few have forgotten.

It is in the models of the RS range that we now find this engine architecture, closely linked to the four rings.