The “mini Audi” provided the template for the VW Polo A total of 180,828 Audi 50s were built between 1974 and 1978
It arrived at just the right time: The Audi 50, the first small car from a German manufacturer, was launched in 1974, shortly after the beginning of the oil crisis in 1973. Its fuel consumption was economical, and its design pioneering: front-wheel drive with a transverse engine, a two-door hatchback with a large trunk and fold-down backrest, compact external dimensions, and appealing road performance and driving characteristics. Moreover, the Audi 50 was a blueprint for the structurally almost identical VW Polo, which was launched seven months later, leveraging synergies within the Volkswagen Group – already a recipe for success half a century ago.
It was meant to be modern and versatile, the new Audi 50 – and complete the model range of the Audi 80 and Audi 100 at the bottom end. As early as 1970, the engineers at Audi NSU Auto Union AG started work on the project, spearheaded
production engines and high-performance racing engines Audi Tradition exhibition from August 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027
Audi’s five-cylinder engines have left a deep mark on the recent history of the brand with the four rings, their firing order producing the characteristic sporty, robust sound. With a record of motorsports success and outstanding performance in production vehicles, the five-cylinder engines embody “Vorsprung durch Technik.” Audi Tradition is celebrating the anniversary of this iconic engine with a new special exhibition: “1-2-4-5-3: 50 years of Audi five-cylinder engines.” The exhibition opens August 1 at the Audi museum mobile at the Audi Forum in Ingolstadt and runs through February 28, 2027.
“50 years of the five-cylinder engine is a very special anniversary for Audi: few technologies evoke such strong emotions or have shaped the brand’s image so profoundly over the past five decades. That’s why so many Audi fans and museum visitors have asked us whether we’d mark
07/31/2026
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The five-cylinder engine debuted in 1976 in the Audi 100 with 136 PS Successful engine concept for production models and rally sport Signature sound from its unique 1-2-4-5-3 firing order AudiRS 3 2.5 TFSI with 400 PS and 500 Nm torque Hand-assembled at the Bock plant in Győr, Hungary
Audi will celebrate a very special anniversary in 2026: 50 years of the five-cylinder engine. The brand with the four rings first introduced this engine in 1976 in the second-generation Audi 100. This was followed by upgrades and new developments with turbocharging, exhaust gas purification, and four-valve technology, rally engines, and five-cylinder diesel engines. Currently, the 2.5 TFSI in the AudiRS 3 continues the great tradition of five-cylinder engines
Audi’s five-cylinder engines have cult status and are deeply rooted in the Audi DNA. They have played a decisive role in shaping “Vorsprung durch Technik” – on the one hand with numerous successes in motorsport, and on the other, by virtue of their
1972: Audi 80 is launched and becomes “Car of the Year” Bestseller in series production: More than 12.5 million B1 to B9 (Audi 80 and Audi A4 models) produced to date Oliver Hoffmann, Head of Technical Development: “The Audi 80 shows that Vorsprung durch Technik is a tradition at Audi”
It establishes the B series, is both a pioneer of innovative technology and a trendsetter, and becomes the first million-seller for the brand with the four rings: the Audi 80. The significance of the compact sedan for Audi and the Volkswagen Group is indisputable – not least because the Audi 80 pioneers the modular design.
A bestseller is celebrating its anniversary: With the first Audi 80, known internally as the “B1”, the Ingolstadt-based company hits the bull’s eye in 1972. It is intended to be “modern, but not trendy,” a reliable family car. On this, then Head of Technical Development at Audi Ludwig Kraus and Volkswagen AG, the new parent company, agree in the late 1960s. As in racecar construction
Audi Q3 Sportback e-hybrid
The Audi Q3 Sportback e-hybrid features DC charging and an all-electric range of up to 118 kilometers. Its powertrain management system uses available electric energy as needed and supports energy recuperation during braking. This enables many everyday journeys within the vehicle’s electric range to be completed with locally emission-free driving.
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Engine type Inline 4-cylinder engine
Displacement in cc / bore x stroke in mm / compression 1498 / 74.5 x 74.5 / 11.5
Max. power output in kW (PS) / at rpm 130 (177) / 5500 - 6000
Max. torque in Nm (lb-ft) / at rpm 250 (184.4) / 1500 - 4000
Top speed
Kristensen 2004 40 Sebring (USA) Frank Biela / Pierre Kaffer / Allan McNish 41 Monza (I) Jamie Davies / Johnny Herbert 42 24h Le Mans (F) Seiji Ara / Rinaldo Capello / Tom Kristensen 43 Mid-Ohio (USA) JJ Lehto / Marco Werner 44 Nürburgring (D) Pierre Kaffer / Allan McNish 45 Lime Rock (USA) JJ Lehto / Marco Werner 46 Infineon Raceway (USA) JJ Lehto / Marco Werner 47 Portland (USA) JJ Lehto / Marco Werner 48 Silverstone (GB) Pierre Kaffer / Allan McNish 49 Road America (USA) JJ Lehto / Marco Werner 50 Spa (B) Jamie Davies / Johnny Herbert
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07/31/2026
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“1-2-4-5-3: 50 years of Audi five-cylinder engines” New special exhibition at the Audi museum mobile
07/31/2026
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“1-2-4-5-3: 50 years of Audi five-cylinder engines” New special exhibition at the Audi museum mobile
07/31/2026
Photo
“1-2-4-5-3: 50 years of Audi five-cylinder engines” New special exhibition at the Audi museum mobile
07/31/2026
Photo
“1-2-4-5-3: 50 years of Audi five-cylinder engines” New special exhibition at the Audi museum mobile
Audi A5 Avant e-hybrid quattro
With a system output of up to 270 kW, the Audi A5 Avant e-hybrid quattro combines driving dynamics and comfort. Its generous interior space supports a wide range of everyday needs, complemented by extensive standard equipment. The vehicle’s proportions, including a long wheelbase, large wheels, and a flat body, contribute to its sporty appearance.
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Engine type Inline 4-cylinder engine
Displacement in cc / bore x stroke in mm / compression 1984 / 82.5 x 92.8 / 12.5
Max. power output in kW (PS) / at rpm 185 (252) / 5000 - 6500
Max. torque in Nm (lb-ft) / at rpm 380 (280.3) / 1600 - 4500
Top speed / electrical in km/h (mph) 250 (155.3) (limited) / 140 (87.0)
System acceleration, 0-100 km/h (0-62.1 mph) 5.9
Electrical range, City (EAER) in km (mi) 110 - 113 (68.4 - 70.2)
Electrical range, combined (EAER) in km (mi) 95 - 107 (59.0 - 66.5)
Electric power consumption, weighted combined in kWh/100 km (62
The Audi Q3 at its finest: dynamic and muscular proportions balanced with a spacious interior Digital companion for every day: driving assistance and lighting technology from the full-size class plus innovative operating concept for even more comfort Efficiency, driving dynamics, and comfort: new damper system, powerful plug-in hybrid technology, and efficient combustion engines
The Audi Q3 has been a well-established bestseller in the premium compact segment for more than ten years. Now the third generation is setting new standards in several respects. In its exterior design, the Q3 conveys confidence and emotion both as an SUV and Sportback. Numerous innovative features turn the Audi Q3 into a digital companion. They provide a first-class user experience and also ensure greater comfort and safety for the driver and other road users thanks to many assistance systems. In addition to the well-balanced suspension, the lighting digitalization also enhances customer benefits. A high degree