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1979 Germany remained the only 'western' European country with no-limit motorways, so it was not surprising that it had a large market for fast luxury cars. Mercedes-Benz and BMW of course took the lion's share of the sector, but Audi's decision to invade the area in 1976 with their front-drive
'100' was significant as well as courageous.
At the September Frankfurt Show Audi officiallly unveiled their long-rumored super-100, designated '200', and in 5T form sporting a turbocharger on the five-cylinder 2.2-liter ohc engine. Using the basic body and running gear of the '100', the turbocharged model had the impressive maximum power-output of 170 bhp (127 kW) at 5400 rpm (identical to the Porsche 924 Turbo), but, more importantly, maximum torque was increased some 46 per cent over the unsupercharged 2.2-liter Audi five-cylinder motor.
The torque was notable at 195.21 Ib ft (27 mkg/261.77 Nm) with engine rpm at a mere 3200. There was also an unblown, injected '200' which developed 136 bhp DIN (101.41 kW), both cars having modified suspension and dampers to cope with the increased performance.
Both the 5T (five turbocharged) and the 5E (five-cylinder injection) had five-speed gearboxes as standard but there was a three-speed automatic on option (although in some markets this was reversed, with the auto being standard equipment). Four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated at front) were fitted to cope with (in the case of the 5T) a maximum speed of 125 mph (200 km/h) and a weight of 3890 Ib (1765 kg).
Externally the 200 models were distinguishable from the 100 range by their quad headlight treatment, built-in foglamps, wide front spoiler, low-profile tires (Pirelli P6 205/60 HR 15) and special light-alloy road wheels. Standard kit included electric mirrors, sun-roof, cruise control and heated seats.
The 5T joined the small, elite band of cars capable of covering the standing kilometre in 30 seconds. Prior to their launch there was speculation that the new models would bear the revered, discontinued Auto-Union marque name of Horch, but although Audi adhered to their normal appellation, the new refined, highformance models were certainly in the mould of the old Horch tradition.
