Audi 100 / 5000 C3 1982 -1988
Audi launched the third generation 100 C3 in September 1982. The car had a much more aerodynamic look than the predecessor C2 100. The base model could claim a drag coefficient as low as 0.30 due to it having the smoothest body. A single mirror too at launch would have helped.
One of the key innovations for this model was the introduction of flush fitting glass. Window areas are a significant cause of aerodynamic drag on all cars. This helped the new Audi 100 reach higher top speeds and have better fuel economy than its rivals.
It was also the first Audi to receive its revolutionary procon-ten safety system.
Available in front wheel drive and four wheel drive (4WD) quattro models with a range of four cylinder and five cylinder petrol engines. A Diesel and Turbo Diesel engines were available in front wheel drive models only.
Transmission options were four and five speed manuals or three speed automatic, quattros were all manual.
The Audi 5000 was the North American market model covering both the 100 and the Audi 200. The engine range overlapped with the 200 turbocharged fives and the 100’s normally aspirated units.
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Audi 100 C3 5000 1982 -1988 Models & Engine Options
Petrol / Gasoline
100
1.9 L 4 cyl, 99 hp (100 PS, 74 kW), carburetor but only available until 1984.
100 1.8
1.8 L 4 cyl, 74 hp (75 PS, 55 kW), carburetor made up to 1987. Not available in the UK.
1.8 L 4 cyl, 89 hp (90 PS, 66 kW). Initially with a carburettor but replaced with a fuel injection system.
100 CC / 100 CS / 100 CD / 100 CC quattro / 100 CS quattro
2.0 L 5 cyl, 113 hp (115 PS, 85 kW), fuel injection.
2.1 L 5 cyl, 134 hp (136 PS, 100 kW, fuel injection. Early five cylinder variant available up until end 1984.
2.2 L 5 cyl, 113 hp (115 PS, 85 kW), fuel injection, catalyst. Short lived, available for three years from 194 to 1987.
2.2 L 5 cyl, 136 hp (138 PS, 101 kW), fuel injection. Replacing the
earlier slightly lower capacity 2.2 5 cyl. With catalyst from 1986.
100 Turbo /100 Turbo quattro
2.2 L 5 cyl, 163 hp (165 PS, 121 kW), fuel injection, turbocharged variant of the N/A 5 cylinder. Came with catalyst and available from 1986.
Diesel
100 Diesel
2.0 L 5 cyl Diesel, 69 hp (70 PS, 51 kW).
100 Turbo Diesel
2.0 L 5 cyl Turbo Diesel, 86 hp (87 PS, 64 kW).
Not all specifications and engines were available in all markets.
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Audi 100 C3 1988 -1991
January 1988 saw the facelifted version of the Audi 100 introduced. It was only a subtle facelift, the biggest external change being flush fitting doorhandles.
The very first Audi model to wear a TDI badge was a 100 C3. The new 2.5 litre, 5 cylinder, Turbo Diesel engine found its way into the C3 just before it was replaced by the C4 in December 1990.
Audi 100 C3 5000 1988 -1991 Models & Engine Options
Petrol / Gasoline
100 1.8
1.8 L 4 cyl, 89 hp (90 PS, 66 kW). Fuel injected.
100 2.0E
2.0 L 5 cyl, 113 hp (115 PS, 85 kW), fuel injection, came with a catalyst later on.
100 2.2E
2.2 L 5 cyl, 136 hp (138 PS, 101 kW), fuel injection with catalyst.
100 2.3E – From 1989
2.3 L 5 cyl, 136 hp (138 PS, 101 kW), fuel injection with catalyst.
100 Turbo
2.2 L 5 cyl, 163 hp (165 PS, 121 kW), fuel injection, turbocharged variant of the N/A 5 cylinder. Came with catalyst.
100 quattro Turbo
2.2 L 5 cyl, 163 hp (165 PS, 121 kW), fuel injection, turbocharged variant of the N/A 5 cylinder. Came with catalyst.
Diesel
100 Diesel
2.0 L 5 cyl Diesel, 69 hp (70 PS, 51 kW) up to 1989.
2.4 L 5 cyl Diesel, 80 hp (82 PS, 51 kW) up to 1989.
100 Turbo Diesel
2.0 L 5 cyl Turbo Diesel, 99 hp (100 PS, 74 kW).
2.5 L I-5 TDI, 118 hp (120 PS, 88 kW) from 1990.
Audi 100 C3 in China
The VW Audi group got involved in China many years ago and the output of
this venture was the FAW Audi 100 and the Hongqi Mingshi. The Hongqui could be had in long wheelbase limo form too.
It seems the FAW and Hongqui were made from 1989 to 2005. Might make an interesting import.
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