Audi will mark a significant milestone in 2026: the 50th anniversary of its unique five-cylinder engine. First introduced in the 1976 Audi 100, it has become a defining feature of the brand, renowned for its distinctive sound and performance.
It quickly gained legendary status through motorsport, powering the original Audi Quattro to World Rally Championship victories in the early 1980s, and achieving further success in Pikes Peak and Trans-Am racing. Following a production hiatus in the late 1990s, the engine made a triumphant comeback in 2009 with the Audi TT RS.
The tradition continues today with the 2.5-litre TFSI engine in the current Audi RS 3. This hand-assembled unit produces 400 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, enabling the compact sports car to accelerate from 0–100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. According to Audi, the engine's uneven firing order is key to creating its famous throaty exhaust note.
The five-cylinder engine is set to celebrate its 50^(th) anniversary as the sole remaining Audi model with this configuration, further solidifying its cult status among enthusiasts.
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