1988 Audi 200 TransAm

The automotive press was introduced to the Audi 100 in November of 1968. The name was derived from its 100 PS output produced from the four-cylinder engine. Initially it was available as a two- and four-door saloon, and the Coupe S fastback version. Production of the Audi 100 lasted from 1968 through 1976. A re-styled C2 Audi 100 was introduced in 1976 with power being sourced from a five-cylinder engine. The coupe was no longer available, but a five-door hatchback model, called the 100 Avant, was introduced in mid-1977. The 200 version was the upmarket version with several versions of a turbocharged 5-cylinder avail in different markets over its lifespan.

The Audi 100 and 200 enjoyed commercial success, and it was not long before it would be used in racing endeavors. Audi had success in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb during the mid-1980s with their Sport Quattro S1, which encouraged them to race in other series. The 'quattro' all-wheel drive system had done well in rally races and Audi hoped similar success would be found on circuit tracks.

Audi selected to use the 200 Quattro as the basis for their new racing endeavor. The car would receive great skepticism from the top contenders (such as Ford and Chevrolet) and many felt that Audi did not have any serious chance at being a competitor, much less a winner. The car used the road car shell and the suspension configuration. The body was fiberglass reinforced plastic which was similar in design to the road-going version. The suspension geometry was modified to adapt to the demands and requirements of racing. The interior was given a steel tubular roll-cage for safety and to increase rigidity.

Just like the prior Quattro rally cars, the Audi 200 Trans Am was given a six-speed all-synchromesh gearbox. The engine, to comply with homologation rules, was based on a production engine. Audi chose their turbocharged straight five-cylinder unit with single overhead camshafts. It was given an aluminum crankcase, a second pump, and larger valves. After the upgrades were complete, the engine offered over 500 horsepower.

No four-wheel drive car had ever competed in the TransAm championship. Audi's all-wheel drive system was comprised of a central Torsen differential and limited slip different in the front and rear axles.

For the 1988 season, the Audi Trans-Am car was piloted by Hurley Haywood, Walter Rohrl, and Hans-Joachim Stuck. During the season, the trio of drivers were able to score a combined eight wins during 13 attempts. Haywood earned the driver's title while Audi won the constructor's title.

During the racing season, new rules were implemented which added additional weight to the Audi, along with a new air restrictor. For the 1989 season, the SCCA ban all-wheel drive systems which made the Audi 200 TA obsolete.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2014

A great car with a great history, the Audi 200 was a mid-sized luxury vehicle manufactured by the German car company Audi, part of the Volkswagen Group. Following in the heels of the Audi 100, an executive car introduced in 1968 that was the company's largest car since the revival of the Audi brand by Volkswagen in 1965, the 200 was introduced on the C2 design platform. Introduced in 1976 the 200 wasn't a replacement for the Audi 100, but instead an upgraded model for its line. Produced until 1982 there weren't too many obvious differences between the 100 and 200 models except the 200 had many more features than the 100 version.

Available in both Sedan and Estate form, the Audi 200 was a luxurious car that was fun to drive with plenty of room inside and solidly built design. The 200 came with 2 different engine sizes and offered the 4-speed automatic gearbox and 5-speed manual. The 200 carried a heftier price tag than the 100 line. Its models included the 2.1L, 2.2L, 2.1 Turbo, 2.2 Turbo and 2.2 Quattro 20V.

In 1982 the C3 design platform was introduced with a much more aerodynamic look and better fuel economy. In the US the C3 model of the Audi 100 was sold in the U.S. as the Audi 5000 until 1988. Popular with consumers, the C3 was sold in many variations and helped drooping sales of the Audi range. Eventually this version ended production and was discontinued. Production numbers for the 200 peaked at 97,195 models with 6,153 of these being the 200 Avant.

In 1979 the RHD Audi 200 5E and 5T were launched in the UK with only 500 imported. A higher spec Turbo version of the 5E (136 PS injection) the 5T (170 PS) came with a variety of optional extras that were standard. The UK version of the 5T had opening quarter lights, sunroof, cruise control, heated seats and electric wing mirrors. All right hand drive Type 43 200's were launched with Automatic gearboxes and a five-speed manual was available only by special order.

In 1991 the 200 20V was easily distinguished by a flared front and rounded rear wheel arches rather than the flat type that was used by the rest of the 100-200 range. This rounded arch allowed wider wheel and tire combinations to be fitted to 20V models. Performance minded the 20V Audi 200 offered a level of performance that would be later seen in the C4-Chassis Audi S4, and S6. The 20V Audi 200 was rated by US magazines with a 0-60 mph time in under seconds and able to reach the quarter mile around 15 seconds.

From 1983 through 1987 Audi sales drastically dipped after a number of recalls of Audi 5000 models with incidents of sudden unintended acceleration that was linked to six deaths and 700 accidents. Audi eventually made several modifications following a series of recall campaigns including adjusting the distance between the brake and accelerator pedal on automatic-transmission models. Audi models since then now include gear stick patters and brake interlock mechanisms to prevent unintentional gear selection.
In 1985 Audi U.S. sales had peaked at 74,061. By 1991 sales had plunged to 12,283 and remained this way for three years with relate values that fell significantly. Warranty protection was offered and the affected models received new names with the 5000 becoming the 100 and 200 in 1989. By 2000 the Audi Company finally reached the same level of U.S. sales once again.

Following years of rallying, Audi entered the Trans-Am Series with the 200 Turbo Quattro Trans Am with the help of Bob Tullius's Group 44 Racing. The Trans Am was powered by the trademark Quattro system and was piloted by Haywood and both Walter Röhrl and Hans Joachim Stuck sharing duties. The 200 Turbo crushed the opposition with eight out of thirteen wins.

Sources:
http://www.breakeryard.com/blog/audi-200-vehicle-details/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_100

By Jessica Donaldson