Audi 200 C2 1st generation

Production period:	1979 to 1982
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Gasoline :2.1 liters  (100-125 kW)
Length:	4694 mm
Width:	1768 mm
Height:	1389 mm
Wheelbase :	2677 mm
Curb weight :	1260 kg

In October 1979, Audi introduced the Type 43, the first Audi 200. While in the Audi 100 the 2.1-liter five-cylinder engine (5E) was the largest available engine, this was the basic engine in the Audi 200. From February 1980, the Audi 200 5T was offered with a turbocharged engine and 125 kW (170 hp) (engine code WJ). The Audi 200 5T was unique because Audi initially only offered the turbocharged engine in this model. In the US, this model was sold as the Audi 5000 S Turbo .

In principle, the Audi 200 was an Audi 100 with better or sportier equipment and a larger engine in all model series. The appearance was changed by means of other bumpers and headlights and later also rear lights, fundamentally different as later with the Audi V8 did not exist.

Originally, a sporty version with Wankel engine was planned, also with 125 kW (170 hp), were produced by a few pre-production vehicles. However, the Wankel engine in the VW group was quickly abandoned. One of these cars is located in the Ingolstadt Audi Museum.

While the Audi 100 was still divided into various equipment variants (basic model, L, GL, CS and CD), the Audi 200 had basically the most expensive equipment, that of the Audi 100 CD.

This included, inter alia, central locking, power windows, a stereo cassette radio, velor seats and four frame headrests. Supplied with two "pillows", which were covered with the velor of the seat covers. The Audi 200 5E was thus actually an Audi 100 CD 5E, but in a sportier appearance, which was characterized by other fabric designs in the interior and a harder tuned suspension. The usual Audi 5-hole hubs with the 112 mm bolt circle were introduced in the Audi 200 in 1979.

In detail, still differed a lot from the Audi 100. The side moldings were arranged lower, wider and made of rubber, the bumpers were made of black plastic with integrated support made of glass fiber reinforced plastic and seemed more powerful. The front turn signals were not next to the headlights, but mounted in the bumper, and the dual headlights took over from the Audi 5000 . A wide spoiler closed the front down. This made the Audi 200 more impressive than the Audi 100.

The manual transmission of the turbo version of the Audi 200 was shorter in the large gears than in the base version Audi 200 5E. From the Audi 100, he also distinguished himself by light metal spoke wheels manufacturer Ronal and disc brakes behind.

As Avant , the Audi 200 was not offered. A combi version of this model was produced in small series at the company Artz . This was also offered with four-wheel drive and the 147  kW engine from the Audi Quattro. In the Audi 200, an anti-lock braking system from Bosch was available as an option for a surcharge.

In August 1982, the production of the Audi 200 type 43 was discontinued.