Audi 100 Coupé S.
Audi Tradition is celebrating a significant chapter in the brand’s history with a new exhibition at the Audi Forum Neckarsulm. The showcase highlights Audi’s rise to the upper mid-size segment with the Audi 100, a model that played a crucial role in shaping the company’s future. Running until April 30, the exhibition features 17 vehicles from eight generations of the C model series, starting with the original Audi 100 from 1968.
The Audi 100’s Impact on the Automotive Industry
Throughout its four generations, the Audi 100 garnered prestigious awards, including five Golden Steering Wheel wins, two “Car of the Year” titles, and a “World Car of the Year” recognition. The model’s success is further underscored by an impressive total of 3.2 million units sold. However, the journey of the Audi 100 began in secrecy, as its development defied corporate directives.
In the mid-1960s, Auto Union GmbH was acquired by Volkswagenwerk AG, which initially restricted new model development. Nevertheless, Technical Director Ludwig Kraus pushed forward with plans for a mid-size Audi model, believing it was essential for the company’s survival. His persistence paid off when Volkswagen eventually approved the project, leading to the Audi 100’s production launch in 1968.
Innovation and Expansion
Due to its popularity, production of the Audi 100 quickly exceeded capacity at the Ingolstadt plant, prompting a move to the Neckarsulm facility in 1970. The model continually showcased Audi’s commitment to innovation, introducing advancements such as fully galvanized bodies, enhanced aerodynamics, and highly efficient engines. These features solidified Audi’s reputation for technological leadership, encapsulated in its slogan, “Vorsprung durch Technik.”
The Evolution into the Audi A6
Since 1994, the Audi 100’s legacy has been carried forward by the Audi A6, continuing the model series’ success. The exhibition at Neckarsulm displays nine variants of the Audi 100 and eight of the Audi A6, culminating in the 2024 Audi RS 6 Avant GT. According to curator Stefan Felber, each of the 17 featured vehicles tells a unique story, showcasing the evolution of Audi’s engineering excellence.
Looking Ahead
The model series’ history is far from over. Audi is set to reveal the ninth generation of the A6 Avant on March 4, ensuring that the legacy of the Audi 100 lives on. With its ongoing commitment to innovation and performance, Audi continues to build on the strong foundation laid by its pioneering mid-size model.
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