Always sold in the sedan and 5-door "fasthatch" wagon styles of the second-series 100/200, the Audi 5000CS Turbo Quattro/200 Quattro was launched in Europe during 1982 (model-year '84 U.S. debut). They were considered the most aerodynamic cars of their kind, thanks to low-drag shape with features like flush side glass.
Alas, U.S. demand for all Audis was severely hurt by the late-'80s "sudden acceleration" controversy involving 1978-1986 5000 models. Though Audi was subsequently cleared, U.S. business has yet to return to "pre-crisis" levels. Lack of available automatic transmission further limited American interest in these big Quattros, but the standard manual five-speed gave far better performance anyway.
The car received a minor facelift and revised dash with 200-series; the 2.2-liter turbo-intercooled engine was little changed. Also standard was an antilock brake system throughout; Audi was first, in fact, to offer electronic ABS with fulltime all-wheel drive.
The 1985-1991 Audi 5000CS Turbo Quattro/200 Quattro are the most collectible of recent big Audis for obvious reasons, though values shouldn't start rising for a good while yet.
Pluses of the 1985-1991 Audi 5000CS Turbo Quattro/200 Quattro:
* Brilliant marriage of style and technology
* Safety of all-wheel drive and ABS
* Big and luxurious
* Fairly scarce
* U.S. prices still depressed
Minuses of the 1985-1991 Audi 5000CS Turbo Quattro/200 Quattro:
* U.S. collector interest depressed
* New-generation 100/200 (for 1992), so dwindling parts and service in future
Production of the Audi 5000CS Turbo Quattro/200 Quattro:
* 1985: 4,511
* 1986: 3,400*
* 1987:3,245*
* 1988: 1,457
* 1989: 1,334
* 1990: 1,243
*includes wagon model; others: sedan only
Specifications of the 1985-1991 Audi 5000CS Turbo Quattro/200 Quattro (U.S. models):
Wheelbase, inches: 105.8
Length, inches: 192.7
Weight, pounds: 3,350-3,450
Price, new: $29,950-$36,930
Audi 200
Audi 200
Audi 200
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Audi 200