Illustration of the Horch 1 on a grey and white background

The beginnings

At the beginning of the 20th century, the motorcar began its triumphant advance as a means of private transport. At first, it was sold in small numbers to adventurous enthusiasts, and later to the financially strong upper classes. It was only gradually that smaller vehicles began to win out over the strong competition from motorized two-wheelers.

 

The Horch No. 1 (1900-1901)

Illustration of the Horch 1 on a grey background

How it all began.

In 1900, August Horch developed his first car. The oldest ancestor of today’s Audi models featured a smooth-running two-cylinder engine, belt drive and evaporative cooler. It laid the foundation for a unique history.

More details

Horch No. 1:
  • Engine: Petrol engine, 2 cylinders with one combustion chamber
  • Power output: 4.8–5 PS
  • Top speed: 30–32 km/h

 
 

Audi Type C Alpine Champion (1911-1925)

Illustration of the Audi Type C Alpine Champion in yellow against a white background

Heading uphill.

The Audi Type C earned the nickname “Alpine Champion” because its reliability and technical superiority enabled it to achieve several successes in the legendary Austrian Alpine Rally between 1912 and 1914.

More details

Audi 14/35 PS Type C:
  • Engine: Petrol engine, 4 inline cylinders
  • Displacement: 3,562 cm³
  • Power output: 35 PS at 1,700 rpm
  • Top speed: 80–90 km/h
  • Length/width/height: 4,280/1,650/1,500 mm (Phaeton)
  • Unladen weight: 1,300 kg (Phaeton)

 

Audi Type R Imperator (1927-1929)

Illustration of the Audi Type R Imperator in brown on a grey background

Mobility with impressive performance.

This luxury car was the first Audi model to be equipped with an eight-cylinder engine and had truly impressive specifications. Its inline engine with a displacement of 4.9 litres had an output of 100 PS, enabling it to reach a remarkable top speed of 120 km/h. It was produced in various body styles.

More details

Audi 19/100 PS Type R Imperator:

  • Engine: Petrol engine, 8 inline cylinders
  • Displacement: 4,872 cm³
  • Power output: 100 PS at 3,300 rpm
  • Top speed: 120 km/h
  • Length/width/height: 5,160/1,780/1,930 mm
  • Unladen weight: 2,100 kg (Pullman saloon)

 
 

DKW Front F 1 (1931-1932)

Illustration of a blue DKW Front F 1 against a white background

Leading the way with front-wheel drive.

The DKW F 1 was the first mass-produced car with front-wheel drive and provided the company with a sound economic basis. It is considered a milestone in automotive history because it pioneered the front-wheel drive concept in large scale production. The combination of front-wheel drive and a two-stroke engine soon became the norm for compact cars, surviving until the 1960s.

More details

DKW Front F 1:
  • Engine: Two-stroke petrol engine, 2 inline cylinders, transversely mounted
  • Displacement: 580 cm³
  • Power output: 18 PS at 3,800 rpm
  • Top speed: 75 km/h
  • Length/width/height: 2,900/1,300/1,250 mm
  • Unladen weight: 450 kg (roadster, three-seater)

 

Discover the other eras of the Audi product history

Illustration of the Audi front on a grey background

United to form Auto Union AG

With the merger of Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer to form Auto Union AG in 1932, the manufacturers ensure their survival in the crisis thanks to synergies and segmentation.

Illustration of the car Union SP 1000 Roadster RGB

The era of the economic miracle

After the currency reform in 1948, the need for mobility grows in Germany. Auto Union GmbH and NSU Werke AG focus on two-wheelers and automobiles.

Illustration of the NSU Ro80 RGB

The Four Rings with a new profile

Increasing demands on cars require a reorientation, that is mastered by relaunching the traditional Audi brand.

Illustration of an Audi TT in front of a grey background

Ascent to the premium segment

In the 1980s and 1990s, Audi repositioned itself in the luxury class with innovative technology such as quattro all-wheel drive, lightweight aluminium construction and powerful, highly efficient engines.

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Notice: All consumption and emission values are based on the characteristics of the German market.