Misplaced Pages

#858141

102-871: The Volkswagen Type 2 (T3) was the third generation of the Volkswagen Transporter and was marketed under various nameplates worldwide – including the Transporter or Caravelle in Europe, T25 (Type 25), Microbus and Kombi in South Africa/Brazil/Australia, Kampeerauto in Netherlands, Combi in France and Vanagon in North and South America. It was larger, heavier, and more angular in its styling than its predecessor,

204-588: A facelift in late 2009. Updated powertrain options include common rail diesel engines, and a world-first usage in a light commercial vehicle of a dual clutch transmission – namely Volkswagen Group's 7-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG). In 2016, Volkswagen released the T6 Transporter which is based on the T5 Transporter. A refreshed version was first shown in 2019 as the T6.1 Transporter. The T7

306-841: A front-mounted , front-wheel drive , water-cooled engine. The T4 was marketed in North America as the Volkswagen Eurovan. The Volkswagen Transporter (T5) is a variant of the Volkswagen T platform. In North America it was sold in Mexico but not in the United States nor Canada. As with other light trucks, the T5 range would face a 25% tariff, known as the chicken tax , if imported to the US. The Transporter T5 range received

408-458: A liftback design similar to Volkswagen Passats from the era.The mainstay of the range remained the four-door sedan model. A two-door sedan version was offered, primarily on the domestic market, from February 1977, but by now there was little demand for large two-door sedans and thus only a few of these two-door Audi 100 C2s were sold. At the top of the line, the Audi 200 made its appearance at

510-713: A 2.5 L straight-five direct injection turbo-diesel (TDI) model with 120 PS (88 kW) introduced in January 1990 (engine code 1T). This was the first model to wear the TDI label. It had a brief career in the C3, being replaced in December of that year when the C4 arrived. The Audi V8 used an enlarged version of the bodyshell from the Audi 100/200 C3 but received more luxury features and

612-441: A 2.6-litre with an improved fuel injection system and two styles of 15" alloy wheels as standard (Rhein or Starburst) along with larger ventilated front disc brakes. The automatic option for the 2.5 was dropped, leaving only the five-speed manual. A slightly lower spec 2.3 five-cylinder fuel-injected model was introduced four months after the 2.6, but was equipped with a 4-speed transmission and modified wrap-around steel bumpers. There

714-635: A Porsche VIN . Porsche themselves also used the Porsche-engined bus to transport staff rapidly. Top speed was around 135 mph (217 km/h), although Porsche only claimed 116 mph (187 km/h) to ensure that the numbers could be replicated with nine people in the car and with the air conditioning on full. There was one other six-cylinder engine used in the VW Transporter: the Oettinger WBX6. The development of this engine

816-517: A V8 engine. During model years 1983–1987, Audi's U.S. sales fell after several recalls of Audi 5000 models, which were associated with reported incidents of sudden unintended acceleration linked to six deaths and 700 accidents. At the time, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was investigating 50 car models from 20 manufacturers for sudden surges of power. In North America,

918-508: A bed and the pop-top included a fold-out bed; these models could sleep four adults. A 'Weekender ' version that lacked the refrigerator, propane stove, and sink of the full 'camper' versions offered an optional removable cabinet with a 12 volt cooler and self-contained sink. In 1984, the Wolfsburg edition was configured with a rear bench seat and two forward-facing middle seats. Under the bench seat, which folded down to make full-size bed,

1020-413: A face-lift which included modified front door sheet metal, bigger side windows behind the B pillars, and different rear grilles in the D pillars. The bodyshell is a true RHD design lacking the unused door track cover on the offside and LHD wiper arm mount points as found on earlier models (which were originally designed as an adaptation of a LHD twin-sliding door bodyshell). On models with 5-cylinder engines,

1122-560: A five-speed manual available by special order. The C2 was sold as the Audi 5E in Australia. It was part of a very restricted Audi lineup, being the only model on offer for several years. The only engine on offer was the carburetted 2144-cc inline-five with 85 kW (114 hp), coupled to a four-speed manual in the GL and to a three-speed automatic in the CD. In North America, where sales of

SECTION 10

#1732773310859

1224-505: A five-speed manual, a handicap in the American market. It was not until the 1983 introduction of the turbo diesel that these concerns were met. The 50-state Turbo diesel arrived for the 1983 model year, at about the same time that the Audi 100 C3 was presented in Europe, and was only ever sold in the United States. In 1980 the 5000 Turbo arrived in the US. This model only delivered 130 hp (97 kW), more than twenty percent less than

1326-473: A four-door sedan on November 26, 1968. Its name originally denoting a power output of 100 PS (74 kW), the Audi 100 was the company's largest car since the revival of the Audi brand by Volkswagen in 1965. The C1 platform spawned several variants: the Audi 100 two- and four-door saloons, and the Audi 100 Coupé S , a fastback coupé , which bore a resemblance to the Aston Martin DBS released

1428-401: A full width lower grille incorporating the indicator lenses, which were changed from amber to smoked lenses from 1999 onwards. This grille and headlight combination was not found anywhere else in the world. These later South African T3s became known as Big Window T3s due to their larger side windows. In January 1991 the 2.1 Wasserboxer engines were replaced with five-cylinder Audi engines in

1530-535: A general new Audi naming scheme, until they were replaced by a new generation of A6, internally code-named C5, in 1997. The Audi 100's traditional competitors include the Mercedes Benz E-Class and BMW 5-Series . In addition to the C platform codes, Audi assigned type numbers to their models: The first Audi 100, developed by Auto Union (Volkswagen's subsidiary) in Ingolstadt , was unveiled as

1632-548: A horizontal middle axis, instead of the old model's curve, is sometimes called "the wedge" by enthusiasts, to differentiate it from earlier VW "Kombis". The Volkswagen air-cooled boxer engine was supplanted by a water-cooled one – though still rear-mounted – in 1983. Both Porsche and Oettinger built six-cylinder versions of the T3 Transporter in very small numbers, with the Porsche-built version achieving

1734-930: A large cult following, especially the Westfalia camper version, and many owners have had the VW engines replaced, due to their reputation of being underpowered and unreliable, particularly the Wasserboxer due to phosphated coolant. Subaru EJ engines are one of the most popular engines to install for increased power, as the EJs flat-4 design is similar in size and configuration to the original VW pushrod engines. Other conversions have included Porsche 911 engines, VW Rabbit diesel engines, 2.0L Tico Engine, Golf / Jetta petrol engines and Ford Zetec engines . Five-cylinder Audi engines were used in South Africa on higher-trim vans after

1836-758: A larger vehicle than the Multivan. The new Transporter shares the vast majority of its body and mechanical components with the Transit, which will be built alongside the new VW Transporter at the Ford Otosan factory in Turkey. In December 2023, the T7 Transporter was officially teased with diesel, PHEV and electric powertrains, with a launch scheduled for the second quarter of 2024. Concepts and future models: Microbus Concept Audi 100 In 1982,

1938-463: A light above the glove box (some of which were standard equipment in later (non-commercial vehicle) models). The automatic was a standard hydraulic three-speed unit, the same 090/010 unit as used in Audis of the era. These featured a cast aluminum alloy case for the transmission section and a cast iron case for the final drive section. The 091 manual transmission was a four-speed unit, featuring

2040-477: A lightweight aluminum alloy case; from 1983 a 5-speed transmission was available as an option on certain models; a 5-speed was fitted as standard on Syncro four-wheel-drive models. The automatic features a 1.0 ratio top gear, while the manual features a 0.85 top gear. The oil filler tube for the engine is located behind the flip-down license plate door, as is the oil dipstick and the power steering fluid reservoir (when fitted) on Petrol models. Diesel models have

2142-425: A more advanced engine management system, and redesigned transmissions. Exterior changes included rectangular headlights (on selected models), and different paint options. Alloy wheels and larger fiberglass bumpers with trim along the rocker panels were optional (standard on Hannover and Wolfsburg Edition vans). For 1990 and 1991 model years, a "Carat" trim level was available which included all available options except

SECTION 20

#1732773310859

2244-579: A top speed around 200 km/h (125 mph). A four-wheel drive Syncro model was introduced, premiering in January 1985. While production of the T3 ended in Europe with the Syncro produced in Austria until 1992, the T3 was also produced in South Africa, until 2002. The first officially designated "T platform" vehicle, the Volkswagen Transporter (T4) dramatically updated the Volkswagen van line by using

2346-424: A top speed of 113 mph (182 km/h) in the federalized car, slower than a naturally aspirated European market 2.1 E. In the US, reflecting the Audi's luxury connotations, 90 percent of 5000s were delivered with the costlier "S" equipment package. The 5000 Turbo diesel received an increase in power and torque, offset somewhat by only being available in conjunction with Audi's "3+E" automatic transmission. This

2448-617: A year earlier with similar details such as the louvres behind the rear side windows and the shape of the rear light clusters. Audi followed the introduction of the four-door saloon in November 1968 with a two-door saloon in October 1969 and the 100 Coupé S in autumn 1970. The cars' 1.8 litre four cylinder engines originally came in base 100 (80 PS or 59 kW or 79 hp), 100 S (90 PS or 66 kW or 89 hp), and 100 LS (100 PS or 74 kW or 99 hp) versions, while

2550-513: Is known to VW enthusiasts as the "South African look," and swapping the square headlights to round headlights is a popular conversion by van owners with non-South African vehicles. The T3 was replaced by the T4 ( Eurovan ) in the U.S. market in 1993 (1992 saw no Volkswagen vans imported to the U.S. market, aside from custom campers sold by companies other than Volkswagen). Top-of-the-line Wolfsburg Edition Westfalia Campers, which had all options, were at

2652-501: Is similar in magnitude to an emergency stop in a subway car]. These accelerations could not be the sole cause of [(long-duration) sudden acceleration incidents (SAI)], but might have triggered some SAIs by startling the driver. The defective idle-stabilization system performed a type of electronic throttle control . Significantly: multiple "intermittent malfunctions of the electronic control unit were observed and recorded ... and [were also observed and] reported by Transport Canada." With

2754-516: The 5000 becoming the 100 and 200 in 1989. The company only reached the same level of U.S. sales again by model year 2000. As of early 2010, a class-action lawsuit – dealing with a charge that on account of the sudden acceleration controversy, Audi models had lost resale value  – filed in 1987 by about 7,500 Audi 5000-model owners remains unsettled and is currently contested in county court in Chicago after appeals at

2856-484: The CBS television broadcast network 60 Minutes news program aired a report titled Out of Control on November 23, 1986. It featured interviews with six people who had sued Audi after reporting unintended acceleration, including footage of an Audi 5000 ostensibly displaying a surge of acceleration while the brake pedal was depressed. Subsequent investigation revealed that 60 Minutes had not disclosed they had engineered

2958-628: The Ford Transit , Toyota HiAce and Mercedes-Benz Vito . Initially derived from the Volkswagen Type 1 ( Volkswagen Beetle ), the Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) was the first generation of Volkswagen 's Transporter family. The Volkswagen T2 platform was marketed from 1967 through 1979 model years, with a Volkswagen Type 4 engine optionally available from 1972 on. The Volkswagen (Type 2) T3 Transporter , also known as T25 in

3060-514: The NHTSA . Three full-frontal tests at speeds of 30–35 mph (48–60 km/h) with a fixed barrier were conducted between 1980 and 1988. While all three tests showed minor passenger compartment intrusion, the resultant HIC for the driver of the Vanagon ranged between 1313 and 1905. The passenger dummy fared better receiving a HIC between 831 and 1060. In a 47 mph (75 km/h) crash between

3162-542: The T platform designations, the first three generations were named Type 2 , indicating their relative position to the Type 1 , or Beetle. As part of the T platform , the first three generations are retroactively named T1, T2 and T3. The Transporter is the best-selling van in history with over 12 million units sold worldwide, and it comprises a gamut of variants including vans , minivans / minibuses , campervans , and chassis cab and pickup trucks . Competitors include

Volkswagen Type 2 (T3) - Misplaced Pages Continue

3264-592: The T2 , but shared the same rear-engine, cab-over design. It was produced in a rear wheel drive version as well as a 4WD version marketed as "Syncro." The T3 was manufactured in Hannover, Germany from 1979 until 1991. Production of the Syncro (mostly for official use, like postal service or German army) continued until 1992 at Puch in Graz, Austria , where all 4WDs were built. A limited number of 2WD models were also produced at

3366-520: The WBX6 , a six-cylinder version. The Wasserboxer featured an aluminum case, cylinder heads, and pistons, and a forged steel crankshaft. The Wasserboxer, as with all VW boxer engines has a gear-driven camshaft. It also featured Heron , or "bowl-in-piston" type combustion chambers where the combustion takes place within the piston bowl area, and not just in the cylinder head as would be the case with flat top pistons. The switch to water-cooled boxer engines

3468-517: The Westfalia camper variant throughout the T3 production, with features including a raised roof (either pop-up or fixed), refrigerator, sink, and stove. Examples built between 1979 and 1985 featured round headlights and basic steel or chrome-plated steel bumpers with plastic end-caps. Air-cooled models (1979 to mid-1983) lack the lower grill above the radiator of the water-cooled models, except on models with factory air conditioning. Production of

3570-472: The coupé was powered by a bored-out 1.9 litre developing 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp). From April 1970 the 100 LS could be ordered with a three-speed automatic transmission sourced from Volkswagen . Although the Audi 100's engines were considered 'rough', critics stated that buyers whose first car had been a Beetle and aspired to upgrade to a contemporary diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz were unlikely to be discouraged. The Ingolstadt production line

3672-509: The "Microbus" and "Caravelle", while a VW 1.8 inline-four cylinder engine was used in the "Kombi" and "Van" models. A 2.1 Wasserboxer Syncro Big Window model was also added, in Microbus or Caravelle trim. 89 Big Window Syncros were sold in 1992; the big-window body was used in the Syncro from 1990 and in 1991, mixed in the "German" small-window body, so exact numbers of Big Window Syncros are unknown, although 89 were sold in 1992. The Syncro model

3774-465: The 19 cantons where this system was in use; why this was desired is unknown. Starting with the 1972 model year, the 80 and 90 PS versions were replaced by a new regular petrol variant of the 1.8 liter engine developing 85 PS (63 kW); at the same time, the 100 GL was introduced featuring the 1.9–liter engine formerly used only in the Coupé S. In March 1971, the 500,000th Audi was produced. By now

3876-480: The 1979 Frankfurt Show , with fuel injected five cylinder engines in either naturally aspirated or turbocharged forms. At the end of September 1977, the Audi 100 became the manufacturer's first model to reach a production level of 1,000,000 units. The millionth Audi 100 was a hatchback Audi 100 Avant assembled not at the company's main Ingolstadt plant but to the west, at the Neckarsulm factory which, since

3978-487: The 1992, B4 Audi 80 . The option of quattro permanent four-wheel drive was an option across the range, except the smallest engines. The Audi 100 quattro was available with a ZF four-speed automatic and a 5 speed manual gearbox. This generation was also available with the 2.5 litre, 5-cylinder TDI engine, introduced late in the C3 production, which provided outstanding performance, economy and refinement. During 1994, in conjunction with some styling revisions, Audi dropped

4080-432: The 2.2 L turbo 5-cylinder available in different markets over its life ranging in power outputs from 165 PS (121 kW) MC engine, through the 200 PS (147 kW) versions to the final 220 PS (162 kW) 20-valve 3B engine available from 1991. The 1983 Audi 200 Turbo had a top speed of 139 mph (224 km/h). The MC turbo engine was available in the 100 as well for some markets. In January 1988

4182-475: The Audi 100 Avant was now positioned as a station wagon rather than a hatchback - the Avant designation would be used for all Audi station wagons from that point forward. The Avant featured an available extra folding third row seat — not available in conjunction with ABS-brakes as the brake control unit sat in the same space. The 200, launched in 1983 continued as the upmarket variant with several versions of

Volkswagen Type 2 (T3) - Misplaced Pages Continue

4284-407: The Audi 100 had become the most commercially successful model in the company's history. In 1976 the two millionth Audi was built, of which the 100 represented 800,000 cars. In September 1973 (for the 1974 model year) the 100 received a facelift with a somewhat smaller squared-off grille, correspondingly more angular front fenders, and changed taillight lens patterns. The rear torsion beam suspension

4386-419: The Audi 100 received a minor facelift, including flush fitting door handles. The 1991 200 20V featured flared (vs. flat) front and rounded rear wheel arches to accommodate wider wheel and tire combinations to be fitted to 20V models. U.S. magazine articles of the period reported 0-60 times of the 20-valve Audi 200 under 7 seconds, with 1/4 mile times in the mid to upper 15 second mark. The Audi 100 also featured

4488-465: The Audi 5000 C2s reached 133,512, only five-cylinder engines were available. The 5000 had twin round headlamps for the first two model years, after which they were replaced by rectangular units. The diesel was originally not available in California, as Porsche-Audi of North America was unable to meet that state's strict emissions standards . The naturally aspirated diesel was also only available with

4590-495: The Audi 5000, due to a failure in the idle-stabilizer system (producing an initial acceleration of 0.3g), pedal misapplication resulting from panic, confusion, or unfamiliarity with the Audi 5000 contributed to the severity of the incident." This summary is consistent with the conclusions of NHTSA's most technical analysis at the time: "Audi idle-stabilization systems were prone to defects which resulted in excessive idle speeds and brief unanticipated accelerations of up to 0.3g [which

4692-576: The European spec model. Aside from meeting the strict US emissions, this model also had lower boost pressure to be able to run on the lower octane unleaded fuel available in America. While the Turbo also received a harder, sportier suspension, bigger aluminium wheels, and other performance upgrades, it was also only available with a three-speed automatic transmission. Road & Track were able to reach

4794-504: The GL and GLS have the larger 1871 cc engine producing 84 kW (114 PS; 113 hp). In the United States the Audi 100 appeared in 1970 in LS guise, with a 115 hp (86 kW) SAE 1.8 liter engine and with either two or four doors. For 1972 the engine was enlarged to 1.9 liters, but the SAE net claimed power was down to 91 hp (68 kW). A base and a GL model were added, as

4896-548: The Graz factory after German production had come to an end. South African production of the T3 continued, for that market only, until 2002. The T3 was the final generation of rear-engined Volkswagens. Following the Type 2 T2 , the Type 2 T3 initially featured air-cooled engines; later years had water-cooled engines. Versions produced in South Africa from 1990 until 2002 featured an Audi five-cylinder engine . Volkswagen marketed

4998-544: The Illinois state and U.S. federal levels. The NHTSA's findings have been "small solace for Audi in defense of product liability actions, as more and more successful cases used Audi's human factor design errors and failure to warn or recall as a basis for liability." The engine range comprised the following engines: More details under the discontinued VAG engines . Audi 100: Audi 200: Audi 5000/100/200 North America (all fuel injected and catalysed): The 5000 S/Turbo

5100-626: The September 1984 ADAC Motorwelt journal. The Vanagon/Caravelle with subjected to crash tests into a fixed 40% barrier at 35 km/h, which corresponds to a head-on collision at 50–55 km/h. According to AZT, this test is said to be representative of 90% of all accidents. A series of these crash tests were performed, which compared the T3 to similar vans manufactured by Nissan, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, and two vans from Toyota. The written results stated, "The Volkswagen Transporter type 2 affords excellent passenger safety". "The legs were not endangered. And

5202-635: The Syncro four-wheel drive model began in late 1984, with the world premiere taking place at the Brussels Commercial Vehicle Show in January 1985. The original Syncros came equipped with the gasoline 1.9 with 78 PS (57 kW) and a "4+G" gearbox, with the G being a low gear for offroad use ( Gelände in German). 1986 model year models received revisions including a rev counter/tachometer , more fabric choices, redesigned air conditioning , enlarged water-cooled engine with

SECTION 50

#1732773310859

5304-435: The U.S., the T3 was sold as the Vanagon, which is a portmanteau of van and station wagon . The name Vanagon was coined by Volkswagen to highlight their claim that the T3 had the room of a van, but drove like a station wagon. U.S. Vanagon model variations included the Vanagon, featuring vinyl seats and a spartan interior; the Vanagon L with optional cloth seats, more upscale interior panels, and an optional dashboard blower;

5406-576: The UK or VW Vanagon in the United States, was introduced in 1979. The T3 Transporter was one of the last all-new bodied Volkswagen platforms that still used an air-cooled , rear-engine design . Compared to its predecessor, (the T2), the T3 was sturdier and heavier, with a slightly larger, much more square and boxy body, that offered more usable interior space than the original models' rounded front side, roof, and edges. The T3, with its front now folding sharply along

5508-408: The United States. The RHD Audi 200 5E and 5T were introduced into the UK in 1979, only 500 were imported. The 5T (170 PS) was a higher spec Turbo version of the 5E (136 PS injection) and came with many optional extras as standard. The UK version of the 5T had opening quarter lights, electric door mirrors, a sunroof, cruise control and heated seats. All Type 43 200's came with automatic gearboxes, with

5610-466: The Vanagon GL with more equipment like a padded steering wheel and front armrests; and the Westfalia pop-top camper Vanagons , which came in two versions. A Camper version known as the " Campmobile " with integrated kitchen, complete with refrigerator (which ran on propane, 110 V or 12 V), a two-burner stove, and stainless steel sink with onboard water supply. A fold-down rear bench seat converted to

5712-650: The Wasserboxer engine was discontinued in 1991, until the T3 was discontinued in 2002. Concepts and future models: Microbus Concept Volkswagen Transporter The Volkswagen Transporter , based on the Volkswagen Group 's T platform, now in its seventh generation, refers to a series of vans produced for over 70 years and marketed worldwide. The T series is now considered an official Volkswagen Group automotive platform . and generations are sequentially named T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 and T7. Pre-dating

5814-460: The Westfalia conversion and Syncro. Some 1979 through 1981 models received 6 welded-in metal slats covering the engine ventilation passages behind the rear windows. All later models had black plastic 16-slat covers that slotted in at the top and screwed down at the bottom. During the 1980s, the U.S. Army and Air Force in Germany used T3s as administrative (non-tactical) vehicles. In military use,

5916-422: The arches to give more room for larger tires. Model years 1980 through 1985 featured round sealed beam headlights. Subsequent models for North American and European markets featured round sealed beam headlights or smaller square headlights, with the primary lights outboard and high beams inboard. Later models from South Africa returned to round headlight housings for both the primary headlights and high-beams. This

6018-494: The boot floor was raised to accommodate the taller engine and has small storage areas either side of the engine hatch. Internal changes include a fully padded dashboard featuring a smaller glove box and updated vacuum-powered ventilation controls operated by round knobs rather than slide levers, while the fuse box was also relocated to the right-hand side of the steering column. At the front of the vehicle, twin headlamps in both round and rectangular configurations were fitted along with

6120-464: The boxy styling of its predecessor, and offering a much improved drag coefficient , 0.30 on base model. The aerodynamic C3 bodywork featured pin-mounted flush windows, offering a key reduction in aerodynamic drag . Altogether, the aerodynamic body increased the fuel efficiency and top speed versus other cars of similar engine size. The C3 introduced Audi's proprietary restraint system, marketed as procon-ten . Two-door models were no longer offered, and

6222-492: The centre bench seat, a fridge and a folding table in the back of the vehicle and Carat 2 alloy wheels. A Microbus 2.6i with similar features, but with Rhein alloy wheels were known as the "Activ". The last T3 off the production line in Uitenhage on Friday 16 June 2002 was a gold-coloured Microbus 2.6i which Volkswagen SA retained for their AutoPavilion, Place of Cars and Legends, which first opened its doors in 2004. The vehicle

SECTION 60

#1732773310859

6324-425: The danger of injury in this kind of accident is relatively low". In another rollover test, the T3 was rolled down a 32-feet high (10 metres) hill. This is equivalent to a 3-story building. This resulted in the van flipping over 4 1/2 times. It was reported, "the shape of the body and the roof remained intact." These vans were made with a "forward deformation zone" consisting of four "side members" below and in front of

6426-699: The demise of the mainstream volume models from the NSU range, had been concentrating on providing additional production capacity for the fast selling Audi range. The 100 C2 effectively became a de facto successor to the similarly sized NSU Ro80 which ceased production in 1977, and the NSU name gradually disappeared from the public consciousness - eventually being erased from the company name completely in 1985 when Audi NSU Auto Union AG renamed itself Audi AG. Engines available outside of North America included: About 850,000 Audi 100/200 C2s were built, of which 133,512 were sold in

6528-402: The door frames. And another yet goes through the sides of the doors to help protect passengers from lateral impact. The steering wheel has two energy-absorbing buckle points, with a detachable steering column that prevents the steering wheel from being pushed into the cabin. And the spare tire, which is mounted on the underside in the front of the vehicle, is also used to absorb shock. The T3 has

6630-528: The end of 1972; by October 1976 33,000 units had been built in South Africa. The GL received a vinyl roof and "GL" lettering on the C-pillar. The LS was dropped for 1976, but returned for 1977 along with the new GLS saloon. The Coupé was discontinued. The LS and GLS were special versions of the L and GL, with silver paintjobs, automatic transmissions, and special red interiors. L and LS have a 1760 cc engine with 75 kW (102 PS; 101 hp) DIN, while

6732-615: The flat-four instead. An overhead-cam design was mooted but rejected as a willingness to rev was considered to be of less importance than low-end flexibility and low cost. The new 1.9 L "Wasserboxer" (for a water-cooled boxer) was also originally considered for use in certain other Volkswagens such as the Gol , which still relied on the old air-cooled flat-four at that time. The U.S version 1.9 liter and up water-cooled gasoline engines experienced significant and repeated problems with cylinder head surface erosion and coolant leaks. 2.1 L engines suffered

6834-455: The front of a Volkswagen LT 31 (structurally the same as a T3) and rear of a stationary full-size Chevrolet Impala , the rear of the Impala was completely destroyed with the rear trunk being pushed up to just behind the driver's seat. Yet, the VW remained "operational" (drivable) and "the doors could be opened relatively easily" And "the deformation of the interior was negligible", as declared by

6936-474: The higher power and torque. With the internal combustion engine and transaxle mounted very low in the back, the T3 had much larger disc brakes in the front, and drums in the rear. Axle weight is very nearly equal upon both the front and back ends of the vehicle. Unlike the T2 before it, the T3 was available with amenities such as power steering , air conditioning , power door locks, electrically controlled and heated mirrors, lighted vanity mirrors, and

7038-576: The incidents were at fault, because they had depressed the accelerator pedal rather than the brake. Subsequently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concluded that the majority of unintended acceleration cases, including all the ones that prompted the 60 Minutes report, were caused mainly by factors such as confusion of pedals. CBS acknowledged the report and stressed its findings that "the problem could be aggravated by vehicle design,

7140-494: The last win for Audi in the world rally championship. The 200 Quattro became the last car Audi campaigned in rallying as a manufacturing team. Audi released the C4 in late 1990 in Continental Europe and during 1991 in other markets, including the right-hand drive British market. It was a rebodied and updated C3, keeping the chassis, suspension, and most powertrains. The most significant menchanical changes were

7242-426: The legroom was only slightly restricted." All doors opened easily. With regard to repair of the vehicles after the crash tests, the five Japanese vehicles were declared a "total loss" or "write-offs". Regarding the Vanagon, the report states "It would be possible to fully repair the VW type 2 at reasonable cost". Crash tests were also conducted using US market vehicles by Californian firms Calspan and NTS on behalf of

7344-406: The new V6 engines and a wider track, increased by 4–5 cm (1.6–2.0 in) front and rear. The C3-platform Audi V8 continued to be sold as a separate line. The major change for the C4 was the introduction of a 2.8 L, 90-degree, SOHC 12v, V6 engine . It was later joined by a 2.6 L variant, of the same configuration as the 2.8 L unit. They are essentially the same engines offered in

7446-410: The passenger compartment making a four-pronged forked frame with a "deformation element" which is mounted in front of this making it extremely effective at absorbing impact. The front cab has extensive protection by means of four vertical struts that connect an impact-absorbing box section cross-member. Additionally, there is another box framed horizontal strut on the inside of the vehicle that attaches to

7548-414: The rear seat on the driver's side. Wolfsburg Edition and camper van vehicles were outfitted for Volkswagen by the Westfalia factory. Syncro models were manufactured in limited numbers from 1984 through 1992, with the four-wheel-drive system added by Steyr-Daimler-Puch Works in Graz , Austria, with a short wheelbase and 48/52 front/rear weight distribution. The majority of the Syncro production run used

7650-406: The recall campaigns, vehicles now include gear shift patterns and brake interlock mechanisms to prevent deliberate gear selection. Audi's U.S. sales, which had reached 74,061 in 1985, dropped to 12,283 in 1991 and remained level for three years, with resale values falling dramatically. Audi subsequently offered increased warranty protection and renamed the affected models – with

7752-412: The reservoir in the front right corner of the engine bay. Early models had a twist-on/off non-locking gas cap right on the outside just under and behind the passenger side door. A locking cap was standard on later models. 4 Wheel Drive (Syncro) models have the fuel tank in the rear above the transmission so the filler is on the right-side rear corner. The spare tyre lies in a tray under the very front of

7854-524: The same 14 inch wheels as the RWD version. A limited number of 16" Syncro versions were also produced. The main differences between the 2 models was 16" wheels with 205R16 tires, larger front brakes 280mm discs instead of 254mm disc that was on the 14" Syncro but they shared the same calipers and brake pads. The 16" Syncro had larger rear brakes taken from the VW LT and fender flares which hid the area where VW trimmed

7956-436: The same, mostly due to not having the antifreeze changed often enough, and the use of phosphated coolant, which caused corrosion in the cooling system. There were four general petrol engine variants between 1979 and 1991, with several sub-models. All were overhead-valve push-rod horizontally opposed four-cylinder engines. Available engine options differed between regions. Aftermarket VW specialist Oettinger also offered

8058-410: The series of recall campaigns, Audi made several modifications; the first adjusted the distance between the brake and accelerator pedal on automatic-transmission models. Later repairs of 250,000 cars dating back to 1978 added a device requiring the driver to press the brake pedal before shifting out of park. It is unclear what was done regarding the defects in the idle-stabilization system. Subsequent to

8160-433: The shape, location and feel of gas and brake pedals." Audi's research demonstrated that many of the drivers who encountered "unintended acceleration" were "below average in height", indicating their knowledge of a relationship between design and the incidents. In a review study published in 2012, NHTSA summarized its past findings about the Audi unintended acceleration problems: "Once an unintended acceleration had begun, in

8262-551: The similar IMSA GTO class from 1980 until 1991. Audi also used the 200 Turbo Quattro 20v as their Group A rally car replacement for the aging Audi Quattro after the FIA elimination of Group B in 1986. The 1987 Group A 200 was driven by former World Rally Champions drivers Hannu Mikkola and Walter Röhrl. The Audi 200 became the first four-wheel-drive car to win the Safari Rally , with Hannu Mikkola driving, with it being

8364-414: The testing agency. In an rollover test of "a fully equipped VW (Type 2 T3) Westfalia customized camping vehicle" traveling 'sideways' at a speed of 31 mph (50 km/h) on a specially designed 'sled' that 'launched' the vehicle causing two complete rollovers, the report found that "the roof remained fully intact and the doors remained closed". The report went on to say, "If passengers wear seatbelts,

8466-470: The third generation Audi 100 achieved a remarkably low (for its time) drag coefficient of 0.30, featuring flush greenhouse sides with unique sliding window mountings. The C2 and C3 models of the Audi 100 were marketed in North America as the Audi 5000 from 1978 to 1988, and in South Africa as the Audi 500 . In 1993, the models were mildly restyled, and renamed the Audi A6 series in conjunction with

8568-477: The top of the price range. In addition to the camper models, a Carat trim level was available for 1990 and 1991 model years. This model included all options available for the Vanagon. Some models featured optional aluminum alloy wheels. Production of the T3 continued in South Africa until June 2002, when, due to the economies of scale, Volkswagen SA were obliged to discontinue production after parts supply started to become an issue. The South African T3s post-1991 had

8670-472: The van (as the engine is in the back), just below the radiator . Because of the engine placement, a T3 has nearly equal 50/50 weight distribution fore and aft. The early air-cooled engines were somewhat expensive to produce and had some reliability problems. Volkswagen originally meant to replace them with the Golf's inline-four engine but the cost of re-engineering both car and engine made them opt for updating

8772-419: The vehicle's behavior – fitting a canister of compressed air on the passenger-side floor, to pump fluid via a hose to a hole drilled into the transmission  – the arrangement executed by one of the experts who had testified on behalf of a plaintiff in a then-pending lawsuit against Audi's parent company. Audi initially responded by suggesting that the drivers of the cars involved in

8874-464: The vehicle's nomenclature was "Light Truck, Commercial". Porsche created a version called B32 in a limited edition. The van, based on the luxurious Carat model, was equipped with the 231 PS (170 kW) 3.2 liter Carrera engine and was originally developed to support Porsche's testing activities in Algeria. Ten of these were built, with some sold by Porsche to special customers, even having

8976-410: Was a storage compartment and a rear heater. Wolfsburg Edition "Weekender" models featured two rear-facing seats behind the front seats in place of a centre bench seat and a table that could fold up from the sidewall – or fold down when not in use. Multivan models featured Wolfsburg Edition trim and an interior with rear-facing seats, the same fold up table, a pop-top with an upper bed, and cabinet behind

9078-457: Was a three-speed automatic in which the "E" mode engaged a freewheel effect, lowering fuel consumption by 3-5 percent. The Turbo diesel received the same body and interior specifications as the gasoline-powered turbo; the only difference was the use of 14-inch alloy wheels rather than the wider 15-inch items mounted on the 5000 Turbo. North America: The third generation Audi 100 launched in September 1982 with aerodynamic styling, contrasting

9180-447: Was also a basic bus, with an inline-4 inclined 1.8 carburetor engine. The 1.8 carb motor was a Golf-derived motor, fitted into the bus like an inline-4 diesel in a T3. Called the "Volksie bus", it was a basic bus, with steel 15" rims, single round headlights, steel wrap-around bumpers, and with no aircon or PAS. Near the end of production, a top of the range Caravelle 2.6i known as the "Exclusiv" incorporated two rear-facing seats in place of

9282-402: Was an automatic transmission. For 1974 the lineup was again restricted to the 100 LS, while the larger safety bumpers were now fitted. Power increased to 95 hp (71 kW) for 1975, by changing to fuel injection . Standard equipment was improved accompanied by an increase in prices. In August 1977 the new Audi 5000 replaced the 100, although 537 leftover cars were sold in 1978. The coupé

9384-482: Was at full capacity, yet fell short of demand during the summer of 1970 and an additional line was set up in Volkswagen's own Wolfsburg plant , which made it the first water cooled car produced there. For the Swiss market, the 100 LS was equipped with a version of the 1.8 liter engine bored out by 0.5 mm (0.020 in), producing 107 PS (79 kW). This placed the engine above the 9 horsepower tax threshold in

9486-455: Was discontinued in 1992. There were also 4 or 5 factory-built 5 cyl 2.5i Syncros, with K-Jetronic fuel injection, 16" rear trailing arms and brakes and 15" wheels. One was in a small window body, 3 are known to survive (1 small window, and 2 Big Window Syncros). The five-cylinder T3s came out initially with a 2.5-litre K-Jetronic fuel-injected engine in 1991, but this was replaced in March 1995 with

9588-530: Was later written off in a transporter roll-over accident in November 2006, after returning from a display in Cape Town. Approximately 45 WBX6 3. 2i Oettinger engines were imported to South Africa. In 1994, the Swedish insurance company, Folksam tested a Vanagon T3 in a head-on collision with a Volvo 700 series wagon (estate). The crash test was full-frontal (50/50) at 31 mph (58 km/h). The result

9690-531: Was made mid-year in 1983. T2 transporters or 'bay window' vans, produced in Brazil until 2013, were switched to inline-four-cylinder water-cooled engines and a front-mounted radiator in 2005. Over 3 million vans were produced in Sao Paulo , Brazil. In contrast to the standard flat-four gasoline engines, all diesel engine options were of an inline-four configuration. The turbodiesel arrived in January 1985. In

9792-499: Was not available in the United States. The restyled C2 Audi 100 was launched in 1976, with an inline five-cylinder engine. It was initially a 136 PS (100 kW) engine offering "six-cylinder power and four-cylinder economy", later supplemented by less powerful versions. The Coupé was discontinued, but a five-door hatchback model, the 100 Avant , was launched in August 1977 as part of this generation. These Avant new models bore

9894-535: Was on Car and Driver 's Ten Best list for 1984 and 1985. The CS Turbo quattro was on that list for 1986 through 1988. Note : figures given for calendar years, might include late C2 production; figures for 200 do not include 1991. In 1988, Audi entered the Trans-Am Series with the 200 turbo quattro by contracting Bob Tullius Group 44 Racing. The car was equipped with the Quattro system. The car

9996-461: Was originally contracted to Oettinger by Volkswagen; it was derived from the regular four-cylinder Wasserboxer and meant for projected use in the T3. When VW abandoned the project, Oettinger bought the rights to the design and put it on the market. As such the six-cylinder shares many parts with the four-cylinder Wasserboxer. The WBX6 was originally only available with a three-speed automatic transmission, incorporating many Audi 100 parts to accommodate

10098-513: Was piloted by Hurley Haywood and with both Walter Röhrl and Hans-Joachim Stuck won eight out of thirteen events. Audi moved to IMSA by the end of the season, the SCCA would change the regulation to a two-wheel drive only and banning cars with non-American engines. The Historic Trans-am & IMSA Group is dedicated to the preservation of the cars that ran in the SCCA Trans-am series and

10200-478: Was released in November 2021 with petrol, diesel and PHEV variants and is only available as a minivan, replacing the Caravelle model for the U.K. market and Multivan in other markets. The T7 Multivan is based on Volkswagen's MQB platform. The T7 Multivan is not to be confused with the new Volkswagen Transporter panel van and chassis cab models, which will be based on the new 2023 Ford Transit Custom and will be

10302-412: Was replaced by coil springs. For the model year 1975, the base 100 was renamed the 100 L and received a 1.6 liter four cylinder engine (coming out of the Audi 80 ). A four-wheel drive prototype of the Audi 100 C1 was built in 1976, long before the appearance of quattro . In South Africa, where the 100 was also assembled, the 100 was available as the L, LS, GL, and S Coupé. Local production began towards

10404-728: Was that the driver of the Volvo would have received a head injury criterion (HIC) of 3868. An HIC of 1000 is considered deadly. The Vanagon driver would receive a HIC of only 155. Furthermore, the "chest impact" for the Volvo driver was 65. A chest impact of 60 is considered deadly. The Vanagon driver's impact was only 30. Furthermore, the German engineering testing laboratory for the insurance industry Allianz Zentrum für Technik (AZT) performed tests on 4 June 1984 in Japan. The results were published in

#858141