SPECIFICATION

Engine:
Four cylinder in line;89 x 80 mm 1990 cc; KKK Turbocharger; max power, 170 bhp at 5800

Transmission:
Four or five speed manual

Suspension:
Front, independent by semi-trailing arms, coil springs and shock absorbers; Rear; independent by semi-trailing arms, coil springs and shock absorbers

Brakes:
Disc front; Drum rear

Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 98 in (249cm)
Track: Front, 54 in (137 cm);
Rear: 53.6 in (136 cm)

Max speed:
Approx 130 mph (210 kmh)

This was a landmark car, the first production turbocharged saloon - and there could hardly have been a less auspicious time to introduce it as turbos were notoriously thirsty and the world was in the grip of an oil crisis in 1973. German press-influenced public reaction was not favourable, so this pioneering model was dropped a year after its introduction.

Ample power

The car had an aggressive appearance, largely because flared wheel arches and a chin spoiler were added to the normal body. Under the skin the ohc four-cylinder engine was boosted by a KKK turbocharger, operating at 7.8 psi. The car had lowered and stiffened suspension, wider wheels and uprated brakes. It also had a fuel tank with a capacity of five gallons more than a normal 2002.

Drawbacks

Thirst was a major factor that told against it, the effective power band was so narrow that the optional ZF five-speed gearbox was highly desirable, and there was pronounced turbo lag.On the plus side, it would reach 100mph/161 kmh in 19 seconds not bad for a 2 litre saloon.

Flared wheel arches distinguished the 2002 Turbo, and so did its "mirror image" name on the front spoiler, a gimmick soon dropped.

Photo Autopresse
MCMXCI, Edito-Service S.A. D1 078 03-07