Audi’s groundbreaking Sport quattro was introduced thirty years ago, in 1983, and that all-wheel drive car played a significant part in charting the brand’s course to date. Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system took the World Rally Championship by storm and resulted in roadgoing vehicles with permanent all-wheel drive. Quattro is the mainstay of Audi’s impressive current lineup.
As part of the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of quattro, Audi has created the Sport quattro concept, which will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week. Inspired by the original short-wheelbase Sport quattro campaigned in the WRC in the early 1980s, this concept modernizes the concept, with strong, boxy lines, a 700-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain and of course all-wheel drive.
Twenty-one inch wheels and short overhangs give the Sport quattro the look of a classic rally vehicle. Flat surfaces abound, from the squared-off fender flares to the roof, and a heavy C-pillar provides a purposeful, solid look. Audi’s single-frame grille is flanked by quad headlamps, and the hood and front fenders feature air extraction vents. The interior seats four in a purposeful environment.
Power is provided by a 4.0 liter twin-turbo direct-injection V8 that’s equipped with fuel-saving variable displacement and an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. The engine produces 560 horsepower, and is augmented by a disc-shaped electric motor. The lithium-ion battery is mounted at the rear, to improve balance. A fully electric mode is also available. At full power, the Sport quattro will sprint from 0-60 in about 3.7 seconds, according to Audi. The chassis has been designed to handle the power, of course, with a five-link front setup and trapezoidal links at the rear. Carbon fiber-ceramic brakes bring the Sport Quattro to a halt.
This is a simple, attractive and effective modern re-imagining of one of the most iconic Audis. Audi hasn’t announced any plans to produce a car based on the Sport Quattro…but we can always dream.
