Audi Quattro
1980 - 1991
In 1980, the Audi Quattro came along and it was the first production car with permanent all-wheel drive. The quattro all-wheel-drive system defines Audi in many ways and remains its unfair advantage on the road and racetrack. In motorsports, quattro propelled Audi to numerous World Rally Championships in the 1980s. It catapulted Audi’s success in IMSA and Trans-Am racing in the ‘80s and 1990s. And, it was a driving force behind the R18 e-tron quattro’s success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The idea of quattro stemmed from the desire to mass-produce cars with traction to all four wheels, with Audi engineers first developing a lightweight all-wheel-drive system based on the fundamental traits demonstrated by the Volkswagen Iltis off-roader in the 1970s. The technology was then brought under the Audi banner in 1980 with the first production quattro all-wheel-drive systems. The original Quattro's all-wheel-drive system revolutionized the performance car and it deserves its own spot on this page as the Audi model we love.
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A Revolution on Wheels
Introduced in 1980, the Quattro stunned the world with its permanent all-wheel-drive system. This innovative technology, derived from military vehicles, gave it phenomenal grip and handling, especially on snowy and slippery surfaces. Reviews raved about its "astonishing traction" and "ability to defy the laws of physics."
The Quattro didn't just showcase its prowess on public roads; it conquered the rally scene. It dominated the Group B World Rally Championship throughout the 80s, winning four constructors' championships and two drivers' championships. This success not only cemented the Quattro's reputation as a capable performer but also popularized all-wheel drive in passenger cars.
It was first introduced in 1980 and continued production until 1991. The Audi Quattro was developed from Audi's earlier 80 (B2) model as a high-performance coupe. The idea for a four-wheel-drive car came from the Volkswagen Iltis, a military vehicle designed for harsh terrain. Audi engineers saw the potential for applying four-wheel drive to a performance road car, leading to the development of the Quattro.
The Quattro initially featured a 2.1-liter inline-five-cylinder turbocharged engine with a power output of around 200 horsepower. Throughout its 11-year production, the Quattro received several engine upgrades. It got a more powerful 2.2L 20-valve iteration pumping out 220 horsepower during its first update. Each iteration received praise for its "exhilarating turbocharged power" and "responsive performance." Only 11,452 Quattros were produced, further enhancing its collectible status. Today, finding a well-maintained example commands a premium price among enthusiasts.
The Quattro's most notable feature was its full-time all-wheel-drive system, which provided superior traction and handling compared to rear-wheel-drive competitors of the time. It was equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission. The original Quattro could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 7 seconds, a remarkable figure for its time.
Over its production run, several versions of the Quattro were developed, including the Quattro A1 and A2, which were rally versions that competed in the WRC, securing Audi's reputation in motorsport. The Sport Quattro was introduced in 1984, a shorter, more powerful version of the original, designed for Group B rallying. It featured a 306 horsepower engine and a significant reduction in weight. The final road version, produced from 1989 to 1991, featured a 20-valve engine, making 220 horsepower and was called the Quattro 20V.
The Audi Quattro has left a lasting legacy in both the automotive and motorsport worlds. Its success on the rally stage demonstrated the potential of all-wheel drive, leading to its widespread adoption in both performance and standard vehicles. The Quattro system has become a key part of Audi's brand identity, with the technology continuing to evolve in the company's current lineup.
The Quattro's innovative design, performance capabilities, and motorsport achievements have made it a legend among car enthusiasts and collectors. Its significance is recognized not just for its technical advancements but also for changing the perception of all-wheel drive from a utility feature to a performance enhancer. The Audi Quattro remains a symbol of technological innovation and racing triumph, remembered fondly by those who appreciate its contribution to automotive history.
Did You Know?
The idea for a high-performance four-wheel-drive car was proposed in 1977 by Audi's chassis engineer, Jörg Bensinger, after he found that the Volkswagen Iltis military vehicle could outperform other vehicles when tested in the snow. An Audi 80 variant was developed in co-operation with Walter Treser, Director of Pre-Development.
What They Said
"The Quattro changed the face of rallying forever." - Rally driver Walter Röhrl
"It's a car that can defy the laws of physics." - Car and Driver
"A landmark car that proved all-wheel drive could be both fast and fun." - Evo magazine
"A boxy masterpiece that redefined performance driving." - Top Gear
Audi Quattro Featured Stories
First hand experience driving this iconic car from the world's best drivers.
Our Favorite Audi Quattro Images
