Auto Express:
It’s 100 not out for Audi! And to celebrate the firm’s centenary, Auto Express has pulled out all the stops. We’ve gathered 11 of the greatest quattro models ever produced for this exclusive feature.

Despite the brands complex history. the German firm has emerged as one of the world’s leading prestige car makers. And its recent success has been largely thanks to its famed quattro four-wheel-drive models. Audi’s 4WD technology has it all, giving superb traction, accomplished handling ability and improved safety, plus it has a motorsport pedigree. In this special feature, we look at some of the most exciting 4WD cars to wear the four-ringed badge – and, we rank them.

From the original Quattro to the stunning R8, this line-up is our salute to 100 years of Audi.



In the early Seventies, Audis were reliable, solid and worthy – but they weren’t exciting. So it’s no wonder the new Quattro stunned onlookers at the 1980 Geneva Motor Show.

It was named after the Italian word for ‘four’ and, with the exception of Britain’s little known Jensen FF sportster, was the first passenger car to feature permanent four-wheel drive. Powered by a 2.1-litre,10-valve, five-cylinder turbo engine that produced 197bhp, it provided strong performance, too.

Using the underpinnings of the Audi 80 as a starting point, the unique styling was the work of British designer Martin Smith. But it was how the Quattro drove that elevated it to legendary status. Road testers of the time raved about the extraordinary performance and grip. And it’s a testament to its abilities that even 29 years later, the Quattro still feels the part. The purity of its steering, superb
traction and tuneful powerplant are a joy.

It will come as no surprise to learn that 11,452 Quattros were made by the time production ceased in 1991. During that period, the Audi gradually evolved. To improve its low-end torque, the engine was increased to 2.2 litres and then, in 1987, a new 20-valve version saw power increase to 217bhp.
Visually, the Quattro changed little, but subtle styling differences distinguished each variant. Early cars had four separate headlamps, but they were replaced in 1983 by combined units. Then, in 1985, it got a new sloping grille to go with its trim and badging updates.

In true Eighties style, post-1984 models feature a green digital instrument cluster and even have a voice synthesizer to remind you to check the oil! In 1988, digital orange dials were introduced, and it’s these you can see on the gorgeous 1991 car in our pictures.

One of the last cars ever produced, it’s a classic example of a machine considered by many to be one of the most influential of the 20th century. It changed performance cars forever – and began the quattro legacy that lies at the heart of the Audi brand.



The original Quattro proved to be such a success that by 1987, there was a four-wheel-drive version of every model in Audi’s line-up. And by 1993, one in 12 customers was buying an all-wheel-drive Audi.

In the early Nineties, the biggest draw for quattro fans was the S2 Coupé, which arrived in 1991. It was the flagship of the Audi 80-derived coupé range, and the first production car to wear the S badge.

The logo was made famous by the mighty World Rally-winning S1 competition car, and has adorned performance Audis ever since. The S2 Coupé’s 2.2-litre, five-cylinder engine can trace its roots back to the Sport Quattro, and original cars produced 220bhp with a five-speed manual gearbox. Then, in 1993, power increased to 230bhp and a six-speed transmission was fitted.

With its two-door coupé body, the S2 was the spiritual successor to the original Quattro after the final version of the rally legend rolled off the production line in 1991. Clean styling ensures it looks far more modern, and it provides much improved refinement. However, there was some criticism of the design as it lacks the muscle and aggression of the original car.

There can be no arguing with the superior aerodynamics, though, as its smooth body has an impressive drag coefficient of 0.32Cd. Owners never wanted for performance, but the more modern driving experience comes with some compromises, as it lacks the purity and feel of the original. In no way could the S2 be dismissed as flawed, but any car following in the footsteps of the original Quattro had an awful lot to live up to.

Inside, the upright windscreen pillars seem close to the driver compared to more modern machinery, but despite tight rear legroom, the coupé is a genuine four-seater. Elsewhere you can see the beginnings of Audi’s now famed interior quality. The S2 brought the Audi performance recipe bang up to date and proved the performance quattro was here to stay – so the pretty coupé is well worth a place in our greatest quattros line-up.



Meet the most extreme roadgoing version of the original Quattro! The Sport was rare, fast and highly sought after. Like other hi-tech models of the Eighties, it was a by-product of the need to homologate a competition car for Group B rallying, which called for 200 road examples to be produced.

It features a 307bhp 2.1-litre 20-valve engine, with an aluminium alloy block. To save weight, it has composite body panels, flared wheelarches and a 320mm shorter wheelbase. This renders the rear seats useless, but in 1984 the lucky few who bought a Sport cared little for practicality, as it is an out-and-out performance machine.

To some observers its big overhangs and more upright windscreen didn’t look that sporty, but with a 0-60mph time of only 4.8 seconds, it was quicker than a Lamborghini Countach of the same era.
Twenty-five years after its launch, the Sport still feels incredibly fast. There’s lots of turbo lag, but once above 3,000rpm, the massive KKK turbocharger starts to have an effect and forward thrust is mighty. In 1984, this kind of performance meant only serious supercars could live with the Sport Quattro.

With its short wheelbase, serious power output and firm damping, the Sport is thrilling and challenging in equal measure. However, strong brakes – with advanced ABS – meant that it was more driver-friendly than rivals from the mid-Eighties.

At £50,000 the Sport was extremely expensive, especially as it lacked the visual beauty of a Ferrari and Lamborghini. But with only 214 ever made – just 164 reached paying customers, the rest were used as prototypes and competition cars – it was exclusive.

The car in our pictures is chassis number 141. It was originally sold in Switzerland and has covered only 32,000 miles since. Now an expensive collectors’ item, it’s worth in the region of £70,000 and remains the ultimate example of the Quattro. It wasn’t until the stunning R8 arrived in 2007 that Audi produced another car to match the impact of the Sport Quattro.

For the rest of the article click -> Audi's greatest Quattros | Car Group Tests | Car Reviews | Auto Express

 

I always wanted one of the UR Quattros... Very cool article! Thanks for sharing.

 

I've always had a weakness for the Coupe Quattro with RS2 bumpers... Mmmmhmm.

 

Love the S2! There is a RS2 for sale here, but the condition of it is horrendous!

 

No link?

My first car was a Quattro...

 

Yes, I love my FIA Historic B-Group Audi quattro A2 replica driving especially in winter rally events... one of the greatest cars ever:
this beast has 428 rwhp and it weights 1040kg, so there is lots of fun. The wide and lightwight bodywork is original factory glasfibre and partially carbon fibre parts, replica of the last long bodied Group B A2 model, just before short bodied model. Rear spoiler will get the original cooler and also winter wheels will be correct in future. This car is also getting more and more precise with detailling to the original.
Here is enclosed few pics: two pics from Vanajanlinna Winter Rally 2 years ago and one as it is now.

 

I owned an 86 coupe - guards red - and it was one of the best cars I have ever owned. First car I ever grew attached to.