Miguel Sánchez
Just 5 years, those between '81 and '86, were enough for Audi to establish the legend of one of the most appreciated and admired rally cars in history: the Audi Quattro. A devourer of dirt and asphalt tracks with an enviable track record: two constructors 'world championships, another two drivers' and a total of 23 victories in the 63 races held in the World Rally Championship.
Based on the Audi 80, the Quattro was presented in 1980 with two engines -one of 203CV and the other of 223CV-, being in production until 1991. This pioneer of all-wheel drive in sports vehicles it became one of the most valued models in the history of Audi, with the 1984 Quattro Sport -with 306CV- being the most desired version.
A short chassis version of which just over 200 units were manufactured, in order to comply with the GroupB rally rules, which required the production of at least two hundred “street” units for the model to participate in the World Rally Championship event. Let's see it "in action" on dirt tracks; We assure you sometimes we do not know if it rolls or flies ...
POWER TO THE “QUATTRO” WHEELS
In 1978 the then unknown Paris-Dakar began, and in 1980 it was won by an all-wheel drive car developed by Audi engineers for the German Army: the Volkswagen Iltis.. That was the unexpected start of the Quattro drive. The engineer Ferninand Piëch was convinced that, although the all-wheel drive significantly increased the weight of the car, it would provide remarkable performance on terrain such as snow or sand. He was not wrong, after all ... he had the makings of an effective designer: he was Ferry Porsche's grandson.
Although the first experience with the all-wheel drive at Audi was something almost unexpected and "through the back door", the brand with the four rings saw the potential that it had in competition. Thus convinced the FIA to lift the ban on four-wheel drive vehicles in rally events. They succeeded, and in 1980 a version participated as "Zero vehicle" at the Algarve Rally.
The engines were something more or less easy, with 2-liter turbo engines and five cylinders in line, capable of performing from 2CV in the street version, to 200-300CV in the competition ones. It would be another thing to rule them after the drastic weight reductions brought about by the speed climb of Group B. Let's see what we mean:
MECHANICAL MILESTONE, IDOL ON THE TRACK
The Audi Quattro debuted in competition at the 1981 Monte Carlo Rally, extending its existence until 1986 through five evolutions culminating with the launch of the Quattro S1 that we bring to these digital pages today. He won the World Championship for Brands in 1982 and 1984, and led Mikkola to the top of the Drivers' World Championship in 1983 and Blomqvist in 1984 (although the pilot Michelle Mouton was probably the best driver).
In its five years of life before being replaced by the Audi 200, the Quattro left an indelible mark as one of the most legendary rally cars in history, in addition to establishing in the history of Audi what is one of its greatest achievements. sounded: Quattro drive.
Using reason, one can marvel at the achievements of Audi engineers. But using emotion one cannot help but be amazed by the sound of the engine, the adrenaline of a rally track and the incredible footwork of a Walter Rörhl who does not know if he steps on the pedals or dances with them. And, as we said before ... you have to be precise with your words: driving is not the same as driving.
