When the Audi Quattro was first released in’80 it was only the second production road car to have four wheel drive. The honour of being the first went to the Jensen FF back in’66, although that was weighed down by the heavy and unreliable transmission.
Prior to’80 cars did not come equipped with four wheel drive. It was felt that only sport utility vehicles that went off road were the only vehicles that needed it. When Audi introduced this equipment into their rally car though, it changed things forever.
The company wanted to ensure the 4WD would be created for more usability than the first vehicle with 4WD. To make this happen the transfer box and driveshaft needed modification. The Quattro was built with a smaller differential to enable a front mount for the gearbox. The idea provided two drive- shafts instead of one. The first driveshaft placed emphasis on the front wheels, with the other driveshaft for the back tyres.
With the four wheel drive system the Quattro has superior levels of grip and traction, even in slippery and wet conditions, whilst in the dry the 200 bhp turbocharged engine could launch the Audi Quattro to sixty in just 7.1 seconds, and a top speed of-7 mph which are impressive figures even by today’s modern standard. However whilst the Quattro was a superb road car it was on the world rally stage that it really made its name.
For the’80 Rally rules changed. It was this modification which allowed the Quattro to enter even with the 4WD. Other car manufacturers were of the impression that the Audi would not do well. These thoughts were based on the heaviness of the 4WD system. The manufacturers were in for a surprise when it was learned what Audi did in order to make the vehicle lighter. The rally car was on the top at world rallies for six years. There were numerous series of the car, ending with the Audi Sport Quattro S1.
Quite simply the Quattro S1 was a legendary rally car. From its huge and distinctive front spoilers through to the almost unbelievable 590 bhp squeezed from just a 2.1 litre five cylinder engine, it was designed for just one purpose, to win.
There was little doubt that the noise of the turbo and the vehicle model enlivened the rally scene.
In’91, Audi decided to discontinue the car. Quattro is now meant for all 4WD models from the company. Anyone lucky enough to have the original 4WD model has an extremely popular car. Car enthusiasts would enjoy having their own model. In German Ur means “original” and that is how the Audi Quattro is known.
The Ur Audi Quattro is a fabulous road car and highly successful rally car. If you want to reproduce the powerful and bright lights that the Quattro had on the infamous night stages for your own vehicle, you should improve your Car Lights. As automotive lighting advances its is now easier than ever to install the latest Upgrade Headlight Bulbs to allow you to see better at night.
