The first Audi Quattro released in 1984 became the worst nightmare for all manufacturers of the era, who were fighting hard to win that prestigious first place at car rallies.

With the Quattro Concept, Audi pays homage to this model, but also to its avant-garde team who refused to follow the “horsepower” route like their competitors, and instead focused on a perfect distribution of power.

It was a bet that paid off, with a permanent four-wheel drive and a differential allowing power to be re-laid to the front and back wheels. Even for competitors with a hundred horsepower more, the Quattro was formidable.

Its agility around bends and over difficult terrain pushed insolence to the limits, which unsurprisingly aggravated other teams, who tried to get the Rally Quattro disqualified after such an impressive number of victories.

A state of mind in 7 minutes, a must-watch.

So imagine the drivers’ rage at being overtaken by another driver named “the Black Volcano”, who was none other than Michèle Mouton, – a female French driver who won 4 rallies in the space of 2 years! Sirs, this woman left you at the starting line.

Design

It is certain that after so many years, the Quattro is bursting with angles and as such betrays its engineering team’s heritage. But in the eyes of rally enthusiasts, the Quattro is still the most beautiful girl at the prom, and will remain engraved in their memory, like a youthful dream.

For this new version, Audi transcribes all the Quattro’s nostalgia into its modern stylistic language.

A performance car

To keep its sporty genes, Audi has cut the car back to only its essential stylistic elements, using aluminium and carbon.

The result is quite surprising; a body that only weighs 159 kilograms.

With its 5 cylinder, 408hp engine, the Quattro can boast a weight/power ratio comparable to the 505hp R8.

A functional car

Without a doubt my favourite part of this car, the designers managed to convey the Quattro’s aggressiveness using a gaping Singleframe grille, imposing engine air inlets, salient angles and pronounced wheel arches. And all that without chrome, or purely decorative elements.

The interior is minimalist and structured, setting aside enough space for a pure and serious driver. The steering wheel is, for once, not a replica of an aeroplane’s central command point. The thin, retro-lit dashboard only has room for essential items.

The only amusement inside the car, but still worthy of a James Bond novel, is how all the information is displayed.

And for the passenger? Consider him your co-pilot!

This article was created in collaboration with Audi who invited us to Germany to discover this car that is creating shockwaves around amateur motoring clubs, of which I am a member: the villains.

Find the rest of their adventures on Okcowboy, Soblacktie, Cadot and Rhabilleurs.

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