Audi’s 1980 Quattro sparks classic rally nostalgia, and truly embodies the era through its unique styling. As one of the first all-wheel drive, turbocharged rally cars, it delivered numerous championships for the Audi team. The automaker conducted extensive research and development to achieve the all-wheel Quattro technology.
There are multiple models within the '80s Quattro lineup, including the Ur-Quattro and Sport editions. A limited number of road legal versions were produced over an 11 year span from 1980-1991. Here’s a look back at the distinguished 1980 Quattro and its championship heritage.
Origins Of The Audi Quattro
The Audi Quattro made its original debut at the 1980 Geneva Auto Show. Its development would spur a long legacy of rally championships. The original Audi Quattro was put into production and remained a part of Audi’s lineup until it was discontinued in 1991.
Audi came across a legendary opportunity when the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) made 4-wheel drive legal in rally races. Although Group B has since been banned in rally races, the FIA continues to officiate the World Rally Championship. The Quattro was uniquely expensive and was fitted with the iconic four-wheel-drive system along with MacPherson struts and hydraulic assisted brakes.
The engine of choice was a 2.2L inline-five equipped with a Borg Warner K26 turbocharger. This model, dubbed the “200 5T”, made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1979. The Quattro had an electronic engine management system made by Hitachi, the first of its kind for a production vehicle.
It would undergo minor changes through the years and become homologated for European markets in 1982. The Ur-Quattro, “Ur” meaning "original" in German, was discontinued in 1987 to make room for its successor, the Quattro MB. Another model, the Quattro Sport, was introduced in 1983.
The most notable feature of the car was its advanced all-wheel-drive system, which allowed it to remain planted on the road in most any situation. “We wanted to create the impression of a car that’s ‘glued to the ground’ - with capability rather than elegance in the foreground. And this formal concept has justified itself as effective, correct and credible”, said Hartmut Warkuss, former head of design at Audi.
The Quattro S1 And Sport Quattro E2
Rally versions of the Quattro were capable of stunning power while maintaining a low weight; Approximately 23 victories would be claimed by the Quattro in its 5-year run.
The Quattro S1 was equipped with a 2.1L, 5-cylinder turbocharged engine. The production version had an output of 302 horsepower, with the rally version making 444 horsepower. It made its competition debut at the 1000 Lakes Rally and went on to win the 1985 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, also continuing as a solid performer in Rally Group B. Within its bracket were the Lancia Delta S4 and Peugeot 205 T16, amongst others.
Quattro S1 was also important in that it introduced the primitive form of the direct shift system. Upon its introduction it was referred to as the power-shift gearbox. Many credit its ancestry in the development of the modern dual-clutch automatic transmission. The herculean quality of the S1 was described by rally driver Hannu Mikkola: “The sudden surge of power is so brutal, you think you’ve been hit from behind by a five-ton truck”, he said.
The improved and optimized Sport Quattro E2 was lightweight and powerful, a monster that was slightly difficult to tame. The aerodynamic design itself resulted in staggering downforce figures of approximately 1,100lbs. This version of the Quattro employed an all-alloy 2110cc 5-cylinder DOHC engine with a turbo, making up to 590bhp.
Walter Röhrl, rally driver, described the E2: “With this car, you have to think two corners ahead - finding the correct balance between a decent pace and outright speed was a big challenge”, he said. He would go on to win the San Remo Rally in 1985 with the Quattro E2.
The Audi Quattro's Persistent Legacy
Unfortunately, the Quattro was involved in various accidents during rally competitions. After a tragically fatal accident at the Rallye de Portugal, Audi pulled out of rally participation entirely.
Due to the rarity of some 1980s Quattro models, they are incredibly valuable for collectors. A 1985 Sport Quattro, for example, sold for a staggering $427,000 at a Goodwood auction in 2015. There’s no doubt that any Quattro model from this era, especially in the Sport class, will continue to appreciate in value over time.
Audi’s Quattro technology has undoubtedly made them an immortal legend in the rally world. The S1 remains the most powerful rally car in the sport’s history. Further development of the Quattro technology has resulted in Audi vehicles that are incredibly capable both on and off-road.
SOURCES: MotorTrend, Garage Dreams, Supercar Nostalgia, Rally Group B Shrine, Audi