Thursday 30th September 2010

Paris: Audi Quattro Concept

Audi reinvents the short-wheelbase Quattro

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Audi was never going to let the 30th anniversary year of the original Quattro slip by without pulling something pretty special out of the bag and this is it - the Audi Quattro Concept.

The new Quattro Concept that's been unveiled at the Paris motor show is actually a stylistic nod to the 1984 short wheelbase Sport Quattro that Audi built as a homologation special when Group B rallying competition was hotting up.

As such, it's a pretty taught, squat affair - 200mm shorter than the RS5 upon which its chassis is based. Like the RS5 it also gets 'proper' four-wheel drive with a crown-gear differential rather than a Haldex system.

The engine, meanwhile, is the 2.5-litre turbocharged five-pot from the TT RS, but slung longitudinally and massaged up to 402bhp from 335bhp. Audi's aluminium spaceframe tech puts the kerb weight at just 1400kg - the same as the original car - and so should mean 0-62mph is dealt with in around 3.5secs.

They might even make it, too. We had a quick chat with the Quattro's Brit designer, Steve Lewis, who said that there's "a lot of people saying 'let's do it'". It depends, we're told, on whether or not Audi reckons there's a decent market for it - and the public's reaction the the show car will be a big part of that.

If the Quattro Concept does make it to production, expect a limited run of around 500 units. As for a price - your guess is as good as ours...

[bencollins]

Splendid

[j_s14a]

Wow. There's a future classic in the making

[Brighton Speed]

Good work Ingolstadt - some seriously exciting new Audi design language... And a 400+bhp turbo'd five pot to boot - sehr geil!!

[djhowie]

Cant see that happening, not with a front end like that anyway. The health and Safety brigade will see to that!

[A Scotsman]

And it's not electric :-)

[j123]

THIS IS an AMAZING device. It even looks pretty good for a post 10 car. Heck its as perfect a compromise car there is- all weather, compact, light, agile amazing build and rigidity/safety. All in all it can't be beat.

Except...

That even if built it will still drive like a modern Audi and nothing even like as good as a GT-R- weight or no weight. And thats hard to take after owning a UrQ20v and wishing it would be re-born again as it sort of has just done. Its still a cut down aluminum RS5,no feel. Dam-it!

[Rusty-C]

Looks very Lexus LFA to me...

[will261058]

Fabulous looking car but not as sleek as the original IMHO!

[Gompo]

I dont mind this for an Audi. Would be great if they produced it at a reasonable price anyway.

[j123]

Why dosn't anyone wish for a car that is enjoyable to drive? You guys remember the original M3/5, the UrQuattro, the Golf, the 205 the 306, the clio williams, the elise, the evora even?? No one want this anymore? J

[hornetrider]

That front end is shockingly bad.

[ptopman]

The e-Tron concept they showed in Detroit was far superior to this, it would be a shame if that wouldn't be the one to get the nod - that is if either ever make it to production.

[Blue Meanie]

The arse on it is superb!

[Zad]

Well. Erm. They got the engine and transmission right!

Shame the body is based on the humpback Sport model, which never looked right. And why did they put a super low tarmac racer nose on rather than referencing the Ur's familiar nose?

[Hairspray]

Yes. fking. Please.

[bobberz]

Looks like the next Corrado. I like!

[omohat]

Build it!! Build it!! Build it!! Oh yes, did I mention, for the love of God, build it!!!

[appletonn]

Fugly front end (a la Lexus as someone said) but nice smooth rear.

Odd proportions though - great engine though.

[Tracked_Out]

I rather like it - nice to see some good angles on a design, instead of the usual blob.

But, PH proof reader, what's a "psaceframe"...?

[Dr G]

Hairspray said:

Yes. fking. Please.

What you said