Audi had revolutionised rallying with the introduction of the all-wheel drive Quattro in 1981. However, the Group 4 Quattro did have a weak spot; it was too long and as a result was not as agile as its rivals. Audi addressed the shortcomings with the introduction of the Sport quattro in 1983. The Sport quattro was still based on the production Quattro with a staggering 320 mm (12.6 inches) cut from the middle of the car. This reduced the wheelbase to a more competitive 2,224 mm (87.6 inches). With the engine mounted ahead of the front axle, addition of a 20-valve and twin overhead camshaft head. In road trim the engine produced 302 bhp, while the competition cars had at least 444 bhp available. Five-speed manual. The Quattro all-wheel drive system was retained. To ensure the car was as light as possible all the removable body panels were constructed from carbon-fibre and Kevlar composites. Much wider wheels and wheel-arches were also fitted. In order to homologate the Sport quattro for Group B racing, 224 copies of the Sport quattro were produced by the end of the production in 1984. (ultimatecarpage.com)
(Photos from ultimatecarpage.com, conceptcarz.com, favcars.com & autowp.ru)
At the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi will unveil the new Sport quattro Concept. It will be powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission to all four wheels, producing 700-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain.
(Photos from autowp.ru)
