The Audi Quattro Concept was developed to celebrate 30 years since the company’s revolutionary all-wheel-drive system has been invented. The Audi Quattro Concept measures 4.28 m in length, 1.86 m in width and 1.33 m in height and has a 2.60 m wheelbase – essentially an Audi RS5 sports coupe that has been shortened and had its rear seats removed.
Audi describe the Quattro Concept as being a thoroughbred driving machine and judging by the figures it seems the car should live up to the hype. Weighing in at just 1 300 kgs, the Audi Quattro Concept is powered by a 2.5-litre engine that develops 300 kW and 480 Nm of torque from 1 600 r/min. The 0 – 100 km/h sprint takes a mere 3.9 seconds and although Audi hasn’t released an official top speed, don’t be surprised if it’s a little over 300 km/h. The engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission, while the Quattro all-wheel drive system features a crown-gear center differential, which is compact, lightweight, and can vary the distribution of power between the front and rear axles over a broad range.
The Quattro Concept’s styling DNA is firmly rooted in the Audi A5 Coupe, however the muscular C-pillar clearly pays homage to the design of the iconic Ur-quattro. Other visual highlights include the 7-twin-spoke design, centre-locking, 20-inch wheels, as well as the flared wheel arches and distinctive air vents on the front and right-hand side of the bonnet that help to feed the 5-cylinder engine with much needed oxygen.
Audi hasn’t said whether the Quattro Concept will go into production (Audi, please make this car!) – but you can be sure they’ll be monitoring the interest it generates at the Paris Motor Show.
