In the rally world, there are two types of cars; the original 1980 Audi Ur-Quattro and everything else. The same cannot be said about their road legal siblings from Audi though, with the company opting for more a subtle and understated appeal. But back in 2010 Audi showcased a concept claiming be the decedent of the legendary Sport Quattro from 1984; with rumours claiming that there could be a production spec in the future.
Now it looks like that distant future is not is nearing, with Audi previewing the Sports Quattro concept in flesh ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Well, so does a single look of it blow us away in disbelief of witnessing a class act? Not exactly, but a peak into its numbers may.
Audi’s very own 4.0-litre V8 clubbed to a hybrid system produces a staggering 710PS power and 690Nm turning force. As the name suggests, power is supplied to all four wheels via an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission help the car to reach 100kph from standstill in 3.7sec which is not as astounding as the figures suggest. This is mainly due to the 1850kg kerb weight of the car thanks to its hybrid system and the battery pack.
In Audi’s defence, the Sports Quattro concept can run 50km on pure electricity, while returning 40kmplto the litre; and that is where we feel disappointed. In an ideal world, the successor to one of the purest road cars should definitely replicate its pedigree; but this is not an ideal world and so, sequels are never as good as the original. But, let us hope the Audi Sports Quattro concept proves us otherwise.
