1981 Audi Quattro
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The 1981 Audi Quattro is an iconic vehicle that paved the way for modern all-wheel drive technology. Developed by Audi’s rally division, the Quattro was built for high-performance driving on both road and dirt tracks. The car features a timeless design, with classic lines and understated aggressive styling that remains a sight to behold even after 40 years.
Under the hood, the 1981 Audi Quattro is powered by a turbocharged, 2.1-liter inline-five-cylinder engine that produces 160 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission and Audi’s legendary all-wheel drive system, which delivers an unrivaled grip on all surfaces. The Quattro’s AWD system was a game-changer at the time, and set the standard for all-wheel drive vehicles that came after.
The 1981 Audi Quattro’s suspension system is also quite impressive. The car features independent, unequal-length control arms in the front, and a torsion-beam rear suspension with a stabilizer bar. The suspension system is further enhanced by electronically adjustable shock absorbers, which allow for adjustments to suit different driving conditions.
The Quattro’s braking system is also noteworthy. The car features four-wheel discs, with ventilated rotors in the front, and solid rotors in the rear. The brakes are assisted by a hydraulically operated, vacuum-boosted brake system, which provides excellent stopping power even in inclement weather conditions.
Inside the cabin, the 1981 Audi Quattro is practical and understated, with a focus on driver comfort and ergonomics. The car features supportive bucket seats upholstered in high-quality cloth, with ample leg and headroom for both the driver and passenger. The Quattro’s dashboard is well laid out, with all controls within easy reach and a clear instrumentation cluster that provides all essential driving information at a glance.
Overall, the 1981 Audi Quattro is a technical marvel that was ahead of its time. The car’s performance, handling, and all-wheel drive system set the bar for all high-performance vehicles that came after, and the Quattro remains a sought-after collectible for performance car enthusiasts.
Milestones
- January 1980: Development of the Audi Quattro began - March 1980: First Quattro prototype tested - March 1981: Production of the Audi Quattro began - September 1981: First Group B rally victory by Audi Quattro - November 1982: Audi Quattro won its first World Rally Championship championship - 1983-84: Audi Quattro dominated World Rally Championship, winning two consecutive championships - 1985: Introduction of Audi Quattro Sport, producing 306 horsepower - 1986: Audi Quattro won its fourth consecutive World Rally Championship championship - 1987: Production of the Audi Quattro ended after approximately 11,452 units sold.Technical
- The Audi Quattro was introduced in 1981 and was the company's first four-wheel-drive production car. - It featured a longitudinally mounted five-cylinder engine, which was turbocharged and intercooled. - The engine had a displacement of 2.1 liters and produced 200 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. - The car had a five-speed manual transmission and a locking center differential that could be manually engaged. - The Quattro's suspension was tuned for sporty driving and included MacPherson struts in the front and a solid rear axle with trailing arms. - The car also had four-wheel disc brakes, power steering, and a limited-slip rear differential. - The Quattro's body was made of galvanized steel and was designed for optimal aerodynamics, with a low drag coefficient of 0.37. - The interior was luxuriously appointed, with leather seats, power windows and mirrors, air conditioning, and a stereo system. - The car was capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds and had a top speed of 137 mph. - The Quattro was a game-changer in the rally world, winning the 1982 World Rally Championship and helping to popularize four-wheel-drive technology in production cars.
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