The Beginning of the Rally Car: Audi Quattro 4WD
November 29, 2009 by Blaise Sellberg
The Audi Quattro has been around since the year'80. This vehicle has the distinction of being the second road car to have had four wheel drive capabilities. Jensen FF was the first, having been produced in'66. Although it was the first road car of its kind, it was not considered to have a reliable transmission.
Until'80, four wheel drive had only been deemed suitable for off road vehicles, however with the Audi Quattro all that changed and the world of rallying would never be the same again.
The company wanted to ensure the 4WD would be created for more usability than the first vehicle with 4WD. To make this happen the transfer box and driveshaft needed modification. The Quattro was built with a smaller differential to enable a front mount for the gearbox. The idea provided two drive- shafts instead of one. The first driveshaft placed emphasis on the front wheels, with the other driveshaft for the back tyres.
The Quattro was turbocharged with 200bhp; this enabled the vehicle to go from 0 to 60 in a mere 7.1 seconds. The speed of the Audi was-7mph, which helped it perform as a rally car. One of the great advantages of the four wheel drive Audi is that it can hug the road. The extra traction proved to be an excellent addition when the pavement is wet from rain or snow. The world was very impressed with the Quattro both on the road and at the rally track.
For the'80 Rally rules changed. It was this modification which allowed the Quattro to enter even with the 4WD. Other car manufacturers were of the impression that the Audi would not do well. These thoughts were based on the heaviness of the 4WD system. The manufacturers were in for a surprise when it was learned what Audi did in order to make the vehicle lighter. The rally car was on the top at world rallies for six years. There were numerous series of the car, ending with the Audi Sport Quattro S1.
The S1 had one objective and that was to win. They added front spoilers and a 2.1 litre, five cylinder engine that could produce 590bhp.
The 80's marked a new era for the rally, one that could not be inclusive without the Quattro series using its turbo around the track.
In'91, Audi decided to discontinue the car. Quattro is now meant for all 4WD models from the company. Anyone lucky enough to have the original 4WD model has an extremely popular car. Car enthusiasts would enjoy having their own model. In German Ur means "original" and that is how the Audi Quattro is known.
The Quattro certainly has serious road presence and looked great on the night rally stages with its bright car lights blazing away. To improve your own vehicle's night time look you can fit Upgrade Car Bulbs. There is a wide range of products to choose from including Replacement Headlight Bulbs, so you can make every night drive a really exciting one.
Tags: audi, auto, Automotive, autos, car, Cars, driving, driving advice, motoring, vehicle, vehicles
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