What's the news?
The Group B rallying legend that is the Audi Quattro is set to be replaced by a modern day equivalent that will be showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. While details are very scarce at the moment, it is expected to be built in limited numbers, have a three-figure price tag and have much more power than the 1984 version.
Exterior
Looking at the body, it's hard to imagine this one out in the forest on a rally stage. The new version appears to be a lot more squat than the original; and it's reckoned that the wheelbase will be taken from the A5 - making it longer as well. Various styling cues do hint at the original version including the vents on the bonnet that have been extended to the front bumper, a wide, angular C-pillar and the return of the classic "quattro" logo embossed in the grey, rear bumper. The sketches also suggest a retractable rear spoiler.
Mechanicals
Sources at Autocar believe that a heavily tuned twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine will reside under the bonnet, pumping out over 600hp. Coupled to the expected dual-clutch gearbox, the Quattro should manage 0-100km/h in less than four seconds and have a top speed somewhere near 310km/h. Naturally, the Quattro will be offered exclusively with four-wheel drive; with most of its power sent to the rear wheels.
Anything else?
Right now, this is all we know. The reveal of the Quattro at Audi's press conference at the Frankfurt Motor Show is the place to be to find out more. We'll be there.