Audi Quattro: The All-Wheel Drive Legend

Officially launched on December 8, 1980, the Audi Quattro revolutionized the automobile with mass-produced all-wheel drive.

Forty-five years ago, Audi launched industrial production of the Quattro, a model that would redefine the standards of driving and performance on the road and in rallying. The first production car equipped with a permanent all-wheel drive system paired with a turbocharged five-cylinder engine, it offers exceptional traction and unprecedented stability, even on slippery surfaces.

This unique technical combination transforms the Quattro into an instant reference for drivers seeking both performance and safety. With 200 horsepower at its debut, it proves that innovation can combine power, maneuverability, and control. Audi does not simply demonstrate a mechanical feat: the brand also shows that all-wheel drive is no longer reserved for utility vehicles but can become the domain of sports coupes and high-end sedans.

For traction, two is good but Quattro is better

The Quattro quickly finds success in competition. From 1981, it establishes itself at the Monte Carlo Rally, confirming the effectiveness of its all-wheel drive under extreme conditions. Its rally victories contribute to solidifying Audi’s reputation as an innovative and ambitious manufacturer, capable of transforming its competition technologies into solutions for the general public.

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• 08/12/2025 12:22

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More than forty years after its release, the Quattro remains a technological and cultural symbol. It popularizes the use of all-wheel drive in production automobiles and inspires many manufacturers to follow this path. Even today, it remains an iconic model, a collector’s item, and a technical reference, reminding us how a well-thought-out innovation can sustainably change driving practices.

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