Anyone that has seen even a minute of Group B rally footage should be all too familiar with the awesome performance of the Audi 'ur-Quattro' S1. So, when Audi introduced its Quattro Concept back in 2010 during the Paris Motor Show, don't blame us for being a little overexcited.
From its turbocharged 5-cylinder powerplant to its classic short-wheelbase Sport Quattro proportions, the concept looked way too good to stay a concept for very long. By April 2011, Audi's prototype engineers were already spotted testing an S5 coupe-based mule that was reportedly 500 lbs. lighter than Audi's halo R8 supercar.
Currently under Audi's internal codename 'Q35,' the prototype Quattro continues its develop phase utilizing a five-cylinder engine. However, the Quattro GmbH engineers have opted to go ahead with a supercharged 2.5 liter 5-cylinder engine over the initial turbocharger proposal. Under this new setup, the Audi Sport Quattro prototype is producing approximately 380-hp, enough to propel the little rocket from 0-to-62 mph in just 4 seconds. According to German magazine Auto Bild, the Sport Quattro will feature a mechanical Quattro AWD system and potentially a cutting edge plug-in hybrid e-quattro variant as well.
Auto Bild also reports that Audi is likely to release the next Audi Sport Quattro into the market by 2015, marking the 35th anniversary of Quattro GmbH. Positioned between the Audi TT-RS and the Audi R8, the Sport Quattro will be competing against heavy hitters like the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG coupes.
Production numbers will be significantly lower than either of its competitors, however, as Audi only plans to sell a total of 10,000 units per year.
[Source: Auto Bild]
