The Audi Quattro, also known as the Audi Ur-Quattro, was developed in the 1980s and represents the first generation of Audi's legendary Quattro drive. Built from 1980-1991, the Audi Quattro set new standards in the automotive world. Ferdinand Piëch, a key engineer in the development, significantly contributed to establishing Audi as a brand for all-wheel drive. The Audi Quattro was groundbreaking for its use of all-wheel drive in a road car, which was previously mainly used in off-road vehicles.
The original Audi Quattro was equipped with a 2.1-liter turbocharged engine that produced an impressive power of around 200 hp (147 kW). The combination of turbocharger and all-wheel drive allowed the vehicle to reach a speed of 0 to 100 km/h in just about 7 seconds. The car had a wheelbase of 2,523 mm (99.3 inches) and weighed around 1,290 kg (2,844 pounds). Another notable feature of the Audi Quattro was the introduction of the permanent all-wheel drive system, which featured a center differential that optimized power distribution between the front and rear axles. Walter Röhrl, a renowned rally driver, demonstrated the benefits of this system in various international competitions.
The 1/18 scale miniature shown here, manufactured by AUTOart, is an exquisite replica of the classic Audi Quattro. This die-cast miniature presents a detailed representation that emphasizes the fine lines and angular shape of the original. The detailed replica wheels are particularly striking, possibly modeled after the Ronals wheels of the original. Similarly, the carefully replicated paintwork is noteworthy, finely reproducing the dark metallic finish of the original. The AUTOart model maker places great emphasis on faithfully reproducing details, which is evident in this miniature that is a real eye-catcher in the collection of Modelly member "Jiten."
The introduction of the Audi Quattro in 1980 took place in an eventful year. For example, the rock classic "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen gained great popularity, and the highly influential Berlin scandal surrounding the classification of Nina Hagen's music video for "Unbeschreiblich weiblich" sparked discussions. These examples illustrate the historical context in which the Audi Quattro was launched. The introduction of the Quattro at that time thrilled car enthusiasts worldwide, and the car still stands as an icon of automotive history. Its technological innovation and impressive performance have made it a milestone whose significance endures to this day.