What Is Audi Quattro 4-Wheel Drive System?

Audi Quattro is a term that refers to a four-wheel drive system developed by the German automaker Audi. The system was introduced in 1980 on the Audi Quattro, a high-performance coupe that featured a 2.1-liter inline-five engine and a permanent four-wheel drive system. The Quattro system uses a central differential to distribute torque between the front and rear wheels, and it can vary the amount of torque being sent to each wheel depending on driving conditions.

The Quattro system was originally developed for use in rally racing, where it helped Audi to win numerous championships in the 1980s. However, the technology was eventually adapted for use in other Audi vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and sports cars. Today, the Quattro system is available in a wide range of Audi models, and it is known for its ability to improve traction and handling in all types of road conditions.

Audi Quattro is one of the best all-wheel-drive systems out there in our market. Quattro was developed by German automobile manufacturer Audi as the name suggests (Audi Quattro). This system was developed for the Audi Rally teams in the 1976s. Since then Audi Quattro has been improving. Now, it’s been 41 years since the development of this Quattro system.

What is Quattro?

If you understand Italian ‘Quattro means four’ and it’s been trademarked by Audi. Quattro is an awesome four-wheel drive technology & system. And Quattro is only available with some Audi car models.

Quattro is a system that delivered the optimal power to each wheel as needed, to deliver superior handling and optimum grip. Quattro delivers high levels of added safety and dependable traction for most roads.

Audi Cars come with a horizontal engine configuration and its equipped with Quattro. Featuring a 40:60 rear torque bias. which Provides sports car-like performance and handling with maximized traction.

Why Audi Quattro is Different Than Other AWD Systems?

Quattro instantaneously responds to differences in the wheel speed. By dynamically adjusting its power to meet the need of the wheels. To provide the best traction possible. It is supported by an innovative electronic control system that works together with Quattro. And it offers numerous benefits over other all-wheel-drive systems.

The Quattro mechanism Provides unmatched traction when you need it the most. Which gives full confidence to the drivers around the corners, and on slippery, or unpaved road surfaces.

A Brief History Of The Audi Quattro System

Audi’s Quattro system was first introduced 40 years ago. And has proved to be a technological milestone and an enormous success. Quattro was so successful, Audi has been using it for over the years. And sold over 10 million cars equipped with this system. It is a lightweight and efficient four-wheel-drive system. Designed for cars and not heavy off-roaders. It had been very different from a regular four-wheel-drive system.

Audi Quattro development started in the year 1976 by Audi chassis engineer Jörg Bensinger. He got intrigued by seeing a Volkswagens four-wheel-drive military off-roader go faster than Audi’s modern sedans on snow and ice. So he thought “how much could four-wheel-drive traction help a car with a lot of power and limited grip?” It helps A lot, as it turned out. and that is basically why Quattro was born.

Audi Quattro Rally & Development

Development is never easy there is company management and investor involved. And there was insecurity “will it be suitable for a car? This four-wheel-drive transmission has to be light and more efficient than the existing system?”. And then Audi 80-based prototype was built with that four-wheel-drive system. And showcased to Ferdinand Piëch, he was looking for an advantage for Audi in racing and road cars both.

In the first prototype car, the front engine and gearbox were mounted longitudinally. With a long driveshaft running to the rear wheels. But to reduce weight, no transfer box was used; which was used to send power to the front wheels. Instead, every mechanical bit was housed in the main gearbox casing, with a driveshaft. And It was running through another hollow shaft, to allow it to take the drive to the front differential.

Then Quattro made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 1980. then it went to World Rally Championship, where only four-wheel-drive cars were allowed. And that road car introduces the 200-plus horsepower, five-cylinder turbocharged engines. And the combo was unbeatable. In that car, the central differential was manually operated. Because open differential was not ideal. (it transferred power to the wheel with the least traction).

Cars With Audi Quattro System

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