Ammon News - • Permanent four-wheel drive debuts in rally legend in 1980
• 3,296,917 Audis with quattro built as of end of 2009
• Current model range includes 126 all-wheel-drive versions

Exactly 30 years ago a car that was destined to revolutionize automotive technology arrived on the scene: The first Audi quattro grabbed the public's attention at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3, 1980. This born winner with the four rings marked the start of a success story that is still continuing.

The birth of the first quattro is the story of driving trials in the snow and a trailblazing idea – a hollow shaft in the transmission that transmits engine power to both the front and rear wheels. With the added touch of a center differential, the first Audi quattro went on sale at the end of 1980. The angular coupé became an instant sales hit. With its permanent all-wheel drive and the 200 hp five cylinder turbo engine it opened up a dimension of dynamism and driving fun that had previously been unavailable.

On the rally circuits Audi’s quattro models scooped two drivers' and manufacturers' titles each in the World Rally Championship between 1982 and
1984. The brand subsequently shifted its focus to circuit racing, where permanent all-wheel drive demonstrated its superiority anew. Audi’s drivers captured the most prestigious trophies up for grabs in Europe and the United States.

quattro has long since become one of the core technologies of the Audi brand. In time the first Audi quattro, now frequently referred to as the Urquattro, was joined by a whole family of roadgoing cars with permanent all-wheel drive that became more and more diverse. As of the end of 2009, Audi had built exactly 3,296,917 quattros. The current model range includes 126 all-wheel-drive versions.

The fascination of this technology is stronger and more alive than ever.

Permanent all-wheel drive stands for stability and traction, driving safety and dynamism. Audi is also extending its Vorsprung durch Technik when it comes to permanent all-wheel drive. The next quattro generation made its debut 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The new Audi RS 5 high-performance coupé redefines the benchmark for high performance, flexibility and efficiency.

Photo: On the rally circuits Audi's quattro models scooped two drivers' and manufacturers' titles each in the World Rally Championship between 1982 and 1984.