The Audi Ur-Quattro is without a doubt one of the most iconic automobiles of the past century, mainly because it introduced all-wheel drive to rally and performance road cars. And the most special version by far is the short-wheelbase Sport Quattro.
Petrolicious shares the story of three-times Le Mans winner André Lotterer and his personal Sport Quattro daily driver. Unlike most surviving examples of the homologation special, Lotterer’s car is being used as a daily driver and not as a garage queen.
It’s not a stock example either; its turbocharged 2.1-liter engine pumps out 450hp and is fitted with a straight pipe exhaust, just to let the five cylinders play clearer (and louder) their unmistakable song. The factory version offered “just” 305hp and 258lb-ft of torque.
Power goes to the permanent four-wheel drive system that features manually-locking center and rear differentials, while the five-speed manual transmission was the only option.
Compared to the regular Quattros, the Sport Quattro got a 320mm (12.4 inches) shorter wheelbase, drastically altering the car’s profile and dynamic behavior on the road. Audi claimed 4.8 seconds for the 0-60mph (0-96l,/h) dash, making the Sport Quattro a genuine supercar killer for its era.
Seeing one getting used as a daily driver is unusual and great at the same time, especially with that loud exhaust letting everyone know that a rally legend is in the vicinity.