Date:         Sun, 29 Oct 2000 07:04:37 -0800
Reply-To:     pensioner <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         pensioner <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
Subject:      Quattro?
Content-type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

The AUDI Quattro was the rave of the 1980 Geneva Auto Show.  It's design was
based on the Iltis (David Marshall handles a few)  In the street trim in
1981 it featured  a WR designation turbocharged 2.1l 5cyl with 200BHP and a
turbine like feel from 2500 rpm to the logical 6500 limit.  The outstanding
traction provided by the three mechanical differentials making up the
quattro system allowed the factory versions to dominate the rallye scene for
a couple of years.  Famous footage of the Acropolis and Monte Carlo rallyes
shows what the car can do in the proper hands.  Mikkola, Roerl, Mouton are
three of the drivers that stunned the rallye world with this astounding car.

The quattro system lives on with torsion sensing differential design since
1987? and upwards of 300BHP in modern six and eight cylinder motors.

The Quattro was released as a coupe, now known affectionally as the Ur
Quattro and kept the boxy body style for five years.  A true high
performance GT car it commanded a staggering 40KUSD and sold quickly even at
that price.  The US models first imported in 1983 had a de-tuned 160BHP
motor and slightly different trim.

Pristine <90000mi examples can be had in the 15-20K$ range today.  Not bad
for a 17 year old AUDI.

More modern AUDIs from the 4000CSQ, a real bargain, to the R8 the top of the
line in performance have a loyal following and parts prices that exceed the
outrageous Vanagon prices by a substantial sum.

The US Quattro Club hosts events around the country.  Search for Quattro on
the web.

pensioner

1981 Euro Quattro (1 of 3 in the US)
1989 AUDI Syncro Westie ( one of several)