Each time we lay eyes on the stunning restomods inspired by iconic rally cars, such as the Ford Escort Mk1, Subaru Impreza, and the legendary Lancia Delta Integrale, it ignites a sense of nostalgia and excitement in car enthusiasts. So, it was only a matter of time before an audacious soul took the reins on the iconic Audi Quattro, and that soul is none other than the renowned German tuning powerhouse, ABT Sportsline. The ABT Ur-Quattro is not just a car; it’s a revival of a legend, combining the classic spirit with state-of-the-art technology and style.
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The transformation begins with a body kit crafted from lightweight yet rugged carbon-kevlar. The aesthetic is unmistakably reminiscent of the Audi Sport Quattro, the dominant force that conquered the World Rally Championship four times. This retouched beauty boasts a striking vented bonnet, proudly displaying the classic three-slot design that Audi aficionados adore. But that’s just the beginning! An eye-catching rear wing, sleek five-spoke lightweight wheels, and a redesigned front splitter and grille serve as bold statements of intention, elevating the Quattro’s already formidable presence. Not to mention, the Quattro’s trademark box-flared wheel arches are meticulously preserved, boasting a width that’s been enhanced for a more aggressive stance. It’s a visual feast that promises to turn heads wherever it roams.
Inside the cabin, ABT hasn’t skimped on creating an inviting atmosphere. An “invisible roll cage” adds a layer of safety while an array of customizable bucket seats awaits personalization, allowing each owner to put their unique stamp on their version of this automotive masterpiece. We haven’t had the chance to peel back the curtain and fully explore the interior yet, but the anticipation is palpable. As for the heart of this beast, ABT has unveiled a powerful 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that churns out an astounding 523 hp—nearly tripling the power output of its 1980s predecessor, the original Ur-Quattro. It remains a tantalizing mystery whether this engine is a heavily modified version of the classic’s original 2.1-liter powerhouse or if it’s derived from the current Audi RS 3. Either way, it promises exhilaration.
True to its legacy, the ABT Ur-Quattro features all-wheel drive, a hallmark of the Quattro nameplate. And let’s not forget the addition of anti-lock brakes—an essential tech upgrade that the original model lacked. What’s more, this powerhouse outshines the personal tuned Quattro crafted by Hans-Jürgen Abt, the founder of ABT himself, who reminisces about the Ur-Quattro as a cherished first love that never truly faded from his heart. His intimate connection with the original is evident as he shares, “When I took over the tuning department at ABT from my father in the late 1980s, the original Quattro from the showroom was my dowry, so to speak. This retro version has reignited my passion.”
According to Hans, the ABT Ur-Quattro was birthed from a top-secret project, developed in collaboration with managing director Thomas Biermaier and the skilled minds at LCE Performance by Lake Constance, an area rich in automotive history. He expresses pride in the Ur-Quattro’s status as one of the most traditional Audis in the Volkswagen family, stating how crucial it is for the ABT legacy to innovate while honoring history. “We envisioned what we could create," he said, “and the result is our modern take on a true icon.”
Curiously, we remain in the dark about the price of this automotive marvel. However, that’s almost irrelevant, as all 30 units planned for production have already been snapped up by enthusiastic collectors. Initially, only 25 were slated for creation, but after witnessing a stampede of orders within just three hours of the unveiling, ABT decided to produce an additional five units to accommodate the fervent demand. “It’s overwhelmingly gratifying to see this project resonate with our customers," said Abt. "Their enthusiasm also empowers us to dream bigger and explore new ideas that align with ABT’s spirit—constantly reinventing ourselves and advancing with innovation in technology and design." Get ready, car enthusiasts; this is just the beginning of an exhilarating journey!
