The new Quattro will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week to showcase the new design concept and direction of Audi towards hybrid technology.
Audi Sport Quattro will be powered by a hybrid engine, following the trend of other car-makers like Honda with their CR-Z.
But don't start frowning. The car has serious potential. Audi announced that the Quattro will have 700hp of combined petrol/electric power, 0-100 in 3.7 seconds and ofcourse its signature "all-wheel drive" system.
This is not the first time Audi made a bold move towards their race cars. In fact, the Quattro was the first rally car to use 4WD in rally competitions.
Hybrid tech may not be well embraced by race fans all over the world. Perhaps that's the main reason why Audi would combine it with such a legendary car. For people to at least take a second look on what the hybrid concept could offer.
We may all be in doubt, and the Quattro could have gone better with raw engine power. But then again, when will hybrid cars have its chance to compete in world championships?
Besides, having a legendary car powered by a hybrid engine would force engineers and Audi itself to live-up to the expectations of people, the anticipation of fans, and change the minds of those who see this new technology as something unworthy of being in racing history at all.
Yes, Audi Quattro was once again successful of being "in defiance" with the norm. But the real test will not be determined in the eyes of car fans in the Frankfurt Motor Show. The moment of truth will be at the WRC.
