Our 5 Favorite Legendary Audi Race Cars of All Time
From the madness of Group B to the diesel monsters of LMP1, these five Audi machines defined “Vorsprung durch Technik” in motorsport.
Audi knows the “truth in engineering” better than anyone. The compnay definitely knows about being ahead in technology (“Vorsprung durch Technik” auf Deutsch), too. Both of those things have led the brand with the rings of steel to the top of the podium in motorsport so many times throughout their history.
Thus, there are plenty of examples of Audi’s winning ways. Here are our favorite five, from the days of Auto Union to the madness of Group B and the diesel demons of Le Mans.
The ur-Quattro
Once upon a time, rallying was dominated by small, rear-drive machines. Then, a new set of rules fell on the table from the hand of the FIA: Group B. More of a pamphlet than a novel, one of the rules allowed competitors to use all-wheel drive. Most weren’t willing, though, as they believed such systems would be too heavy for the challenge.
Audi, however, stepped up with the Quattro system, which shared its name with the car it lived under. Turning up in 1980, Audi’s legend shined like never before, thanks to the bravery of Michèle Mouton, Walter Röhrl, and Stig Blomqvist. Though Group B was too mad to live long, the Quattro spirit lives on to this day.
