Slideshow: Walter Rohrl: The Audi Icon

When it comes to drivers who truly deserve to be called legends Walter Rohrl’s name must certainly come up. Here’s why he is an important part of Audi history.

By Christopher Hurst - June 8, 2018
Walter Rohrl: The Audi Icon
Walter Rohrl: The Audi Icon
Walter Rohrl: The Audi Icon
Walter Rohrl: The Audi Icon
Walter Rohrl: The Audi Icon

Group B S1 Quattro

Anyone who brings up Rohrl will likely bring up Group B in the same sentence. From 1984 to 1987 Walter campaigned the Quattro S1 which would eventually become one of the most famous racing cars in the world. They were a handful to drive and demanded an expert which is exactly what they got!

Pikes Peak Victory

It wasn’t just across dust filled rally roads in Africa that this guy asserted his dominance behind the wheel. In 1987 the Audi Sport Quattro E2 would take outright victory at the famous hill climb with a time of 10 minutes and 47.850 seconds. Take a guess who was driving? 

>>Join the conversation about Walter Rohrl right here in the AudiWorld Forum.

He Saw the Future

As much as other WRC teams during the Group B era get credit, it was four-wheel drive dominance that drew Walter Rohrl to the best team in the business. Racers like Rohrl are smart and known for using their intelligence to get the right equipment. This guy could see Audi was the future and was quick to capitalize on the opportunity! 

>>Join the conversation about Walter Rohrl right here in the AudiWorld Forum.

Audi 200 quattro

Upon retiring from rally racing, Walter would have another go with Audi, though this time he would opt for a shot at the Trans-Am title piloting a 200 quattro racing car. He did well but didn’t find it as satisfying as rallying unless he was on bumpy street circuits. The thrill of Group B must have been too much for him to come down from!

>>Join the conversation about Walter Rohrl right here in the AudiWorld Forum.

Global Wingspan

Walter Rohrl is a global sensation who competed in everything from rally racing to sports car racing all over the world. The scope of cars he has driven extends beyond Audi, though I think the era he drove the maniacal fire-breathing S1 will always be what we remember him for best. He’s an icon, legend, man, and myth all in one very successful racing career. Hope you enjoyed.

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