Created by Luís Belo at Wednesday, 7 May 2025
The history of the Audi Sport Quattro S1
An icon of the 1980s and a symbol of a golden era in motorsport, the Audi Sport Quattro S1 was more than just a rally car. It was a milestone in automotive engineering, a nightmare for opponents and a legend that endures to this day in the memories of racing enthusiasts. Its imposing presence, the deafening sound of its engine and its overwhelming performance on the stages made it one of the most revered models in the history of the WRC.
The story
The story of the Quattro S1 begins with the revolution Audi brought to rallying with the introduction of quattro all-wheel drive in 1980. This technology changed the racing landscape forever, allowing superior grip on slippery surfaces and unrivalled speed on twisty sections. To make the most of the Group B regulations - the category that dominated rallying between 1982 and 1986 - the Ingolstadt brand developed the Sport Quattro, a shortened and more powerful version of the original Audi Quattro.
In 1984, the Sport Quattro S1 arrived, an extreme evolution focused on extracting the maximum possible performance. With a shortened chassis, a body made of lightweight materials such as Kevlar and fibreglass, and a turbocharged five-cylinder engine with over 500 horsepower, the S1 became a track monster. The E2 version, launched in 1985, was the most radical of all, with aggressive aerodynamics and power exceeding 600 horsepower.
Versions
Audi Quattro A1 and A2 (Group 4 and start of Group B): The basis for the development of the Sport Quattro. They already used all-wheel drive and turbo engines, but with larger dimensions and less agility.
Audi Sport Quattro (1984): Homologation version, limited to around 214 units. A 2.1-litre five-cylinder engine with an aluminium cylinder head and around 306 hp. It was the basis for the competition S1.
Audi Sport Quattro S1 (1984): First competition evolution, with around 450 to 500bhp. It kept the look of the Sport Quattro but with various changes to lighten the weight and improve performance.
Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2 (1985): The ultimate version. Over 600bhp, futuristic aerodynamics, large appendages, large front and rear wings. It became one of the most iconic and powerful cars in the history of the WRC.
Curiosities
The Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2 was capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in around 2.6 seconds... on dirt.
Its 5-cylinder in-line engine became legendary for its unique sound, often compared to thunder.
Walter Röhrl, one of the greatest drivers in rally history, described the S1 E2 as a car that seemed to want to kill the driver at every turn, such was the level of demand.
The model helped cement Audi's reputation as an innovative brand, bringing quattro technology to road-going models as well.
In Portugal...
Despite never having an official factory team presence in national rallies, the Audi Quattro has left its mark in Portugal, above all through private teams and the passion it has generated among fans. The Sport Quattro S1, in particular, has become a symbol of desire among collectors and fans. Its passage through the Rally of Portugal, with names like Röhrl and Mikkola at the wheel, is among the most celebrated memories of the 80s.
The Lagoa Azul section or the Serra de Sintra vibrated with the thunderous sound of the five-cylinder and the spectacle provided by the S1 E2 cutting corners on four wheels. Even today, the Audi Sport Quattro S1 is a regular at historic events and demonstrations on Portuguese soil, where it continues to delight new generations.
Translated with DeepL.com
