Audi is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Sport quattro by introducing a new Sport quattro concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Described as a “legitimate successor” to the original, the Sport quattro concept has a plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a 560 HP (412 kW) twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine and a disc-shaped electric motor that is located between the engine and a modified eight-speed tiptronic transmission. This setup enables the model to have a combined maximum output of 700 HP (515 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. It allows the 1,850 kg (4,078 lb) concept to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 305 km/h (189 mph).
Despite the impressive performance, the concept is extremely frugal as it consumes just 2.5 L/100km (94.1 US mpg / 113 mpg UK) and has CO2 emissions of 59 g/km. It can also travel up to 50 km (31.1 miles) on electricity alone thanks to a 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery.
The car definitively has the numbers on its side, but the styling – or lack thereof – has drawn sharp criticism. Regardless of where your opinion lies, the Sport quattro has a familiar design that incorporates some classic styling cues including a retro roofline and “flat” C-pillars. There’s also Matrix LED headlights, a hexagonal single-frame grille, a carbon fiber reinforced plastic front splitter and 21-inch alloy wheels.
The cabin is less controversial as it has a driver-focused cockpit with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, racing seats and simplified controls. The concept also has a three dimensional instrument cluster, carbon fiber trim and metallic accents.