One in every three Audi models is fitted with a Quattro four-wheel drive. Last year, Audi a subsidiary of Europe’s largest automaker, Volkswagen maker of quality automobiles and popular parts like Volkswagen headlights, has recorded an all-time highest Quattro installation rate of 33.1% or a total of 306,318 Quattro vehicles higher than what the carmaker produce in the year 2005 totaling only to 219, 288. The Ingolstadt-based car manufacturer has risen to become the market leader for four-wheel drive in the premium segment.

According to Rupert Stadler, Audi’s boss, “Quattro means more than traction- the word represents emotion, driving safety and performance, it stands for engineering competence and a dynamic spirit. Over 2.3 million Quattro models have rolled off the production line at Audi so far- a figure that speaks for itself.”

The launch of the new Audi Q7 has helped in increasing the proportion of Quattro models by six percent compared to the previous year resulting to the creation of 72,188 sports utility vehicles which are 100% four-wheel drive. The production of the RS4 model family has also increase at 7,639 units compared to the 569 produced in 2005.

“Audi equips a greater proportion of its vehicles with four-wheel drive than any other manufacturer. That is especially true of our saloons and Avant models. We have the unique selling proposition that all of the models in our current range are available with four-wheel-drive”, said Ralph Weyler, member of the board of management for marketing and sales.

A Brief History of Quattro

- The idea of Quattro came up as a result of the automaker’s desire to distribute power over all four wheels and with each wheel providing a greater lateral force than the rear or front-wheel drive.

- It was in the spring of 1977 that the four-wheel drive project was started with the objective of developing a high-powered sports coupe with permanent four-wheel-drive.

- In the year 1980 the first Audi Quattro made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. It was in the same year that the first Audi with four-wheel drive went on sale and became an instant bestseller.

- Starting the 1982, Audi has gradually added five more vehicles with four-wheel drive to its model range namely Audi 80/90, the Audi Coupe and the Audi 100/200.

- Starting 1990, the dynamic image of Audi was further boost by its S models especially with their Quattro Drivetrains.

- The latest generation of Quattro four-wheel-drive is fitted in the RS4, the Q7 and the R8. The Quattro four-wheel-drive distributes the engine torque between the front and rear axles at a 40:60 ratio thus making the vehicle more agile and powerful.

- Between the year 1982 and 1984 the Quattro has won four world championship titles on the rally track.

- The permanent four-wheel drive technology has also achieved major successes on the racing circuit with the Audi touring car drivers winning the most prestigious trophies that USA and Europe has to offer.

- Overall Audi was able to build 2.3 million vehicles with Quattro four-wheel drive.

Growing up with three brothers, Natalie Anderson became exposed early to the world of automobiles. This 29-year-old account manager now dreams of having her very own top-of-the-line vintage car.

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