Tag Archives: Quattro

Watch Rally Icon Michèle Mouton Revisit Her Win on the 1982 Acropolis Rally

The first victory for the legendary Audi Quattro rally automotive got here on the Sanremo Rally in 1981, courtesy of Michèle Mouton. One of essentially the most profitable rally drivers of all time, Mouton was just lately a visitor on the DirtFish rally colleges YouTube channel to debate one in every of her most iconic victories on the Acropolis Rally in 1982. Normally we’re not a fan of reactlord movies, however when Michèle Mouton is the one offering the commentary on one in every of her achievements, it is a completely different story. 

Mouton’s victory got here early within the lifetime of the Audi Quattro, which might go on to be some of the profitable rally vehicles of all time. By 1985 it had developed into the legendary S1 E2, essentially the most iconic iteration of the car.

The French rally driver remembers so much in regards to the varied phases and the drivers who participated, particularly one very embarrassing half: Mouton’s dad and mom got here to look at the rally on the sidelines, and on the very nook the place they have been standing, she spun. According to her, they will even be seen within the video trying on. 

She does not say a lot in regards to the automotive itself, however clearly, the Audi was dominant. Mouton got here second within the 1982 championship behind solely Walter Rohrl, who was not solely likewise driving an Audi Quattro however is taken into account by many to be the best rally driver ever.

The video is certainly price a watch simply to get Mouton’s perspective. She’s extraordinarily humble, noting she knew nothing about motorsport earlier than she began driving. In her thoughts, most individuals can get into it, together with different younger ladies. If she will be able to do it, she says, anybody can.

New Movie Focuses On Group B Rally’s Most Epic Battle

Audi radically altered the course of stage rally with the introduction of its Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Anyone with a modicum of motorsports information is aware of this, however the story of Lancia’s final stand in opposition to the AWD revolution is not fairly as widespread. A brand new film hitting theaters in January may change that, and admittedly, we hope it is pretty much as good as this trailer makes it out to be.

Titled Race for Glory: Audi vs. Lancia, the film chronicles the battle between Lancia and Audi within the 1983 World Rally Championship. This was only one 12 months into the notorious Group B period, and Audi was the producer to beat with its Quattro A1. Lancia debuted the 037 a 12 months prior because the successor to the legendary Stratos, although it retained a rear-wheel-drive format. At the time it was seen as non-competitive versus the AWD Audi, however we all know how that story ended. Spoiler alert: Lancia gained the producer’s title that 12 months.

Four Beloved Cars That Need To Be Revived As Electric Vehicles

With Audi announcing the resurrection of the RS6 and the 1980s Quattro as all-electric sports cars, it seems that there is a new trend of classic oldies making a comeback in the auto market as eco-friendly revamped versions. The electric version of the RS6 is set to debut in 2025, after the last gas-powered RS6 was made in 2010. To fill the void, Audi released the Audi Avant. However, the Audi E-Tron GT Quattro, released in 2022, did not stick to its funky 80s design and instead opted for a more modern look.

As more cars leave the market to make space for EVs, there is a growing possibility that manufacturers will continue to revive and electrify classic car concepts. Here are four beloved sporty cars – one classic and three recently discontinued – that would be highly sought after as electric vehicles.

Related: Reviving Tradition with Innovation: The New Alpine A310

Bringing Back The Beloved Honda S2000

In 2000, Honda introduced the Honda S2000, a convertible sports car designed for speed enthusiasts. The S2000 left the market in 2009 but still holds its appeal due to its powerful engine. Electric vehicles are now implementing artificial engine sounds to cater to gearheads’ preferences. The S2000’s lightweight design can easily be adapted to fit the sustainable material options commonly found in modern electric vehicles. In today’s economy, the S2000’s original price tag of $30,000 would equate to around $53,026.94, making it more affordable compared to electric sports cars on the market today.

2009 Honda S2000 Specs

Price

$35,705

Engine

2.2-liter, four-cylinder

Top Speed

149 mph

0-60 mph

5.8 seconds

Horsepower

237 horses

Torque

167 pound-feet

Honda sold over 100,000 S2000 models, with more than half of them sold in the U.S. market. If revived as an electric vehicle, the S2000 would likely have continued success in the American EV space. There are rumors that Honda is planning to bring back the S2000 in 2024 as a fully electric version with a range of 300 miles and a price range similar to the original model.

The Audi R8 Could Be Better Than Ever As An EV

Audi is electrifying its lineup, and it should consider adding the Audi R8 to the fleet. Although not a classic, the Audi R8 will be discontinued after 2023. With its high performance and 602 horsepower, the R8 has been considered an “icon” by Forbes. It gave tough competition to classic supercars like Porsche’s family tree. As it makes room for Audi’s electric future, the R8 can bring even more style and innovation with an electric powertrain.

2023 Audi R8 Specs

Price

$151,895

Engine

5.2-liter V-10

Top Speed

199 mph

0-60 mph

3.1 seconds

Horsepower

602 horses

Torque

413 pound-feet

Given its success in an oversaturated market of gas-fueled cars, the Audi R8 would certainly shine in an underdeveloped EV market.

Why The Hyundai Veloster N Has Electric Potential

The Hyundai Veloster N, although not a classic, has the potential to be electrified. Hyundai discontinued the Veloster name in 2022 after 11 years. The Veloster N gained popularity for its high performance at an affordable price. With Hyundai’s success in the electric vehicle space with the Ioniq lineup, there is an opportunity to create an electric-powered high-performance model based on the Veloster N.

2022 Hyundai Veloster N Specs

Price

$33,595

Engine

2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged

Top Speed

155 mph

0-60 mph

4.8 seconds

Horsepower

275 horses

Torque

278 pound-feet

Considering Hyundai’s prowess in creating the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, an electric version of the Veloster N would offer affordability and innovation in the electric vehicle market.

The Acura NSX Hybrid Was Halfway There

The Acura NSX, discontinued in 2022, was unable to achieve significant success despite being a popular supercar. Initially introduced in 1990, the NSX had undergone several revivals and reintroductions. The NSX became one of the quickest sports cars in the Japanese Domestic Market. Although the NSX had a hybrid powertrain, in today’s EV market, a fully electric powertrain would have been more appealing to consumers. Acura and Honda have the opportunity to push the limits of electric top speeds with a revived and fully electric NSX.

2022 Acura NSX Hybrid Specs

Price

$171,495

Powertrain

3.5-liter Hybrid twin-turbo V-6

Top Speed

191 mph

0-60 mph

2.9 seconds

Horsepower

600 horses

Torque

492 pound-feet

Sports cars have yet to fully explore their potential in the electric vehicle space. Reviving classics without their gas-powered engines opens up opportunities for more electric vehicle options that auto enthusiasts would love. The rumored revival of the Honda S2000, the return of the RS6, and the future Quattro models signal a bright future for nostalgic, high-performance, and sustainable vehicles.