Quattro/S2 CarMagazine: Audi Project Anniversario – grandson of Ür Quattro

[ree]

Ever thought that Audis are a bit on the boring side these days? This one certainly isn't. Project Anniversario is a shot in the arm for Ingolstadt, a hardcore sports coupé carrying on where the ur Quattro and Quattro S1 Rallye left off.

Our artist's impression captures the essence of Project Anniversario – a lighter, stronger, faster Audi S5 Quattro planned for 2012. It was conceived as a back-patting anniversary present to mark Audi's centenary, but that date has now slipped back owing to the global financial slowdown. But the latest intelligence received by CAR suggests that Audi is still deadly seriously about putting the uber-S5 into production.

Project Anniversario: the lowdown

Remember the Quattro S1 Rallye? We certainly do. With a revised version of the original ur-Quattro’s 2.1-litre five-cylinder engine, it kicked out 302bhp over the normal car's 200. The new 2012 car (the neu Quattro?) takes inspiration directly from the S1 with revised body panels, shorter overhangs and a twin-turbo V6 massaged to a fulsome 425bhp.

Project Anniversario is light as well as strong. Audi's engineers are targeting a 1400kg kerbweight; insiders inform us that lighter hang-on body panels, new seats and a revised cabin trim will achieve the 240kg saving over the regular S5. Also in the mix are lighter drivetrain parts, a miniaturised air-con compressor and electrically operated auxiliaries.

Other techincal features under discussion include a ‘flybrid’ energy recovery system and a 400bhp version of the TT RS’s five-cylinder turbo.

Visually the new Quattro again takes its inspiration from the S1 with flared wings, bonnet scoops and an angular rear spoiler, depicted in our artist's impression. Rally-inspired alloys finish the purposeful look.

All looks very promising, so why is Audi delaying the project?

As we’ve all noticed, the world is in the grip of the greatest financial depression since the aftermath of WW1. The new model will have to present a solid business case as well as justifying its existence within a Volkswagen group focused on making ecological brand statements. Project Anniversario is signed off and ready to go, but is on hold while the number crunchers do their thing.

If a business case is made, expect to see the uber-Quattro revealed in late 2010 in time for the original Quattro’s 30th anniversary. We can hardly wait.

Audi Project Anniversario ? grandson of Ür Quattro | Secret New Cars | Car Magazine Online

 

[VroomVroom]

Well if it's anything like the original, it should be amazing!

One thing...

Whys it not red?

 

[Mr Robert]

Ugly as hell but I absolytely love the concept!

 

[Wunderkind]

Well if it's anything like the original, it should be amazing!

One thing...

Whys it not red?

I'd buy one if I have space in my garage.

I have worried about cars like this since the Nissan GT-R was released. The GT-R kinda make every 4WD sportscars out there obsolete. The main selling point for this beauty is nostalgia (to me anyway)...................

 

[LaArtist]

Such a cool and ugly concept..
I want one

 

[Zafiro]

Audi is getting sportier and having more intresting cars in the pipeline. It's so sad to see BMW focusing on large cars for old people.

 

[danclk]

Ooo i really want one of those!! I was hoping the 5cyl would find its way into the A5 range.

 

[DaSilva]

Haha, this car looks perfect... A real dream would be to own this car
and the TT clubsport wow .... real headturners for sure!

BTW: If this styling kit will be for purchase I am getting it !!!!

 

[Mr Robert]

I can imagine a few of those speeding around the track on Rudskogen at some Gatebil event! The homemade versions, that is

 

[Zafiro]

the bodykit is horrible but shaving 240kg from standard A5 is good

 

[DaSilva]

the bodykit is horrible but shaving 240kg from standard A5 is good

Looks are objective my friend. but yeah a loss of 240 kg is alot!
Kudos to Audi for once on that bit.

 

[EnI]

And how much will this car cost? €200k?

It's not all about ability of doing it - I'm sure even Hyundai is capable to develop a competitive Porsche-like car.

But at what costs? And selling it at what price?

As said: Audi are goal for years now have been to tarnish BMW image as the most sporty Bavarian carmaker. Something to do with Piech's & Pischetsrieder's egos & hatred towards BMW.

And be sure Audi will go for it, and succeed. When ego-driven projects are in question, Piech & his soldier Winterkorn will approve them. All for the image. No matter of costs.

 

[Sayyaaf]

Eni: and BMW charged a fortune for CSL, I don't see the problem.

 

[Deutsch]

This is a pretty cool idea. An equally iconic but completely modern follow-up to the original Ur Quattro would further boost Audi's already highly recognized all-wheel driven history. Hopefully it will look more like the knife edge CGI from Huckfeldt and less like the warmed over S5 photoshop we see here.

 

[EnI]

Eni: and BMW charged a fortune for CSL, I don't see the problem.

And the development costs were very high as well. I'm not sure they made a huge profit (if any there). It was - "we can do it" project. Which didn't affect sales in any manner. Nor did change the perception of BMW brand.

As said: BMW already has sporty image. Brands like Lexus, Jaguar, Audi, Infinit, Alfa Romeo are still in the process of getting there - therefore so many sporty cars in their portfolios.

And BMW are reacting: seeing the market is getting crowded, and they start to reposition the brand a bit - since ... if sticking with old formulas - some brand might overtake BMW in "old" sporty image.

As said many times: IRL BMW brand is many times considered TOO sporty for many customers. Therefore they are avoiding it - rather choosing MB or Lexus etc. But BMW can not afford staying too sporty - but also targeting MB & Lexus customers. Since BMW are now too big to offer niche core models - core models now have to cater to mainstream, while new niche models (X6, 5rg GT etc) will cater to specific tastes.

Times are changing. BMW are not the only sporty premium brand in the sky. There is a competition. A new choices. So, be happy.

Don't expect - eg. since Evo drives more similar than original M3 - than the current M3 - that BMW will go back in time, and replicate M3. No. If you like the original M3 feeling - you can ether buy a used old M3, or eg. an Evo.

Same case for 335i vs S4 - you can either go for 335i with Performance parts & Power kit - or chose Audi. Since BMW do not have direct standard rival for S4. Etc.

 

[Deutsch]

BMW does have a direct rival to the S4, it's called the 335Xi. -33hp but almost as quick and same drive setup. With modest aftermarket upgrades such as a reflash of the ECU you'll be right up or above where the B8 S4 is stock. The gap is negligible. Especially when you consider the real world performance numbers of the 335Xi.

Funny, I personally have never felt BMW's to be "too sport", BMW is more like "just right" to me. Both Lexus and MB do absolutely nothing for me in terms of driving experience while Audi is a close match to BMW. Their cars don't have much steering feel but grip is immense which translates into almost equally as good of handling as BMW. The engines also offer pretty good performance, and overall Audi's are more value priced with fewer options next to similarly equipped Bimmers. At the same time I understand BMW doesn't have as large of economies of scale to work with as Audi does being apart of the VWAG empire.

 

[Mr Robert]

335iX can't even be had with a sports suspension here in Sweden. Not to mention the obvious lack of LSD:s.

 

[headude]

It's silver because that is Audi's racing livery.

 

[Poverty]

If they make this car 1400kg with rear biased quattro and a turboed lump this WILL be my next car.

 

[DaSilva]

Project Anniversario: the lowdown

Remember the Quattro S1 Rallye? We certainly do. With a revised version of the original ur-Quattro’s 2.1-litre five-cylinder engine, it kicked out 302bhp over the normal car's 200. The new 2012 car (the neu Quattro?) takes inspiration directly from the S1 with revised body panels, shorter overhangs and a twin-turbo V6 massaged to a fulsome 425bhp.

Other techincal features under discussion include a ‘flybrid’ energy recovery system and a 400bhp version of the TT RS’s five-cylinder turbo.

? I don't get it