Audi Quattro Ur-Quattro 20V
The Audi Quattro Ur-Quattro 20V represents the final and most refined version of the car that changed motorsport and automotive engineering forever. The 'Ur-Quattro' designation (German for 'original Quattro') distinguishes the original Quattro coupe from the later use of the Quattro name across the entire Audi all-wheel-drive range. The 20V (20-valve) variant, produced from 1989 to 1991, was the ultimate evolution of the model, featuring a revised 2.2-liter five-cylinder engine with a 20-valve (four valves per cylinder) cylinder head.
The 20V engine produced 220 horsepower (some markets received 217 or 227 hp), a significant improvement over the earlier 10-valve engine's 200 horsepower. More importantly, the 20-valve head improved the engine's breathing characteristics, providing a broader torque curve, smoother power delivery, and reduced turbo lag. The five-cylinder configuration retained its distinctive sound -- an urgent, staccato bark under boost that is unlike any other engine.
The Ur-Quattro's permanent all-wheel-drive system was the technology that changed the automotive world. Using a center differential to distribute power to all four wheels, the system provided extraordinary traction in all conditions. When the original Quattro debuted in 1980, rear-wheel drive was the universal configuration for performance cars. The Quattro demonstrated that all-wheel drive could enhance rather than diminish the driving experience, a lesson that has since been adopted by virtually every performance car manufacturer.
The 20V model benefited from a decade of development refinements. The interior was updated with improved materials and better ergonomics. The suspension was recalibrated for improved ride quality without sacrificing handling precision. Anti-lock brakes were standard, and the overall build quality reflected the improvements that Audi had made across its entire range during the 1980s.
Driving the Ur-Quattro 20V reveals a car that balances raw, mechanical character with a degree of refinement that the earlier cars lacked. The turbocharged five-cylinder still produces noticeable lag below 3000 rpm, then surges forward with authority as the boost builds. The all-wheel-drive system provides extraordinary traction, allowing aggressive corner exit speeds on slippery surfaces. The steering is heavy and direct, and the overall handling character rewards a smooth, committed driving style.
The Ur-Quattro 20V was produced in limited numbers, with total production across all Ur-Quattro variants estimated at approximately 11,452 units over the model's 1980-1991 production life. The 20V model, representing only the final three years, is the rarest and most desirable variant. Today, the Ur-Quattro is recognized as one of the most significant performance cars of the 20th century, and values reflect its historical importance and the passionate global enthusiast community.
Rust is the primary structural concern, particularly in the floor pans, sills, and around the rear wheel arches. The turbo five-cylinder engine should be checked for boost leaks and turbocharger condition. The 20V head can develop cam chain tensioner issues. Verify the Quattro drivetrain is functioning correctly by testing on varied surfaces. Service history is important. Check the interior for wear, as replacement parts for early Audis can be difficult to source.
Built at Audi's Ingolstadt factory in Germany. The 20V variant was produced from 1989 to 1991. Total Ur-Quattro production across all variants was approximately 11,452 units.