1985 Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2

Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2 is a legendary car. It was introduced back in 1985 as a better and more powerful version of the Sport Quattro model. The brutal car is still known as the most powerful rally car ever competed in an international competition. With Walter Röhrl behind the steering wheel, the S1 E2 won the Pikes Peak in 1987. The monster rally car produced the unbelievable 600PS (441 kW).

However, the officially stated power of the inline 2.1 liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine was 480PS (350 kW). A recirculating air system helping the turbocharger spinning at high RPM, when the driver does not apply the throttle allowed the engine to resume full power immediately after the resumption of full throttle. This was extremely good move, because it reduced the turbo lag a lot and boosted the engine to 507PS (373 kW) at 8000RPM.

Furthermore, the overall weight of the rally car was just 1 090kg (2403 lbs) meaning a stunning power-to-weight ratio of 2.15 kilograms per horsepower. The performance is incredible even nowadays. 0 -100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and the top speed depended on the selection of gears. Some of the car had a special power-shift gearbox, which resembles the double-clutch technology.

With such power, the S1 E2 needed an aggressive aerodynamic kit including huge front and rear bumpers, wheel arch extensions and a massive rear wing to keep the car on the ground. The down force and the grip were sensational.

With such figures and technology back in 1980's, the success was imminent. The race-drive Walter Röhrl and Christian Geistdörfer won the 1985 San Remo Rally. The car was also driven by the famous driver Michèle Mouton. The S1 E2 was the final Group B car produced by Audi, because the team left the Championship in 1986.

Even nowadays, all motorsport fans remember Audi Sport Quattro S1 and talk about the fearless race drivers in Group B back in 1980's. Because of the accidents, these rallyes no longer exist.

Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2 (1985)