Paris 2010: Audi Quattro Concept

Sometimes introductions are speculated about for a long time, until we practically know for certainwhat is going to be introduced before it happens.

The Audi Quattro concept is a car that in idea we have heard a lot about. However, Audi surprised us with its appearance as a concept at the Paris Auto Show. And as always, it is a good surprise  - brought to us early courtesy of Motor Trend.

The Quattro concept (hence its name) is designed to mark the 30th anniversary of Audi's famous Quattro all-wheel drive system.

This is the car that has been referred to as the new "Ur-Quattro." Rumors have pegged it as slotting about the A5, while sharing components with that vehicle.

As far as design, the Quattro mixes things up significantly. It gets an aggressive new look up front, marked by thin headlights with vertical front vents underneath as a design element.

Utilizing a shortened RS5 platform, it is compact, with a nice two-door profile and notchback rear end. Out back things are kept simple and a tad retro, actually.

As expected, the Audi Quattro is based on the RS5. While the RS5 is powered by a V-8, in favor of tradition the Quatto opts for a turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder, making 408 horsepower and 354 pound feet of torque.

It is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, with power (of course) put to the road through Audi's all-wheel drive system. It is tuned for a 60/40 rear power bias.

This power output, combined with a significant reduction in weight would make the Quattro a new performance leader for Audi. It possesses a power-to-weight ratio similar to the R8 5.2 FSI. The dash to 60 mph would come in just 3.8 seconds.

Is the Quattro just a concept or a viable production reality? It definitely is a feasible package that utilizes the good components of Audi's performance arsenal. If produced, it would likely be a limited-production run.

If we know Audi, we think it stands a good chance of production. The company is staking a claim in the performance arena, greenlighting S and RS models left and right. If produced the Quattro would be emblematic of Audi's success and progress over the past 30 years.