Extreme Rally Monster

An icon of rally racing's spectacular and dangerous Group B, the Sport Quattro S1 E2 was the final evolution of Audi's pioneering Quattro, which introduced all-wheel drive to the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 1981. The E2 (Evolution Two) is the product of Group B's loose regulations, which fostered a fierce development race between manufacturers, resulting in the introduction of extreme aerodynamics, anti-lag turbo systems, and dual-clutch transmissions that pushed the limits of performance and tested the limits of safety. In 1986 multiple Group B crashes resulted in the deaths of drivers and spectators, prompting a swift ban on Group B cars. The sport’s governing body, the FIA, introduced new regulations to improve safety, including better crowd control and more medical personnel, and replaced Group B cars with safer, production-based Group A cars. The vehicle on view is a test car that took victory in the 1985 Mänttä 200 Rally—a non-WRC event—driven by 1983 WRC champion Hannu Mikkola, before being retired for promotional use.

COURTESY OF THE DIRTFISH COLLECTION

This vehicle featured in the Totally Awesome! exhibit.

1985 Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2 Gallery

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