Will the new Quattro be the best handling Audi ever?

Hilton Holloway from Autocar reckons the new Audi Quattro has the potential to be the best handling Audi ever. At least that was his conclusion after he scored an unexpected drive in a prototype version recently.

It’s been a few months since we last had an update on the 21st century Audi Quattro. Last time out a couple of the Euro mags spent some time behind the converted concept car. The signs were pretty positive, too.

The car driven by Holloway looks like any old A5 coupé, but under the bonnet is that famous inline five cylinder engine. Still very much a work in progress, the 400hp test mule tips the scales at around 1400kg, some 100kg over the supposed target weight. Although, Audi is yet to give the car the green light. Many will also be pleased to learn the development car is fitted with a traditional 6-speed manual.

Here’s what Holloway thought, after his brief test drive around a closed circuit, “This prototype is fast, fluid and extremely well-balanced. The performance, as you might expect, is vivid. The car did not betray the fact it has a longitudinal engine hanging out ahead of the front wheels, instead it felt utterly neutral and utterly unstickable. It is also glorious light, agile and enthusiastic.”

Impressive. So, does he reckon Audi will build it? He seems certain, “As soon as the Audi board members try this prototype, the Quattro concept will be heading for the showroom.”

[Source: Autocar]