September 8, 2013

Audi Sport Quattro is 690BHP Blast from the Past

The Audi Quattro is a very important car in the history of automobiles. Bringing all wheel drive to the masses and then using it to transform the world of rallying, this machine is quite the landmark. A symbol of 80’s cool, Audi first introduced a modern-day interpretation of the Quattro in concept form in 2010, but today that concept comes another step closer to reality.

The rebirth of the Quattro is something fans, and myself, have been crying out for and now our calls are answered in the Audi Sport Quattro. The menacing looking car may still be a concept, but what you see here is a model not too far from a production variant that will sit even above the R8 supercar. How so? Well I think it has something to do with 690BHP being produced by its twin-turbo 4.0 litre engine and an electric motor. Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8 speed transmission. Packing 590lb ft of torque the new Quattro will dart from 0-62MPH in 3.7 seconds. Not only does it impress in terms of speed but other performance benchmarks such as economy. 113MPG is possible, not to mention the capability of running for 30 miles on pure electric power. Not bad for a 190MPH supercar.

Daniel Ricciardo Succeeds Mark Webber at Red Bull

I do not think there has ever been so much speculation as to a driver change in Formula One prior to this. Red Bull are the current world champions making them a force to be reckoned with in the paddock. Factor in that they have won the last 3 championships in a row and you will begin to see why Mark Webber’s vacant seat is one of desire. So just who will be replacing him for 2014?

Kimi Raikkonen? Fernando Alonso? Nope… The seat on the opposite side of the garage to Vettel belongs to Torro Rosso driver Daniel Ricciardo who graduates from the junior team, and quite rightly so. I have personally seen this chap race at Silverstone in Formula Renault and out on track in a competitive car he is very impressive. The question is how will he cope with the pressure of not only being in a top team, but also having Sebastian Vettel as a team mate?

It is said that Kimi was a strong candidate but his chances of a Red Bull drive were eroded away by his ultra-high salary expectations.