1984 Audi Quattro A2
The original Audi Quattro competition car debuted in 1980, first as a development car, and then on a formal basis in the 1980 Janner Rally in Austria. Largely based on the bodyshell of the road-going Quattro models, the engine of the original competition version produced approximately 300 bhp. In 1981, Michèle Mouton became the first female driver to win a world championship rally, piloting an Audi Quattro. Over the next three years, Audi would introduce the A1 and A2 evolutions of the Quattro in response to the new Group B rules, raising power from the turbocharged engine to around 350 bhp.
The Quattro A1 debuted at the WRC 1983 season opener Monte Carlo Rally, and went on to win the Swedish Rally and the Rally Portugal in the hands of Hannu Mikkola. Driven by Stig Blomqvist, Mikkola and Walter Röhrl, the A2 evolution won a total of eight world rallies; three in 1983 and five in 1984.
The example above is a 1984 Quattro A2 originally driven by Stig Blomqvist but here captured by automotive photographer Stefan Warter with Hannu Mikkola at the wheel in Argentina. To see more work from Stefan Warter, click on the link below. Images: ©Stefan Warter.