ABT Ur-quattro Returns: Limited Retro Revival of Audi Legend
Hans-Jürgen Abt, CEO of the ABT Group, describes the ABT Ur-quattro as “Our interpretation of a true icon”, and he proved the point when he and his team unveiled the spectacular retro version of the classic car at the “Friends of ABT” gathering in Kempten. More than 250 partners, media representatives and friends watched the surprise reveal, and the 30-car limited edition sold out within three hours.
“When I took over the tuning department at ABT from my father at the end of the 1980s, the original quattro from the showroom was my dowry, so to speak. I widened the wings and modified it with parts from the Sportquattro, such as the front grille, lights, and white magnesium rims, making it a unique car. I drove the quattro myself for two or three years, and since then it has been part of our company’s exhibition.”
“It was a real undercover project, developed together with our managing director, Thomas Biermaier and the company LCE on Lake Constance. The Ur-quattro is probably the most traditional Audi in the Volkswagen Group, and it also holds emotional significance for our company. Therefore, we considered what we could do with it. The result is our modern interpretation of a true icon.”
“The car is an absolute work of art. Starting with all the Kevlar carbon fibre parts throughout, and the invisible roll cage, through to modern technology such as anti-lock brakes and the 2.5-litre, 530-hp engine. Mine had ‘only’ 450 at the time. The chassis is original to each model, so the car is registered as a classic and can be driven with an H-plate (a special licence plate for classic cars in Germany). I’m particularly proud of the interior – a very special version of our ABT Individual programme, which is also available for other vehicles.”
“It was great, and even better than we had hoped. Our idea was that guests could order the car on the same night at a special price – a bit crazy, considering there wasn’t even a handout or a website for it. And yet, within three hours, all 25 of the cars we had originally planned for were sold out. In order not to disappoint some of our loyal customers, we even promised five more cars the next morning, after consulting with all the previous buyers.”
Reflecting on ABT Sportsline’s guiding principle, he notes: “First of all, we are delighted that this project has struck a chord with our customers – it also gives us a little more courage to pursue some other ideas we have in mind. But fundamentally, it also reflects the spirit of ABT: we want to keep reinventing ourselves and moving into the future with fresh ideas and expertise in technology and design.”
Asked where the Ur-quattro sits among his many high-performance favourites, Abt answers: “The Ur-quattro was the first car in my heart back then and has never completely disappeared from there. This retro version has rekindled my love.”
