Description
The Audi Quattro series was introduced in 1980 as a high-performance, all-wheel-drive coupe. By 1987, Audi had developed the long wheelbase version, primarily to accommodate the growing demand for luxury and performance combined. The 1987 Audi Quattro Coupe LWB represents a blend of these aspects, integrating the Quattro’s rally-proven all-wheel-drive system with a more spacious and luxurious cabin.
Design and Features
- Exterior Design: The 1987 Audi Quattro Coupe LWB retained the classic, boxy design characteristic of Audi models from the era. It featured a longer wheelbase than the standard Quattro, providing additional interior space.
- Interior: The LWB version offered more legroom for rear passengers, enhancing comfort. The interior was well-appointed, featuring high-quality materials, advanced electronics for the time, and a range of luxury options.
Mechanical Specifications
- Engine: The 1987 Audi Quattro Coupe LWB was equipped with a turbocharged 2.2-liter inline-five engine. This engine was renowned for its performance and durability, producing around 200 horsepower.
- Transmission: It came with a 5-speed manual transmission, which was standard for performance cars of the era.
- All-Wheel Drive: The hallmark of the Quattro was its permanent all-wheel-drive system, which provided exceptional traction and handling, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Performance and Handling
The 1987 Audi Quattro Coupe LWB offered impressive performance for its time. The combination of a powerful turbocharged engine and Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system made it a capable performer on both road and track. The longer wheelbase also contributed to improved stability at high speeds.
Motorsport Success
The Audi Quattro’s all-wheel-drive system revolutionized rally racing in the early 1980s, and the LWB version benefited from this technological heritage. While the LWB model itself was not a rally car, it shared much of the same DNA that made the Quattro a dominant force in motorsport. Audi’s rally successes included multiple World Rally Championship titles, cementing the Quattro’s reputation for performance and reliability.
Market Reception and Legacy
The 1987 Audi Quattro Coupe LWB was well-received by enthusiasts and critics alike for its blend of luxury, performance, and advanced technology. It helped to solidify Audi’s reputation as a manufacturer of innovative, high-performance vehicles. The Quattro name has since become synonymous with Audi’s all-wheel-drive technology, which continues to be a key selling point for the brand.
The 1987 Audi Quattro Coupe Long Wheel Base is an important model in Audi’s history, representing a successful fusion of luxury and performance. Its advanced all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged engine were ahead of their time, contributing to the car’s enduring legacy. Today, the Quattro Coupe LWB is remembered as a classic example of Audi’s engineering prowess and a precursor to many of the brand’s modern high-performance vehicles.
