A few years ago, Audi->ke14 gifted us with an RS5->ke2628-based Audi Quattro Concept that was supposed to hit production until the German automaker decided to nix the idea shortly thereafter.

Well, now it looks like Audi->ke14 is going to redeem itself, as the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show->ke235 will bring a revised Quattro Concept->ke169. The model arrives just in time to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Sport quattro. Audi launched the first "Ur-quattro" in 1980 and since then "quattro" technology became a true Audi marque, as more than five million cars with permanent all-wheel drive were sold all over the globe.

Just like with the previous Sport quattro model, the new Audi Sport quattro concept was designed in the spirit of motorsport and following the tradition of all the recently launched supercar, it is a high-performance model offering three driving modes: EV, hybrid and sport.

Updated 10/28/2013: Audi is celebrating its 100,000 likes for its German Facebook account with the unveiling of a very cool video featuring the new Sport quattro concept that was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Enjoy!

Click past the jump to read about the Audi Sport Quattro Concept.

2013 Audi Sport Quattro Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Audi Sport Quattro Concept
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 700
  • Torque: 590
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new Sport quattro Concept was designed following a tradition that began back in the 1980s. It features angular, flat C-pillars and rectangular double headlights, but as a marque of its time, they will offer the recently announced Matrix LED technology that will debut in the new Audi A8.

Up front, the concept offers the usual hexagonal Singleframe grille with a new, sculpted grille insert -- an element borrowed from motorsport. There are also two large, vertical blades dividing each of the large air inlets and a carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) splitter that is also inspired by the racing world.

On the rear, the concept features a spoiler placed on the lower edge of the rear window, a CFRP diffuser with a honeycomb-designed upper section. In true quattro styling form, the taillights feature a rectangular design and two large, oval tailpipes. For improved stability at high speeds the concept comes equipped with an expandable spoiler.

Interior

Being a concept inspired by motorsport, its interior was designed to offer the driver the best driving experience. The steering wheel, digital instrument cluster and head-up display are all placed in a manner that gives the driver easy access, while all the all ergonomic functions are encircled by a line running below the windscreen.

The concept comes equipped with racing-inspired bucket seats with folding backs, a multifunction sports steering wheel that can be used to switch between a number of virtual 3D displays. The 3D displays include either "Race" mode with central speedometer, track information and a stopwatch or "Setup" mode with detailed information about numerous race circuits.

An innovative feature offered by the concept is the air-conditioning control unit, which is integrated directly into the air vents.

Drivetrain

The new Audi Sport quattro Concept is powered by a plug-in hybrid drive that combines a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V-8 combustion engine with a a disc-shaped electric motor. The V-8 plant delivers a total of 552 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, while the electric motor adds another 147 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

The V-8 engine features a cylinder on demand (COD) system that deactivates four cylinders under light load and a start-stop system. The electric motor takes its power from a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery.

With a combined output of 700 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, the Sport quattro Concept sprints to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and up to a top speed of 189 mph.

The concept offers three different driving modes: EV, Hybrid and Sport. In EV mode, only the electric motor is active and the concept can drive a total of 31 miles. In Hybrid mode, the electric or the V-8 engine are selected depending on the driving conditions. In Sport mode, the operating strategy sets the drive system for maximum power and performance, netting the driver optimal acceleration.

When can I drive one?

Audi said nothing on when or if the Audi Sport quattro Concept will be put into production, but we have big hopes to see it out there.

Competition

BMW i8

The new Sport quattro Concept is another proof that Audi does things much better than BMW. For example, the Bavarian company will also unveil a high-performance sports car in Frankfurt, but with considerably less power than the Audi concept.

The i8 is powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that delivers 231 horsepower combined with an electric motor that adds 131 horsepower to the mix for a combined output of 362 horsepower. It's true the i8 has the advantage of being a production vehicle, but we have big hopes for the Sport quattro to also see public roadways.

Porsche 918 Spyder

If you want to see a real high-performance hybrid supercar, then the 918 Spyder is the answer. It will also be unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, and is be powered by a 4.6-liter V-8 engine that delivers 608 horsepower. The gasoline-powered engine combines with two electric motors, with one delivering 154 horsepower and another adding 127 horsepower. This combination is enough to deliver a 887 mind-blowing horsepower and to sprint the 918 Spyder up to a top speed of 211 mph.

Conclusion

If you needed more proof that Audi can do amazing things, then the Sport quattro concept is the answer for you. The only problem is that it is just a concept car and it looks like Audi fears hybrid and electric technology, with the perfect example being the axing of the R8 e-tron project. We'll see if Audi pushes forward with this technology in the near future.