AUDI practically invented four-wheel drive. Although the first production car with permanent four-wheel drive was probably the Jensen FF, that was only built in small numbers and never really caught on. However, Audi's wonderful Quattro, introduced in the early 1980s was the first practical 4WD car. And it was fast, too.
Quick to exploit its superior handling capabilities, Audi took the Quattro rallying, winning a number of world titles with legendary German driver, Walter Rhorl.
The later versions were not quite as stimulating as the original, but still sold in reasonable numbers, the S4 being a luxurious, practical saloon with the added benefits of 4WD and turbocharging.
Bringing us bang up to date, Audi has recently launched its flagship luxury model, the A8. It's a BMW-beater with permanent four-wheel drive, a hefty 4.2-litre aluminum V8 engine and a Tiptronic gearshift, and it features the world's first mass-produced aluminium body.
An impressive array of qualities, you have to agree. Audi claims its aluminium body is the lightest, stiffest available in a car of this class, while the V8 engine chucks out an impressive 300 bhp (220kW). Put the two together and the A8 is good for a 0-100 km/h time of 7.3 seconds and a governed top speed of 250 km/h. The acceleration figure puts it at the head of its class, quicker than a Lexus or BMW, while the electronically limited maximum is the same as a BMW 7401. The Tiptronic transmission is virtually the same as that used in the Porsche 911, recently featured in this column. Select 'Drive' and treat it as a full automatic; alternatively, pull the lever slightly sideways, towards you, and it becomes a clutchless, sequential gearbox.
A short movement forward of the lever for upshifts, the same backwards for down shifts. What it means in reality, is that the enthusiastic driver has far more control over the car than he would with a conventional automatic and can keep the engine 'on cam'. In addition, the transmission has an electronically controlled, dynamic shift pattern that will actually identify your driving style from nine programs stored in the system. Clever, eh? There is no traction control or electronic suspension, as there is on the BMW. But with permanent four-wheel drive the former is unnecessary, while a sophisticated rear axle set-up provides an additional steering effect, tantamount to active rear-wheel steering. The trapezoidal rear axle link is also made of aluminium for lightness.
