The Quattro's supporting cast consists of fully independent coil-spring struts at all four corners. The front structure is a pure MacPherson strut design, with a lower control arm. A 24mm stabilizer bar is present to restrain steering roll. The Quattro uses these same basic struts, rotated 180, as its rear suspension. This marks the first time a car has used the same front and rear suspension components. The struts attach directly to the unibody at the top and bolt to a separate U-shaped subframe below. The subframe is, in turn, mounted to the car using rubber isolators. A 16mm antiroll bar completes the package.
Primary directional control is provided by rack-and-pinion steering. This is boosted by a pump and accumulator pairing that also supplements the squeeze of the car's 4-wheel disc brakes. Vital links with terra firma are capably maintained by a set of P205/60HR 15 Goodyear NCT steel radials mounted on 15x6-in. Ronal cast alloy rims. Both components also appear on the 5000 Turbo.
Inside the Quattro, one finds a functional, comfortable command center, replete with many familiar Audi accoutrements. Dash is the basic 4000/Coupe fare, complete with finger-close rocker switches to operate the lighting and ventilation fan. A thick-rimmed 4-spoke steering wheel is culled from the 5000T sedan. The centrally located speedometer and tachometer flank the boost and gas gauges in the car. Audi conducted tests showing that in seven out of 10 cases, people failed to look at conventional warning gauges in time to prevent terminal engine problems from setting in. The Audi researchers also found that in nine out of 10 instances, test subjects did react to a flashing dash beacon. So from here on, Audi plans to say it with lights whenever possible.
The Quattro retains Audi's standard twin-stalk controls on the steering column. The left activates the beams, directionals, and cruise control, while the right handles the front/rear washer/wiper functions. Four dash vents promote a free flow of air throughout the passenger compartment. The differential locking lever is located in the center of the lower dash, in an area that normally houses an auxiliary gauge panel. The seats--leather covered in this instance--are standard Audi sport fare, offering good comfort and support for the long haul, the short haul, and the unabashed thrash. Rear-seat passengers enjoy unparalleled head and leg room in the Quattro-- not to mention 3-point seatbelts.
While mere straight-line exercises are hardly its forte, the Quattro possesses formidable street skills. A quarter-mile clocking of 16.08 secs at 85.10 mph (under adverse traction conditions) is nothing to be scoffed at. In less strenuous flogging, the Quattro was happy to demonstrate its grand touring potential in both manual and cruise modes. In 5th gear, the double nickel is attained at a leisurely 2250 rpm. On one 300-mile cruise over secondary roads and minor freeways, we recorded a 27.2-mpg average, despite a modestly illegal rate of travel.. Under somewhat more enthusiastic use, we eroded this to a 22.7-mpg reading. Given the Quattro's cavernous 23.8-gal fuel tank, the question of mileage in general takes on a slightly less pressing status.
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