Why is it called Audi Quattro?
4 Answers
Audi "Quattro" actually refers to the Chinese pronunciation of the English word "quattro" for Audi's four-wheel drive system. Here are the details: 1. Introduction: The Audi quattro system is a very famous automotive four-wheel drive system, whose reputation even surpasses BMW's X-DRIVE and Mercedes-Benz's 4MATIC. Audi began developing the quattro system in 1977, and in 1980, the Audi A2 race car equipped with quattro competed in the WRC, achieving seven stage victories and the team championship, which is why the quattro system became world-famous. 2. Advantages of Audi quattro: The Audi quattro system uses a purely mechanical full-time four-wheel drive structure. Compared to other four-wheel drive systems with electronic controls, quattro excels in stability, reliability, and safety. Additionally, the Torsen differential it employs is far superior in both strength and performance compared to the commonly used multi-plate clutches. Audi quattro is a four-wheel drive system focused on road performance, and models equipped with quattro outperform front-wheel and rear-wheel drive models in the same class.
I'm super into Audi's history, especially why the Quattro system is called 'Kuā Chuō'. The name comes from the Italian word for 'four', representing four-wheel-drive technology. When Audi launched this system in 1980, they drew inspiration from Volkswagen's off-road vehicle, the Iltis, and then applied it to sedans. In rally racing, it made a huge splash, helping Audi win world championships, and it's since become a brand icon. Nowadays, whenever people hear 'Quattro', they think of Audi's four-wheel-drive advantage—like how it grips the road so steadily in rain or snow, giving you super confidence while driving. Actually, it's not just about the great technology; this name also helped Audi make a big splash in the '80s auto scene, influencing the development of later four-wheel-drive cars. If you've ever driven an Audi with Quattro, you know that reliable handling feel.
I've been repairing cars for decades and often encounter Audi's Quattro system. Owners always ask why it's called 'Quattro.' Simply put, 'Quattro' means 'four' in Italian, referring to all four wheels being driven, which is far superior to traditional two-wheel drive. This system distributes power through a center differential, reducing wheel slip, especially on icy roads—it performs remarkably well. I've seen many cases where even with regular tires, the car remains incredibly stable. Its core design originates from Audi's early mechanical systems and has been continuously upgraded. With electronic assistance, daily driving becomes safer. If a fuse blows or a sensor fails, it needs immediate repair; otherwise, the four-wheel drive malfunction can be a real headache. Overall, the name reflects Audi's engineering brilliance.
My family owns an Audi A4 with Quattro, and after five years of driving, the most noticeable thing is the origin of the name 'Quattro.' It comes from the Italian word for 'four,' referring to the four-wheel-drive system. I originally chose this car because of its stability, especially during heavy rain when the wheels don't slip, giving me extra confidence in handling. The name Quattro is quite fitting—all four wheels work together to prevent spinning. Looking back at history, when Audi promoted this technology in the 1980s, they used this name to attract attention, and now it has become a classic. In daily use, it saves fuel and improves off-road capability. I recommend owners perform regular maintenance checks to ensure the four-wheel-drive system operates properly, avoiding any unexpected issues.
