Audi's iconic quattro AWD system reaches a milestone

Audi has just produced its five millionth quattro all-wheel-drive-equipped model - an A6 allroad. The rugged Avant is just one of over 140 variants across the Audi range currently benefiting from the signature quattro system, which made the pioneering transition from rally to road.

A current cult classic that made its maiden appearance at the 1980 Geneva Motor Show, the 197bhp Audi quattro showcased the first mainstream four-wheel drive system. It triggered the intensive development that has culminated in today's leading edge Audi all-wheel drive technology.

The advanced crown gear differential channels power to where it is needed, and away from where it isn't. Up to 70 percent of torque can be dispensed to the front axle, and up to 85 percent can be channelled to the rear.

Quattro all-wheel drive equipped cars have also monopolised motorsport with tough performances on track and tarmac. Four titles in the rally world championships, three overall victories at Pikes Peak, a championship win in the TransAm, two DTM titles, almost 20 national touring car championships.

More notably, the FIA Touring Car World Cup have been notched up by the - Vorsprung durch Technik brand - thanks to the supreme control and grip supplied by the quattro system.