The year was 1986.
Audi was having great success marketing its products in Germany. Audi Quattro’s were dominating the European Rally circuits, and the marketing for Audi’s Quattro drivelines, was gaining traction quickly and organically . Unfortunately U.S. sales figures were down, and Audi Corporate needed a hook to get Americans excited about their all wheel drive vehicles.
Audi put native Coloradan and motorsports legend Bobby Unser in a modified Audi 200 with 650HP+ and let him loose at Talladega Superspeedway. Bobby Unser proceeded to break track records, and push the Audi product into the hearts and minds of U.S. consumers.
Bobby Unser in the Audi 200 set the track record, completing one lap of Talladega in under 46 seconds, setting a new all wheel drive speed record of over 200MPH.
It is important to understand that while the driveline and unibody was unique to the Audi, all other changes made to this car were consistent with contemporary NASCAR regulations.
Unser was quoted as saying that: ‘the Audi Quattro all-wheel-drive technology made the car feel like “…it was superglued to the road. Even when I got over 200MPH,”.
The severely modified and turbocharged 2.2L 5 Cylinder Audi engine made in excess of 650HP.
Here you can see the omission of the side view mirrors. One of HUNDREDS of changes to the chassis to reducing drag while increasing downforce.
Though the car was actually an Audi 200, it was rebadged as an Audi 5000CS for marketing purposes. Here the 200/5000 is getting ready for a photoshoot.
The turbocharger that helped push the 2,365lb Audi to over 217MPH on the straightaways.
The Audi 2.2L engine on display.
The much advanced 5 cylinder head. Thats 3 intake valves and 2 exhaust valves for you keeping track at home.
Cool shot of the end of the intake manifold.
3ZERO3 Motorsports is proud to support all things Audi, and NASCAR. 3ZERO3 Motorsports prides itself on being the premier facility for maintenance, repair, high performance tuning, and motorsports applications in both Denver and greater Colorado. If you or your Porsche, Volksagen, or Audi need any repairs, modifications or preventative maintenance, please contact a 3ZERO3 Motorsports service or tuning advisor. 3ZERO3 Motorsports proudly sponsors and supports many VW, Audi, and Porsche racecars. If you and your vehicle need support or assistance, please contact 3ZERO3 Motorsports. If you have an Audi, Porsche, or VW and wish to drive at speeds above 200MPH anywhere in Alabama, please contact 3ZERO3 Motorsports, as we are willing to support and advise you on your endeavor.
Thanks and credit to the following websites for contributing content for our article :
-www.audihistory.com
-www.audistory.24max.de/old1/etallade.htm
-www.audistory.24max.de/old1/html/e25v.htm
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Man, I wish they would throw another one on the NASCAR track. I think we would see a lot of jaws drop. Great article, thanks for the post.
Thanks Mark !
I think there has been alot of Audi NASCAR rumors of late !
You never know !
Max, finding this from the archives. I must say, as a young man growing up in Indiana, and watching circle track racing every Saturday night. I would never have dreamed it up. Yet again, we discover how spectacular of a company Audi truly is. This is fuel for the fire. Anyone interested in sponsoring a V8 tube frame Audi to run at Colorado National Speedway next year? It should only cost 350,000 dollars!
Hey Trever, when can I get one of those 25 valve cylinder heads on my 200?
Mike……
See above comment/price quote: 350,000.00 for a car. The engine , or drivetrain cost on an Audi is typically 10% of over-all car cost. So, mike that is at least 35,000.00. And I am not even sure that is possible,,,,,,,,, But, I am happy to take your money, and work at it.
man i have 80,000 saved up in my bank account where can i get one those heads and transmissions