In 2010, Audi rolled out a new Quattro concept car to mark 30 years since the launch of the original Quattro, the Ur-Quattro, back in 1980. Talk of a production version quickly followed, but even now, three years down the track, we’re still no closer to the launch of a modern-day Quattro sports car.

That hasn’t stopped rumors of a modern-day version of another Audi legend, the Sport Quattro, from making the rounds, however.  Launched in 1984, the Sport Quattro was based on the original Quattro but came with a shortened wheelbase and was developed primarily for Group B rallying. A run of 200 road-going versions (pictured below) were built for homologation purposes and today a decent example can easily fetch six-figure sums at auction.

Previously, we heard that a new Sport Quattro would launch in 2015, helping to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Ur-Quattro. However, latest reports indicate that a concept of the new Sport Quattro will debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show in September and may launch in production trim as early as 2014, coinciding with the 30th anniversary the original Sport Quattro.

The information was first reported by Autoweek, citing insider sources.

Unlike the original, which came with a five-cylinder engine, the new Sport Quattro is believed to be receiving a 600-horsepower version of Audi’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine. The engine would reportedly sit in a shortened version the Audi A5’s chassis and send power to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Such a car would be matched in performance by only the range-topping R8 V10 Plus in Audi’s lineup. Initial performance estimates are a 0-60 mph time in less than 4.0 seconds and a top speed of close to 186 mph.

Stay tuned for an update.

1984 Audi Sport Quattro

1984 Audi Sport Quattro

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