Winter Wonderland

Now normally sports cars and snow do not mix but since the early 80s Audi has changed the game. Using their legendary all-wheel drive (AWD) system, Quattro, they have now made it possible to enjoy a sports car in less than desirable weather. When most enthusiasts think of the ideal sports car, rear-wheel drive certainly is the preferred drivertrain. Now being completely realistic, most of us do not live in a climate where the sun is shining all year round with minimal rain, let alone snow; so rear wheel power may be out of the question. Since front-wheel drive really isn't all that much better in adverse weather, and performance usually suffers from it, you only have one other option, AWD.

BMW, Porsche, VW, and Mercedes-Benz have all come out with competing AWD systems to compete with Audi but none have been comparable competition. Audi's Quattro combines traction-control and stability with outstanding performance. Audi's AWD system has been so successful because it has been put through the paces seeing that it was originally used in the Audi Quattro. The Audi Quattro was Audi's first generation rally car which made its name by winning numerous championships since its debut in the mid 80s. They incorporated the same system found in their rally cars into nearly all of their production models. Today, Quattro can be found in all of Audi's models ranging from the A3 the the R8 supercar.

Nearly all of the new Audi models come standard with front-wheel drive and the Quattro is an available option. The exception is found in all of the RS models and of course the R8. AWD truly is a fantastic innovation for all purpose use, however, this isn't to say that it is a good idea to take your car out in a few inches of snow or heavy rain and speed around like a maniac. The Quattro does a exceptionally good job at keeping cars from sliding off of the track when its dry but should be used with just as much caution as a four-wheel-drive SUV in inclimate weather. So if you ever find yourself in a winter wonderland and want a high performing "sleigh," Audi Quattro is your best bet!