As with the car of 30 years ago, Audi tells us that the latest Sport quattro concept was “designed in the spirit of motorsport”. It still gives more than a hint of the 1980s in its styling, however: note the angular, flat C-pillars, the ‘blisters’ above the wings, and the rectangular double headlights, though these latter now feature the marque’s “ground-breaking” Matrix LED technology.

Boasting 800Nm of torque, the 560PS twin-turbo V8 (with cylinder-on-demand technology) plus 110kW electric motor dispatches the 0-62mph sprint in 3.7 seconds, yet the concept claims to emit just 59g/km of CO2. Performance is helped by (of course) permanent all-wheel drive, while Audi’s generous use of aluminium and CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer) keeps the weight impressively low. Including the battery pack – always a hefty item – the kerb weight is a mere 1850kg.

The concept can be seen in all its futuristic retro glory at the Frankfurt Motor Show, 12-22 September 2013, prior to – it is hoped – a small production run.

Photos: Audi