Audi Sport quattro S1 Pikes Peak '87

aspiration

TC (Turbocharger)

Group

Gr.B

Displacement

2,110 cc

DriveTrain

4WD

Height

1,344 mm

Length

4,240 mm

Weight

1,000 kg

Width

1,860 mm

Max Power

588 BHP / 8,000 rpm

Max Torque

60.1 kgfm / 5,500 rpm

Performance Point

PP 678.85

Manufacturer

Audi

Audi Sport Quattro S1 Pikes Peak '87: The Rally Legend's Ascent to Glory

The Audi Sport Quattro S1 Pikes Peak '87 stands as one of motorsport's most iconic rally cars, earning its place in history through thrilling performances and record-breaking ascents up the legendary Pikes Peak Hill Climb. Derived from the Group B rally era, the S1 was Audi's ultimate answer to the extreme competition of the mid-1980s. Boasting a heavily boosted turbocharged 2.1-liter inline-five engine, permanent quattro all-wheel drive, and aggressive aerodynamic enhancements, the S1 was already a formidable force in the World Rally Championship. However, the Pikes Peak iteration took things even further, pushing technology and driver bravery to new limits.

The 1987 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb became a stage for rally legend Walter Röhrl to demonstrate the S1's technological superiority. Röhrl piloted the car up the treacherous 12.42-mile course, which climbs from 9,390 to 14,115 feet, facing ever-thinner air and perilous drops. The S1's 600+ horsepower and enormous downforce enabled Röhrl to become the first driver to break the 11-minute barrier, cementing both his and the Audi Sport Quattro S1's names in Pikes Peak lore. The combination of raw power, nimble handling, and cutting-edge engineering allowed Audi to dominate the event, inspiring generations of motorsport fans and engineers.

Beyond its illustrious racing achievements, the Audi Sport Quattro S1 Pikes Peak holds a place of reverence among car enthusiasts and collectors. Its distinctive jutting wings, explosive acceleration, and the unmistakable bark of its five-cylinder engine have made it a cult favorite. While only a handful of actual Pikes Peak S1s were built, their legacy is celebrated both on race tracks and in virtual driving simulators, where new generations can experience the thrill of climbing America's Mountain. The S1 Pikes Peak serves as a testament to Audi's relentless pursuit of performance and innovation, embodying the spirit of rallying and the audacity required to tame one of the world's most challenging races.