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  May 17, 2011 9:26 a.m. abcarman New Reader

  When I think of an Icon of an era I think it's important to look at criteria such as
  1) in hindsight did car really matter,
  2) is it a decent performer that's fun to drive,
  3) Is it rare enough that you usually have the only one at the show,
  

  A car that you forgot that I believe meets all these criteria is the Audi Ur quattro. Only 664 were sold in the US - so it easily meets the rare criteria. With it's turocharged 5 cylinder engine and all wheel drive it can safely keep up with most cars on your lists on a twisty road.
  

  Lastly, it is a car that was a game changer. After the Ur quattro the only cars to win World Rally Championships have been all wheel drive (AWD). And you do remember that Quattro was "outlawed" from IMSA racing because it gave Audi an "unfair advantage"
  

  Is it a car that mattered? The impact of AWD and turbocharging on the luxury/sports car segment 30 years later has been substantial with 30 percent of cars sold in this segment having AWD. It's impact on rally and hill climb cars even larger.

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  May 17, 2011 10:52 a.m. Tom Heath Web Manager

  The Quattros certainly seem to fit the criteria. Their impact on the Rally world can't be overstated.

  It's a shame that Audi got so quiet in North America over the years following; the next generation of enthusiasts typically associate turbocharged, all-wheel drive performance with brands like Subaru and Mitsubishi before Audi.

  I tried drag racing, but kept blowing the apex for turn 2...

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  June 3, 2011 9:29 a.m. Rupert New Reader

  Tom,

  I agree! However I have to give AUDI a break here. They took a huge hit on the "unintended acceleration" thing about that time.
  

  GM dropped the Corvair after Nader slimed it. At least AUDI persevered even though most of their problems had to do with drivers breaking gas pedals by pushing them so hard instead of using the brake. We North American drivers either have very wide feet or very thick heads!

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