Though Audi won titles with its Quattro A1 and A2 in ’83 (Mikkola) and ’84 (Stig Blomqvist), 1985 had been a season dominated by Peugeot and its nimble 205 T16.
The S1 E2, introduced in August ’85, was the German brand’s answer to the pesky Pug.
Propelled by 550bhp, it also had aerodynamics designed to reduce lift on jumps and new aggressive ducts to direct cooling to the reworked radiator system at the rear.
However, the car had a secret weapon, as described by Motor Sport in 2016.
“With its papercut-sharp bodywork add-ons, the thuggish S1 E2 looked every inch the iron fist inside an iron glove, and with good reason.
“Now equipped with a 2110cc five-cylinder unit, the big news was a KKK turbocharger that featured a recirculating air system.
S1 E2’s best attribute is under the bonnet
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“This kept the impeller blades spinning at a high rpm with a corresponding decrease in throttle lag.
“This steroidal monster produced up to 590bhp depending on boost, Audi also experimenting with ‘PDK’ transmissions, fore-runners to modern-day dual-clutch arrangements.”
Mikkola’s RAC reliability issue was a familiar theme, and the car would never reach its full potential in the WRC after Audi withdrew from the sport in March 1986, following the 1986 Portuguese Rally disaster – Joaquim Santos, driving a Ford RS200, ploughed into the crowd, killing three spectators.
When the charismatic Henri Toivonen was killed after crashing his Lancia Delta S4 into a ravine, the FIA called time on Group B.
It was an era of blinding speed and huge risks – but one that’ll never be forgotten.
The Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2, chassis RE10, will go up for sale at Bonhams’ Quail 2025 auction. More information can be found here.