1990 Audi Ur Quattro 20 valve (RR)

1990 Audi Ur‑Quattro 20V (RR)

Pictured above: This ’90 UrQ 20V “RR” Photographed for European Car Magazine circa 2004.

Back Story

In 2000, 2Bennett Audimotive was contacted by an individual who had recently been involved in importing this particular Audi Quattro from Europe to Florida. The owner decided to sell the vehicle, and we notified one of our long-standing clients—an esteemed Quattro collector—of the opportunity. Recognizing the car’s rarity and provenance, the collector acquired it and has retained ownership since. Comprehensive 2Bennett service records have been maintained and are on file, documenting the vehicle’s care and maintenance history from the time of acquisition to the present. This detailed service documentation provides valuable insight into the car’s condition and the meticulous attention it has received under expert stewardship.

VIN: WAUZZZ85ZLA000315 – Clean Montana Title
Odometer: 68,355 KM = 42,474 Miles

What makes the 20V Model so special

In July 1989, Audi replaced the 10-valve MB engine with the new 20-valve RR unit, marking the final and most advanced evolution of the legendary Ur-Quattro. The change was prompted by stricter emission standards across the Audi lineup, which led to the discontinuation of 10-valve engines. The 2.2-liter, 20-valve cross-flow inline-five featured Bosch Motronic engine management, dual catalytic converters, and a raised compression ratio of 9.3:1, producing 220 bhp. Unlike earlier proprietary Hitachi systems, the Bosch Motronic was an industry-standard component, making tuning, diagnostics, and modification far more accessible. Furthermore, the 20V Ur Quattro was never sold in the U.S. market, adding another layer of allure and desirability to this special car.

Performance from the RR engine was markedly improved. Torque peaked at 309 Nm (228 lb-ft) at just 1,950 rpm, giving the car exceptional low-end response and making it the most tractable and flexible of all Ur-Quattros. The 0–100 km/h time dropped to 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 230 km/h. To handle the increased performance, Audi fitted ventilated rear brake discs in compliance with German TüV regulations. Fuel efficiency and emissions also improved slightly compared to earlier versions.

Inside, the 20V Quattro received several distinctive touches, including “quattro” Jacquard-woven seat fabric, a new three-spoke steering wheel (which divided opinion), and upgraded carpeting shared with the flagship Audi V8. Many previously optional features had by this stage become standard, resulting in a wiring diagram that extended to an impressive 21 pages even before additional options were added.

Combining the timeless Ur-Quattro styling with refined drivability and the ultimate 20-valve powerplant, the RR is widely regarded as the best and most desirable of all Ur-Quattro variants. With only around 1,000 built worldwide—roughly 295 of them right-hand drive for the UK—the RR remains one of the rarest and most collectible Audis ever produced, a fitting finale to the car that defined Audi’s performance legacy.

In short, the 1990 Ur-Quattro 20V is a potent, collectible piece of AWD performance history. With its turbo 5-cyl 20-valve motor, classic body style, and Quattro drivetrain with Torsen, this car offers a unique driving experience and thoroughbred heritage.

Key Specifications & Technical Details

Engine: Inline 5-cylinder, turbocharged, with 4 valves per cylinder (thus 20 valves total).
Displacement: ~2,226 cc (2.2 litres) – bore 81.0 mm, stroke 86.4 mm.
Compression ratio: ~9.3 : 1.
Power output: ~217 bhp (≈ 220 PS) in many markets; torque around ~228 lb-ft (≈ 309 Nm) at low rpm (≈1,950 rpm) in some specs.
Performance: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) ~5.9 sec Top speed about ~242 km/h (≈150 mph).
Drivetrain: Permanent all-wheel drive (“quattro” system) with a torque-sensing (Torsen) centre differential on later models of this generation.
Body: Coupé, 3-door.
Additional noteworthy points: The 20-valve engine was introduced in mid/late 1989 as an evolution of earlier 10-valve versions, in part to meet emission regulations.